Surf School Santa Cruz
Surf School Santa Cruz
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Welcome to Surf School Santa Cruz, the best-rated surf school on the West Coast. We accept students of all ages and skill levels and guarantee a quality, safe, and fun learning experience. This surf school was created because of our passion for surfing and developed because of our desire to share it with the world. We believe that surfing is not just a sport, but is actually therapy for life. We ardently advocate that the only thing better than a great day of surfing is helping fuel someone else’s passion or improve skillsets that work in the ocean and carry over to day-to-day life. Our instructors are professionals who tailor each lesson to the students, so no matter your ability, you are encouraged and supported in the most personalized way possible. The cumulative years of quality surfing and teaching experience we have under our belts allow us to provide you the best surf lessons in all of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz, California
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Surf School Santa Cruz
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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.
Popular mentions
5.0
654 reviews
Excellent
634
Very good
17
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
ThisFamilyofThree
Portland, ME21 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We were in the area and wanted to do something memorable for my son (age 9) and he loved the idea of surfing lessons.
He had his first surfing lesson with Ryan at the Pleasure Point location and had the time of his life! He had so much fun that I signed him up for another one-on-one another lesson and he had Dane as his instructor. They are both experienced instructors and they made sure my son was safe while learning the basics of surfing. Pleasure Point is a beautiful location with many other surfers either taking a lesson or surfing on their own. The two hours flew by quickly!
Tips:
1) Arrive 15 minutes early and wearing a liberal amount of sunblock in your face and your bathing suit under your street clothes
2) Bring cash to tip your instructor
3) If you’re going with other people, have them bring binoculars so they can see you close up during your lesson
He had his first surfing lesson with Ryan at the Pleasure Point location and had the time of his life! He had so much fun that I signed him up for another one-on-one another lesson and he had Dane as his instructor. They are both experienced instructors and they made sure my son was safe while learning the basics of surfing. Pleasure Point is a beautiful location with many other surfers either taking a lesson or surfing on their own. The two hours flew by quickly!
Tips:
1) Arrive 15 minutes early and wearing a liberal amount of sunblock in your face and your bathing suit under your street clothes
2) Bring cash to tip your instructor
3) If you’re going with other people, have them bring binoculars so they can see you close up during your lesson
Written June 23, 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.
Marissa C
Brooklyn, NY2 contributions
Jan 2025
We came into the private lesson with some prior surf experience. We didn’t want a session geared toward first-timers but still needed help navigating a new spot and improving our skills. Surf School Santa Cruz delivered exactly that. They pushed us out of our comfort zone and helped us progress in a way that felt safe and supportive. Our instructor, Ryan, was excellent, and the waves in Santa Cruz were next-level fun! Grateful for the experience as we wouldn't have been comfortable to go out on our own.
Written February 10, 2025
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.
Venture49914613312
Plymouth, UK25 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
My son had a lesson with Ryan to get to know the area as he could already surf. He had an amazing time and the lesson was tailored to his surfing ability and Ryan and the other instructors made it fun. Thank you for making this a memorable experience for Alfie
Written August 14, 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.
Pato77
16 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Took our boys 12 and 10 for a two hour first surf lesson. Private instructors due to age and the boys had an amazing time. We joked about them having surf concierges, they started off on a typically overcast morning and ended up with clear blue skies. Saw a seal and both boys managed to ride 6-7 waves each. Got the money shot of them side by side on the same wave. Thanks to all at Santa Cruz Surf School for an amazing memory for life!
Written August 24, 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.
Jessica S
3 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
We had so much fun learning to surf with Surf School Santa Cruz! I took a group surfing lesson (with my Mom and adult brother). The two instructors were awesome; they did a great job giving each person individual attention at the level of instruction needed. We felt safe, had fun, and were able to catch lots of waves. We’d love to come back!
Written September 19, 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.
pattyclare
Milford15 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Such a great experience! This was the first time surfing for myself (44) and my two kids (13 and 11). The instructors were so helpful and encouraging. They had a very low/safe instructor to student ratio. I appreciate that Sam spent most of the time with my daughter (11) and Dane did a great job splitting his time with my son and I. It is amazing how they just hook their feet onto your board to help facilitate the process of getting you out into deeper water to get more runs in. I highly recommend Santa Cruz Surf School if you are interested in this very cool experience!
Written July 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.
Sherpa02548666341
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Our 17 year old nephew had a great time taking a private lesson. The weather required a change in location and communication was great. Members of our family have been taking lessons (some group , 2 person and private) over a few years - Bud and his team never disappoint, they always are attentive and adapt for the varying skill and age levels so that everyone is successful.
Written April 1, 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.
Ryan P
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Solo
You are guaranteed to have a great time with these awesome instructors at world-class surfing breaks. I feel lucky as a beginner to learn from pro surfers like Dane Anderson, who works for Surf School Santa Cruz. Just an incredible two hours out there, no better way to spend your time! I try to go back monthly, and only with these guys because they are top-notch. Highest of high recommendations.
Written June 4, 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.
peterDK246
Copenhagen, Denmark1 contribution
Jun 2024
What can I say... pure luck that I ended up at this surf school. The teachers are masterclass, laid back, friendly and just a bunch of very good guys, all day long. I have been back for several years now and even though I know all of this already I am still pleasantly surprised. So, join the best and forget the rest. Microphone drop! ;)
Written September 10, 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.
Ashley R
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Ryan and Dane were great. Ryan got us up on the surf board every time. He has a great strategy for assisting people (mind you it would depend on your activity level). Good banter and convo too during the lesson! Fun time. Definitely recommend.
Written May 12, 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.
Do you have a class for under 13 years old?
Written September 26, 2020
Hi,
How do I book as I can’t seem to find a website
Cheers
Dunc
Written June 19, 2018
It is very simple to book Surf School Santa Cruz. Everything is done online. You book the date and time you want to go out and just show up at the school on that date/time. Simply goggle, “Surf School Santa Cruz” and it should be the first one to pop up, click on the link and then click on “lessons.”
Written June 19, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.