Welcome to the A+ Surfing Academy

I came to California chasing waves and competition. In 2009, while competing in a few events, I had the chance to mentor a young surfer from Carlsbad. That opportunity helped me extend my stay, but it also showed me how much I loved coaching. By the time my first daughter, Maria, was born, coaching had become my main job.

My experience as 

I came to California chasing waves and competition. In 2009, while competing in a few events, I had the chance to mentor a young surfer from Carlsbad. That opportunity helped me extend my stay, but it also showed me how much I loved coaching. By the time my first daughter, Maria, was born, coaching had become my main job.

My experience as a professional surfer shaped how I coach. I know what it feels like to put in the work, make decisions under pressure, and keep learning from every session. I've also worked as a WSL commentator, which gave me another perspective on how surfers read waves and approach competition.

The idea behind A+ Surf Academy is personal to me. When I was growing up, school was full time, and surfing had to fit into whatever time was left. I often wished I could give my studies my full attention without wondering whether I was missing the perfect swell. As my daughters grew up, I wanted to help them pursue both their education and their goals in surfing. That same belief is at the heart of A+.

Since that first coaching opportunity, I've worked with surfers across many levels of competition, from WSA and NSSA events to QS and Challenger Series events. Whether a surfer is building confidence or preparing for a heat, my goal is the same: give them individual guidance, a clear purpose for each session, and the tools to keep progressing. Vini Fornari

I'm Vini Fornari, a former professional surfer, WSL commentator, and the coach behind A+ Surf Academy. I started coaching in California in 2009, and what began with mentoring one young surfer became my career and my passion.

Today, I work with surfers from their first independent waves through WSA, NSSA, QS, and Challenger Series competiti

I'm Vini Fornari, a former professional surfer, WSL commentator, and the coach behind A+ Surf Academy. I started coaching in California in 2009, and what began with mentoring one young surfer became my career and my passion.

Today, I work with surfers from their first independent waves through WSA, NSSA, QS, and Challenger Series competition. I keep my groups small so I can get to know each surfer, give them individual feedback, and help them make progress they can feel in the water.