Former Navy Diver Wins Right to Teach Surfing in Newport Beach

A former Navy diver has successfully secured the ability to teach surfing professionally, following a complicated legal dispute with Newport Beach.

Jason Murchison filed a lawsuit against the city after they enforced a 2012 ordinance that prohibits paid surfing and paddleboarding lessons on its beaches without a contractual agreement with the city. This legal battle started when the city claimed it had enough instructors and rejected Murchison’s applications in 2015 and 2016, providing little explanation beyond that.

The lawsuit highlighted how Murchison intended to donate a significant portion of earnings back to the city, yet his requests were denied repeatedly. He argued that this was a breach of his constitutional rights, accusing the city of creating a monopoly over surfing instruction by favoring other local businesses.

On Wednesday, Murchison reached a settlement with Newport Beach, allowing him to conduct paid surfing lessons. “The government can’t restrict competition just because it feels the market is saturated. Every entrepreneur should have the opportunity to start a business,” stated Murchison’s attorney, Caleb Trotter from the Pacific Legal Foundation.

Murchison’s love for surfing originated over 30 years ago when he was just a child in Orange County. Surfing became a relaxing refuge from more competitive sports. His skills developed further while attending the University of Hawaii, where he surfed in between classes.

After serving as a combat diver in the Navy, Murchison began attending law school at night while simultaneously starting a surfing instruction business to help with his expenses. What began as a few students grew into “Learn to Surf,” which he transitioned to a full-time venture upon graduating in 2016. His company employed eight instructors and provided year-round lessons throughout Orange County, but city regulations hindered his expansion into Newport Beach.

In 2016, Murchison faced legal trouble, being arrested on two misdemeanor charges related to his instruction activities. That same year, Newport Beach also enforced a restraining order against him for allegedly giving lessons at a city beach. Although the city settled the case, it required Murchison to pay approximately $19,000 in fines in July 2024. Rather than paying these fines, he decided to take legal action against the city.

Eventually, a settlement was reached that allows Murchison’s business to offer paid lessons on the city’s beaches under a five-year agreement. This provides him with the same rights and conditions granted to the other certified surfing schools in Newport Beach.

Additionally, Helina Beck, another surfing instructor based in San Diego, is now working with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, challenging rules that monopolize surfing instruction access.