Surf Happens
Surf Happens
4.9
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Surf Happens is Santa Barbara’s premier surf school, this is our profession and our passion. We are a community based business dedicated to sharing the spirit of Aloha and the life style of surfing with people of all ages and abilities. Founded in the local waters of Santa Barbara, California in 2000, we are a complete full service surfing school offering year round private and group lessons, surfing camps for kids and adults, after school program, our womens program Surf Happens Sisters, beginning to advanced coaching, and community surfing competitions including the annual Rincon Classic.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.9
27 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jenn B
Los Angeles, CA11 contributions
Sep 2020
On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, we had the most amazing experience at Surf Happens. The owner came out to instruct our lesson personally, and not only was he SO engaging with my kids, but also allowed our two other friend's kids to join free or charge, even though they hadn’t signed up.
During the lesson, the instructors were so attentive and fun, it left such a wonderful impression on me and my girls! In fact, my youngest daughter was afraid to try surfing again after a previous bad experience, but the owner was such a natural with kids, and was able to connect with and encourage her, so she decided to give it another try at his urging, and ended up having a great time!
It was truly such a great experience, and we can’t wait to go back again!
During the lesson, the instructors were so attentive and fun, it left such a wonderful impression on me and my girls! In fact, my youngest daughter was afraid to try surfing again after a previous bad experience, but the owner was such a natural with kids, and was able to connect with and encourage her, so she decided to give it another try at his urging, and ended up having a great time!
It was truly such a great experience, and we can’t wait to go back again!
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Incredible surf school, and by far the best in the area! As an intermediate surfer with experience surfing all over the world, lessons with Surf Happens have been the single most effective way that I've improved. They have literally saved me years.
The instructors are expert and attentive, providing very specific and tailored instructions on how to progress. Whereas many schools take a cookie cutter approach, Surf Happens is far more sophisticated, tailoring the instruction to the individual. I couldn't be happier!
The kids programs they run are amazing. I know a number of families who enroll their children in the surf camps, and every one of them has only positive things to say. The kids learn, build relationships, gain confidence, and have a blast!
The instructors are expert and attentive, providing very specific and tailored instructions on how to progress. Whereas many schools take a cookie cutter approach, Surf Happens is far more sophisticated, tailoring the instruction to the individual. I couldn't be happier!
The kids programs they run are amazing. I know a number of families who enroll their children in the surf camps, and every one of them has only positive things to say. The kids learn, build relationships, gain confidence, and have a blast!
Written November 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyle S
2 contributions
May 2022 • Business
The team at Surf Happens is exactly who you want to learn from and spend time with on your next surf adventure. They Rock! They listen, taught us how to surf, and are fun to hang with. Our company worked with Surf Happens for our annual party celebration in Carpinteria and we could not have been happier. Thank you!
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lucero n
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
I appreciate the instructor's friendly demeanor and informative approach, which helped my daughter get up on the board a few times. However, there was a slight concern regarding the session structure. Although I booked a 2-hour lesson, the instructor spent the entire first hour on explanations, entering the water only during the second hour. As a family from LA on a budget, we value cost-effective activities, especially considering our reliance on community-based free lesson programs. Unfortunately, having only one of the two paid hours actively in the water made the overall experience less satisfying, considering the financial commitment.
Written January 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nealp19078
Lincoln Park, NJ233 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Reed was my instructor, and he was extremely patient with my performance. I enrolled in lessons twice in 2-years & I am no expert; yet, understood som of the basic surfing principles. Reed reviewed safety issues and the mechanics of surfing before we began in the Pacific Ocean. If you want to learn a new skill, be patient, and have fun- this is the place for you. I highly recommend this for newcomers!
Written August 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark S
Birmingham, AL4 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
My wife went out to California for a vacation, and I decided to try surfing in Santa Barbara. Our instructor, Reed, had us riding waves into the shore in no time! Great experience, great teacher, and satisfied customers! I would highly recommend if you are looking for some adventure. The wet suits kept us warm in late October.
Written November 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruno
Chicago, IL23 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Great experience! Nick is a very professional instructor and a great guy, was very patience with me as first timer. I did 5 days in a row, good price for 2 hours of private one on one lesson. Highly recommend🏄
Written January 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMcC
New York City, NY1 contribution
Oct 2020
Just spent three months surfing with this crew and they are the best! Chris runs a first class operation and they are amazing with kids and adults. Highly recommended; without reservation. Can't wait to get back!
Written January 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L. MacGregor
13 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
I've always wanted to learn how to surf. My instructor Jack was an incredible teacher. He was extremely patient and had such a positive attitude. He answers any questions I had and was super funny. Thank you for this life-changing experience. Afterwards they let us use their cute outdoor shower and had a great conversation with one of their kind owners. She was very sweet and was very knowledgeable about tips for living a more ecofriendly life. Thank you Surf Happens for giving me this opportunity!
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
havefun604
Santa Barbara, CA4 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
Surf happens is the very best camp anywhere, ever! The best instructors and the most enthusiastic coaches! Fun and safe and just plain cool. Kris Keet the founder, has created and poured his soul into this really special place for kids to develop a love of the ocean and surfing. This is my sons 4th year and my daughter's first and it is only getting better. That said not only was it fun, but both my kids can catch and ride waves on their own!
Written June 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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