Founder Scott Hamrick
Hang Zen Surf + Sea was founded in Encinitas in 2005 by lifelong waterman Scott Hamrick. The school was one of the first three permitted surf schools in North County San Diego, helping set the standard for safe, professional surf instruction along the coast.
Scott, a La Jolla native, has decades of experience in Southern California surf and offshore conditions. A former competitive surfer, seasoned fishing captain, and licensed 100-Ton Master Captain, he has spent years navigating local waters and chasing fish up and down the coast.
His knowledge of tides, weather patterns, and seasonal movement runs deep. Known for his authentic stoke and ability to read the water, Scott adapts each session to the day’s conditions and the group on board.
EMT certified and safety-focused, he brings professionalism, confidence, and respect for the ocean to every charter and lesson. Off the clock, he’s usually still in the water — with family, chasing swell or following the bite.
Our Instructors
Our instructors and captains are seasoned locals who love what they do. Whether you’re a first-time surfer, a seasoned rider, or a curious angler, Hang Zen has the experience and energy to meet you where you are and take you further.
Meet the Crew
Hunter
Hunter
Hunter
“I love teaching surf lessons because I get to help people push past fear and experience something new. Seeing someone stand up on their first wave and feel that confidence is the best part. It’s rewarding to share something I’m passionate about and help others grow through it. Surfing requires constant learning and adapting to changing c
“I love teaching surf lessons because I get to help people push past fear and experience something new. Seeing someone stand up on their first wave and feel that confidence is the best part. It’s rewarding to share something I’m passionate about and help others grow through it. Surfing requires constant learning and adapting to changing conditions, which keeps me mentally engaged and challenged. Being in the ocean keeps me present and has taught me patience, resilience, and respect for both the environment and the process of growth.”
Zion
Hunter
Hunter
“Hello, my name is Coach Zion. I can’t wait to catch some sick waves and get you shredding in no time. The only things I ask are that you try your best, keep a positive attitude, and most importantly have fun. Surfing is all about enjoying the ocean and pushing yourself to learn something new.”
Garrett
Hunter
Garrett
“I love surfing because it helps me stay present in the moment and clear my mind of stress. The highs and lows of swells resemble the unpredictability of life, which keeps me humble and adaptable both on land and at sea. Surfing keeps me conscious of my health, pushing me to stay flexible, strong, and connected to the ocean. When I’m in t
“I love surfing because it helps me stay present in the moment and clear my mind of stress. The highs and lows of swells resemble the unpredictability of life, which keeps me humble and adaptable both on land and at sea. Surfing keeps me conscious of my health, pushing me to stay flexible, strong, and connected to the ocean. When I’m in the water I feel connected to the universe — waves are like a gift from our creator. Teaching surf lessons is amazing to me because I get to share that joy and see someone stand up for the first time and experience the stoke of surfing for themselves.”
Nate
Nate
Garrett
“Surfing has always given me a sense of freedom that’s hard to find anywhere else. Time in the ocean has a way of clearing your head and reminding you what really matters. I help with surf lessons and run the jet ski for step-offs and safety when we’re working the lineup. I enjoy helping people feel comfortable in the water and watching t
“Surfing has always given me a sense of freedom that’s hard to find anywhere else. Time in the ocean has a way of clearing your head and reminding you what really matters. I help with surf lessons and run the jet ski for step-offs and safety when we’re working the lineup. I enjoy helping people feel comfortable in the water and watching them catch waves they didn’t think they could. For me it’s really about sharing the stoke and making sure everyone leaves the ocean with a smile.”
Megan
Nate
Megan
“I love surfing because it allows me to connect not only with nature, but also with myself. When I’m on a wave everything else seems to pause, and the ocean always has a way of lifting away any stress or anxiety. Surfing has been almost like therapy for me—it uplifts me spiritually, mentally, and physically. Teaching lessons is meaningful
“I love surfing because it allows me to connect not only with nature, but also with myself. When I’m on a wave everything else seems to pause, and the ocean always has a way of lifting away any stress or anxiety. Surfing has been almost like therapy for me—it uplifts me spiritually, mentally, and physically. Teaching lessons is meaningful because I get to share that same stoke and watch someone who was once scared of the ocean stand up on their first wave with a huge smile. Helping people discover the beauty of the ocean and the healthy, happy lifestyle that comes with surfing is what makes being a surf instructor so special to me.”