Former Navy Diver Wins Lawsuit Against OC Beach City: Report

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A former Navy diver recently won the right to make his living teaching others how to surf after a legal battle with the City of Newport Beach.

Jason Murchison sued the coastal city in January 2025 over a 2012 ordinance barring paid surfing and paddleboard lessons spanning nine miles of city beaches without a city contract, according to the California Post.

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According to the lawsuit, the former Navy diver — who is in his early 40s and once trained with Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL class 287 — was rejected by city officials in his attempts to secure a contract in 2015 and 2016 with little explanation beyond saying the city already had enough surf instructors.

"Despite his willingness to hand the City a sizeable portion of the proceeds for the privilege — he has been rebuffed each time," the lawsuit said.

Murchison accused the city of violating his constitutional rights, showing preferential treatment toward specific surf instructors and effectively monopolizing surf instruction.

Murchison reached a legal settlement with Newport Beach Wednesday that will allow him to teach paid surf lessons on city beaches, Pacific Legal reported.