Former Navy diver secures deal to teach paid surf lessons on Newport Beach

A former Navy combat diver named Jason Murchison filed a lawsuit against Newport Beach in early 2025, contesting a 2012 ordinance that prohibited paid surf and paddle-board lessons on most city beaches without a city contract. He argued the city had repeatedly rejected his contract bids in 2015 and 2016, favoring other operators and violating his constitutional rights. After being fined nearly $19,000 in 2024 for alleged violations, Murchison pursued legal action instead of paying.

The parties reached a new settlement that allows his firm, Learn to Surf, to provide paid lessons under a five-year agreement identical to those of the three existing city-approved surf schools. His lawyer, Caleb Trotter of the Pacific Legal Foundation, said the outcome affirms entrepreneurs’ right to compete without municipal monopolies. Murchison’s background includes training with Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL class 287, service as a combat diver, and a part-time law degree while running his surf-instruction business.