As the story goes, in 1885 three Hawaiian princes were visiting Santa Cruz and they requested that a local woodsman fashion them three boards out of California redwood. If it weren’t for these princes on holiday, who knows when surfing would have hit the American mainland? Most everyone can agree that this story, along with Santa Cruz’s legendary breaks, cements its standing as Surf City in the sport’s history (despite what a judge ruled regarding Huntington Beach). It’s not just the tale of the three princes, though, that gives credence to the city’s status: in the 1950s, Jack O’Neill relocated from Colorado to Santa Cruz and opened the first “surf shop’ in addition to creating the first wetsuit that has made surfing and surf lessons possible in colder water. Thanks for that Jack.
Get all of the attention and care you need for riding some of Santa Cruz’s awesome waves. Your professional and certified instructor will make sure you’re confident in technique, familiar with the ins and outs of surf etiquette, and that you have fun! Other courses are available.
The breaks and swells are at their largest during the winter months.
A typical beginner’s lesson involves familiarizing yourself with your board on the beach, and then more instruction in the ocean. Some of the camps offer morning classroom instruction with seminars in the afternoon and lots of surfing in between!
Group sizes are usually between 1 – 4 people with one instructor. Also, remember that the costs can often decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to surf with friends and family.
Inclement weather can very rarely get in the way of surfing, but, if in doubt, ask your guiding service for more information.
Santa Cruz is about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco and a 30 minute drive from San Diego.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.