Whether you’re a seasoned professional new to these waters or a first-time surfer looking for private surf lessons, we have just the right spot for your surfing experience. Here in Santa Cuz, surfing is practically a religion of its own. After all, these beaches are where surfing first debuted on the mainland. The surfers themselves are impossible to miss as you look out over Monterey Bay, bobbing in the surf on a longboard, waiting for just the right moment to pop up on a wave.

Travelers visiting the seaside city can sleep near the shore in one of our many vacation rentals scattered across the Central California coastline and join the local Santa Cruzians at our favorite surfing spots or sign up for a small group 1-2 hour lesson with your fellow beginner surfers. This is everything you need to know to try your hand (or, more accurately, feet) at this local sport!

When to Go Surfing in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a veritable surfer Mecca, with hardly a down day or off-season. Waves can be caught year-round by professionals and beginners alike!

There is no better time to learn to hang ten than in the summer. During these months, temperatures are high, the weather is pleasant, and beach days are inevitable.

October through June is known for favorable surf conditions, as offshore winds come in from the north along with powerful, consistent swells. In the fall, waters are warmer, and in winter, you’ll see fewer crowds and cheaper prices.

Where to Go: Ideal Santa Cruz Beaches for Beginner Surfers

Santa Cruz has no shortage of epic beaches, but the best breaks are only at a few! Ask any crusty surf bum where the grom’s (beginners) go to learn, and Cowell Beach will be their answer. Located north of the Santa Cruz wharf up to the famous Steamers, this stretch of sand is perfect for mellow waves and offers an inviting environment for beginners to catch waves in the white foam without worrying about reefs or rocks.

Cowell’s is the best beach for self-teaching because of its laid-back atmosphere and the numerous surfers trying to improve their skill level while not getting in the way of the professionals on other beaches.

Where to Take a Surf Class or Lessons

Several reputable surf schools offer everything from week-long programs to group lessons that typically run around two hours in length and cover basics like standing, paddling, water safety, and surfing etiquette. These are our three favorites that you can book now!

Consider signing the kids up for the Junior Lifeguard Program!

Club Ed

Club Ed has the number one recommended surf instructor in Santa Cruz. Ed Guzman, locally dubbed the ‘Professor of Surfing,’ has been teaching the sport since 1983 and has rarely missed a day of surfing since he started at 12 years old. He surfs all around the world, in places like Bali and Costa Rica.

The operation is family-run and boasts surfing classes for all levels and ages, including daily private and group lessons, surf camps, and standup paddleboard lessons.

Richard Schmidt Surf School

Another local legend, Richard Schmidt, also runs his own surf school. In 1973, he became a lifeguard and immediately took to the waves, becoming a professional in the water sport. Today, he runs a widely successful surf school for all skill levels.

Offering classes in Capitola and Pleasure Point, Richard hosts surf retreats in Costa Rica as well, where students combine adventure, yoga, and of course, epic wave catching.

All instructors and coaches are trained in first aid and aquatic safety and help teach beginners ocean awareness and safety, recognizing potential hazards, proper paddling and stance techniques, and maneuvering your surfboard.

Surf School Santa Cruz

One of the best surfing schools between San Francisco and Los Angeles! While private lessons are one of the most popular surf coaching options with this company, you can also join the group lessons as well!

What to Bring Surfing in Santa Cruz

Whether you’re headed to a group surf lesson or out on your own, this is what you need to bring to the shore.

• Wetsuit: You can usually rent one along with your board at the surf shop. Ask the shop what thickness they recommend for current water conditions.
• Sunscreen: Being out on the water means being exposed to extreme amounts of UV, even on cloudy days, applying and reapplying reef-safe broad-spectrum sunscreen at least up to 30 SPF.
• Swimsuit.
• Towel: For drying off, changing, and for the beach. Getting in and out of wetsuits can be tricky, and a little privacy and warmth are necessary for any surf session.
• Beach Bag: To keep everything packed and secure while out surfing.
• Extra pair of clothes: For before and after the lesson.
• Food: Surfing is a physically demanding sport and you will get HUNGRY! Make sure to pack a lunch or that food options are available nearby.
• Water: Stay hydrated! Being out in the salt water all day and rowing through the break is tiring and thirst will make you swim back to shore, so be sure to have plenty of liquids at the ready.
• Vaseline: One surfer secret is to put Vaseline along the neckline of your wetsuit to prevent chafing from the inevitable sand. While you’re at it, apply a healthy lather to your lips to protect them from the salty surf.

And here are a few extra items to add to your California packing list.

Learning to Surf: What to Expect

Like any new sport, learning to surf is exhausting and time-consuming. It takes practice, falling down many times and getting back up more. With patience and perseverance, you’ll be catching waves in no time.

If you’re taking lessons, the first will likely be safety guidelines, a basic understanding of waves, as well as surfing etiquette. Before getting in the water, you’ll learn how to properly wax a board and the fundamentals of standing and paddling.

Then, you take to the shallow surf to get a feel for floating on a board in moving water. You’ll practice paddling, catching waves with a knee up, and eventually, (hopefully) standing. The water depth will likely stay about chest level or below for beginners, and the instructor will be with the student(s) at all times to ensure safety when, not if, you get tossed by a wave.

Your body will hate and thank you the next day. Falling is unavoidable and is a part of the sport. Expect to be sore, but this means you earned it and are one session closer to being a pro!

Water Safety Precautions

Remember that surfing is a potentially dangerous sport when not adhering to safety precautions and guidelines. You should be familiar with the ocean and have competent swimming skills. If you are a weak swimmer, surfing might not be for you.

Waves and tides can be strong, and surfing requires a lot of rowing and upper-body strength. The water temperature can be extremely low depending on the season, and wetsuits are highly recommended to keep you from becoming hypothermic.

Always follow your instructor’s guidance. They are dedicated to your safety and making your lessons fun and positive. You should also watch for others around you, as surf spots can get notoriously crowded.

Learn to Surf on Your Next Visit to Santa Cruz!

Whether you excel in surfing on a shortboard or realize that SUP is more your kind of vacation sport, these beginner surfing classes and surf spots will allow you to learn.

Surfing can be challenging, physical, and frustrating at times, which is why it’s important that you have a comfortable vacation home to retire to after a long day in the waves.

Our rental properties in the Capitola, Aptos, and Santa Cruz areas are more than equipped to help you relax and unwind. Book now, and by this time next year, you’ll be a surfing pro!