Surf Happens
Surf Happens
5
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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
23 reviews
Excellent
23
Very good
0
Average
0
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.
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
14 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, CA5 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.
lauran805642
Santa Barbara, CA2 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
This year marks the 4th year straight we've sent our kids to Surf Happens. The first year our son wasn't even 4 years old yet and I have to say I was extremely nervous to have him at the beach all day with someone other than us. All my fears went away after the first day. They are very strict about their child to instructor ratio and do a great job of putting kids in groups according to their abilities. All this and learning about conservation, caring for our oceans and beaches and really learning to surf. It's the kids favorite camp each year and when we've had family from out of state visit their kids have done the camp and they are still talking about it years later. Thank you Surf Happens!
Written June 13, 2018
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.
Tom E
1 contribution
Jul 2017 • Family
Chris and Jenny Keet and the whole crew at Surf Happens do such an amazing job. My son has been with them since he was little at the summer surf camp. That program has not only improved his surfing through the great coaching and support, but more importantly his confidence and personality have grown so much. It's been amazing to watch that happen. Very grateful that he has the opportunity to engage in what this company offers -- contact with nature and the outdoors and lots of great, supportive, energetic, positive contact both through the coaches and the kids that all surf together. Excellent.
Written May 2, 2018
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.
HMEIII
Quartz Hill, CA250 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
A well run surf school/camp. Someone has experienced what organization and service looks like, because they do it well here. They know how to teach surfing, and they do that very well. Their standards are very high - Lunch for example had grass fed beef burger as an option. Staff is very good. Happy to recommend. Great place for beginners, as the waves are very pleasant to surf, and the ocean is very safe. The more advanced surfers have a spot further down the beach.
Written August 24, 2016
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.
MikeB5098
Annapolis, MD47 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
My son found them on the beach and they agreed to provide a lesson. Affordable, very approachable, super informative. The instructor (Roxie) was uber knowledgeable and got my son up on the board very quickly. He never felt dangerous despite the crowds. Great experience all the way around.
Written July 23, 2016
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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