Navy veteran Jason Murchison, owner of Learn to Surf, has officially defeated the city of Newport Beach in court after a lengthy legal battle over commercial access to local beaches, and the right to operate a surf school in the Orange County beach town.
The dispute arose after municipal officials arbitrarily capped the number of licensed surf schools allowed to operate in Newport Beach at just three, effectively barring Murchison from running his business despite meeting all city safety and operational standards.
Represented pro bono by the Pacific Legal Foundation, Murchison challenged the city’s anti-competitive mandate in court. The legal effort paid off when the court ruled in favor of the veteran entrepreneur, striking down the city’s ungrounded restrictions.
Related: Surf School Owner Files Lawsuit Against Newport Beach In Federal Court
“Newport Beach decided three surf schools was enough — but it never had any basis for that conclusion,” said Caleb Trotter, a senior attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation, who represented Murchison pro bono in his case. “The government doesn’t get to cap competition just because it feels like it. Every entrepreneur deserves the freedom to build a business without the City deciding the market is full.”
Following his legal victory, Murchison’s school, Learn to Surf, will now operate under an official five-year agreement with Newport Beach—granting him the exact same operational terms and privileges as the three previously established surf schools.
The ruling marks a major triumph not just for economic liberty, but for the diverse local community that Murchison has dedicated years to serving. As detailed in the court case:
“Jason and his expert instructors have served thousands of people of all skill levels, although most of his clientele are beginners. Four-year-old kids, wounded military veterans, and people in substance abuse recovery are among those who caught their first wave under his tutelage.”
With the legal hurdle finally cleared, this Navy veteran can continue helping a wide range of students discover the healing, transformative power of surfing.
For more, check out Learn to Surf.
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