JP McClelland has spent his entire 41 years either in or around the ocean. He has over 30 years surfing experience and his love for the sport has taken him to some of the most amazing surf locales in the world. His lifelong love and respect of the ocean has made him a natural teacher and nothing makes him happier than sharing his “surf stoke” with others. In addition to surfing, JP has also spent the past 20 years working as a commercial diver.

JP has five kids of his own, all who surf. The youngest rode his first wave with his Dad at 6 months old! JP also spent seven years as a Ventura County Lifeguard. During the off season, he recognized a need for year round support which led him to creating a volunteer guarding team, “The Lifeguardian Angels.” JP is also the founder of the Oxnard Waveriders Surf Club and has placed in various amateur and coalition club contests.

JP believes that every surfer is different and they all have their own styles and philosophies about surfing. JP emphasizes that being a surfer is not about who catches the biggest wave or has the best equipment, it is about who has the most fun. This lighthearted attitude is what makes JP stand out from other surf instructors and was a key factor in being named The Best Surf Instructor in the Ventura County Reporter’s annual readers poll two years in a row.

JP’s goal as an instructor is to implement all his years of surf experience, add in a bit of humor and surf stories, throw in some common ocean sense and courtesy and wrap it up in a fun and friendly environment. JP loves nothing more than to put a person on a board and watch them as they progress through a few nervous laughs and some struggles, to surprising themselves as they begin to thoroughly enjoy themselves and share in his own personal joy of “surf stoke.”

James Bing has spent the past four years working with JP McClelland as an Instructors Assistant. James brings to Soul Surfing with JP his excitement and passion for surfing as well as a natural gift for working with people. James is a water polo player and aspiring lifeguard with over ten years surfing experience. James is a member of the Oxnard Waveriders Surf Club and is currently enrolled in Ventura College. He looks forward to teaching people the joys of surfing while having fun in the process.

Contact us to make a reservation or for more information.
Phone: (805) 217-5409