Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Santa Cruz, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get wet while learning to surf in Santa Cruz, a picturesque coastal California town popular with surfers. Your 3-hour lesson starts with the basics of how to paddle out, pop up, balance, and catch a wave, along with surfing etiquette and understanding the ocean. Your instructor has you practice on the beach before accompanying you into a spot with small waves that are ideal for beginners. Includes all necessary equipment and instruction.
- 3-hour beginning surfing lesson in Santa Cruz
- Learn how to surf from an experienced instructor
- Practice paddling out, popping up and catching waves in a calmer section of the ocean beach
- Get tips on ocean safety and surfing etiquette
- Includes all equipment needed for the surfing lesson
What's Included
- Professional instructor
- Surfboard and necessary gear
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Parking fees
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Cowell Beach, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Your surf instructors will meet in the small beach parking lot right at the beach entrance adjacent to the entrance to the Wharf (pier). We'll be right by the public beach restrooms and showers.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Cowell's Beach
2
Adventure Out
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 39 reviews
Cindy_G, Feb 2026
A bonding moment with my boys or with your family, Chace was our instructor and he was wonderful took his time and didn't rush us stayed at our pace and there was 3 of us with different paces wet suits kept us warm and had a blast. We well be back.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you! You guys did awesome!
Angela_M, Oct 2023
Nina was an amazing instructor! We all had a great time with her and she was so patient helping all of us get up on our boards!
Steve_S, Nov 2022
Chase was a great Instrutor explaining everything well. Being in the water learning with my son. Thanks Steve
Aaron_P, Sep 2022
Instructor and lessons were great. Highly recommend. There weren't many waves but we all still had a great experience.
Edward_P, Aug 2022
It was a great experience, instructors were awesome, instructions were step by step, and I was able to start surfing. I would definitely recommend it
Aimee_P, Jul 2022
The instructors were all really friendly. Nina was leading my group and is awesome. She gives great instruction and really knows her stuff.
Ioka_B, Jun 2022
The fact that I didn’t to go out so far in the waterline. Loved seeing wild life and now I know what to work on if I want to learn to stand up on the board.
Kristopher_K, May 2022
My daughter did this class and loved it! The teachers were great, very fun and knowledgeable. It was a great beginning lesson
Response from Host, May 2022
Thanks! She did great!
Pedro_d, Nov 2021
Great Surf Instructors. Made the entire experience a load of fun. Would definitely recommend for a great way to get in the water and started in surfing.
Dustin_C, Aug 2021
Hano and Aaron were friendly and helpful. This was tons of fun. Would recommend. Favorite activity of our vacation!
Heather_M, Jul 2021
After 16 months of not traveling, visiting Santa Cruz and taking a surf lesson was such a treat! The group size was not too big which made it easy to get to know the others and get sufficient attention from the two instructors. The instructors were super friendly and eager to help teach us how to catch waves. Also, the waves were quite calm so this would be good for those that are quite new to surfing and maybe a little hesitant to try.
poppy_p, Jun 2021
Im so grateful for this lesson.
I finally Caught a wave!!! The instructors were the best!!! I enjoyed everything about this day!!!
Rick_V, Jun 2021
The instructors were very easy going and friendly. They were both very patient and supportive of all of the participants.
Response from Host, Jun 2021
Thanks Fritz! Great job out there!
Manual_G, Apr 2021
Instructors were excellent. Very encouraging, supportive and kind. Would definitely recommend.
My daughter and friend are 15yo and even though group was shared with adults, instructors spent equal time and provided guidance for everyone.
Response from Host, Apr 2021
Thank you! The girls did great!
Fred_O, Apr 2021
Chase was super friendly and helpful. It was a great intro to the sport and a safe, beautiful environment.
Katherine_H, Feb 2021
Great instructor. Really enjoyed learning from her and very helpful in pointers on catching waves. Crowell beach was perfect for beginners.
Response from Host, Feb 2021
Thank you - you did great! Come surf with us anytime!!!
Xavier_V, Oct 2020
Awesome experience! I truly recommend it to anyone looking to start learning about surf! Material provided was in great shape too. Can’t wait to come back again to keep learning
Response from Host, Oct 2020
Thank you! We enjoyed working with you, come back angrime!
Marion_C, Oct 2018
Perfect site for beginner lesson. Wetsuits kept us plenty warm and our instructor, Chad, was awesome- making sure everyone caught some waves. His assistant, Deanna was super helpful too. I didn’t want to do my first surgery lesson at 61 but my daughter wanted to and I’m so glad I did. Beautiful day in the pacific.
Justin_M, Oct 2018
Chase and Aaron were great instructors and very encouraging. We had a great time and a new experience for both of us. What an adventure. Thank you thank you.
Macy J, Aug 2017
Great experience. We had an awesome instructor who was very helpful!
From $139.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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