Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Learn to surf in Santa Cruz during a 2.5-hour clinic designed with the beginner in mind. Novices are welcome, as well as anyone who has tried surfing but could use some tips for balancing on the board and catching a wave. You'll get plenty of practice with paddling and pop-up techniques while learning about wave breaks, ocean conditions, and safety in and out of the water, including surf etiquette. Includes all necessary equipment.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 12 years
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Surfboard and necessary gear
Professional instructor
Parking fees
Hotel pickup and drop-off
This clinic was designed with the beginner in mind – we welcome complete newbies as well as people who have tried surfing on their own for a while and still need help. We will walk you through all the basics to get you started and catching waves! Participants will begin with a land-lesson to learn about ocean awareness, wave breaks, ocean conditions, safety in and out of the water, wave etiquette, paddling, push up and pop up techniques, as well as riding waves and balancing. Then, students will move in to the water and start out in shallow areas riding the whitewater until they are comfortable with venturing further out. Our instructors are all CPR/First-Aid and lifeguard certified, and ready to teach you the basics of surfing. Participants can expect approximately 1:30-2 hours of water time in a 2.5 hour lesson – the start of the class does have some “setup” time built-in to get people suited up and down on to the beach, and the land lesson can take about 30 minutes. We provide a safe and non-threatening environment for the beginning surfer! Come have fun learning how to surf and explore the wonders of the ocean with our experienced guides!
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
chukie86,
Sep 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a fantastic surf lesson. The instructor (I think it was Ben) was very safety focused, which was definitely a good thing as the waves were big for beginners! We managed to catch waves with some assistance and it was incredibly fun. We even saw a sea lion!
Paulina M,
Aug 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Safety was an issue. I got pounded against the rocks pretty badly and ended up with a big bruise and some scratches but it could have ended much worse. The instructor and his assistant weren’t always paying attention or telling us where to swim back out. They also spent virtually no time covering safety before we went on the water. The assistant, in particular, spent all of his time with one young guy who was the best in our group and paid little attention to anyone or anything else. After I got myself off the rocks and rejoined the group, the assistant openly scolded me in front of others, instead of checking whether I had a concussion or needed help. The vibe was also off. Throughout the entire experience, we were treated like tourist dingbats, the assistant kept mispronouncing my name and visibly didn’t listen half the time.
G8398QTsimonam,
Feb 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
San Franciso trip was so unexpected, yet so needed. I knew i will surf in pacific and booked lesson with Adventure out. In full honesty it his was my best surf lesson ever( had some experience in Bali, Normandie and Madeira) but nothing compared to the lesson with instructor Gerry! I learned how to allow myself to surrender to imperfection and feel the ocean, water and the surfboard. Gerry’s patience, life wisdom, advice gave the tools to immerse in your he ocean and be! Thank you for this wonderful experience!
Angela M,
Oct 28, 2023
- Review from Viator
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!
jamim704,
Aug 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
Soren and Chase were great teachers and made my first surf experience killer . They didn’t overwhelm me with too many details and stayed close by the whole time . Anyone on the fence should definitely go for it !

marcieb603,
Jun 19, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
Such a fun experience for my family! Totally worth the experience. Amazing, fun guides and Hano you are the sweetest!

ghoby,
Mar 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had so much fun !! Chase is a great coach! He made our experience awesome on a very windy day. He helped us enjoy every wave. Thank you Chase

Tina C,
Feb 26, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had the best time learning how to surf in Santa Cruz with Enzo, Chase, and most of all the amazing Nina. Everyone was so patient, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and empowering! I was catching my own waves by the second day. Couldn’t have asked for a better time to spend the weekend. Thank you! Adventure Out with their amazing team and zero emission sustainability goals makes them the standouts! Don’t hesitate to book your next adventure out with ADVENTURE OUT!

jontraveler333,
Nov 15, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Really chill experience. Good communication prior to the surf lessons, and my questions were answered. On the day of, felt a little apprehensive on what to expect, but everyone was easy going, understanding, and very positive. It was a good group and good day to surf - had a bunch of fun and a great weekend memory.
Steve S,
Nov 13, 2022
- Review from Viator
Chase was a great Instrutor explaining everything well. Being in the water learning with my son. Thanks Steve
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