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Is surfing dangerous?

How long does it take to learn how to surf?

What if I can only take 1 or 2 lessons?

What is the youngest and oldest students you teach?

Can I take a lesson with my son/daughter?

Do I have to be a good swimmer to take a lesson? Do I have to know how to swim in the ocean?

Do you offer female only classes?

Do you provide all the equipment?

What do I need to bring?

How long is each lesson?

Can we rent or use the boards after the lesson?

Any advice before we take our lesson?

Is there anything I should do before my lesson to prepare.

Q. Is surfing dangerous?

A: It can be. If you go out for your first time without proper instruction or ocean knowledge.

At our surf school, we make surfing as simple and safe as possible.1) We use good surfboards, 2)We go over all safety issues before you hit the water, 3) We describe all dangerous ocean conditions so you can recognize them, stay away from them, and know how to handle them, 4) We take you to the safest area to surf 5 )We remain in the water with you for your entire lesson. 6) Our staff is entirely made up of experienced local surfers, lifeguards, and watermen who live and work at the beaches where we teach, and know the conditions.
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Q. How long does it take to learn how to surf?

A: It depends on the individual. Some students are up on their first wave, most get up during their first lesson, and some take longer.

We recommend that our students take 3-4 lessons. Like any activity, you want to have a solid foundation. After 3-4 lessons students have experienced many different conditions, tides, currents, and wave types with instructors there to help them and answer questions. By the 3rd-4th lesson, students can safely handle themselves in the surf, know their limits, and can practice on their own without our supervision.

Remember, surfing is not just being able to stand up and ride a wave, it is being able to safely and responsibly handle yourself in the ocean, and know the rules and etiquette of the lineup. This is a continual process that only comes from a lot of time in the ocean.
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Q. What if I can only take 1 or 2 lessons?

A: No problem. Many of our students just take 1 or 2 lessons.

Our goal is to teach you as much as we can in the time you are with us.

You'll learn all the basics, we'll push you into your first waves and help you catch waves, we'll show you exactly what you need to do to stand up and ride the wave, and the rest is up to you. Nearly all of our students stand up and ride waves in 1-2 lessons, and everyone will experience surfing and riding waves no matter how many lessons you take.
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Q. What is the youngest and oldest students you teach?

A: We've taught as young as 5 and as old as 71! We recommend all students are sufficient swimmers before taking surf lessons. 9-10 years old is a good age to start for kids. We teach many youths, teenagers, 20 somethings, 30 somethings, 40 somethings, and quite a few 50 somethings. We've taught a few 60 somethings and welcome students of all ages. It's never too late to start, and there's no better way to feel like a kid again. Any youths under 11 require youth group or private lessons.
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Q. Can I take a lesson with my son/daughter?

A: Yes, we teach many families. Surfing is a great experience to share with your kids and we recommend it.
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Q. Do I have to be a good swimmer to take a lesson? Do I have to know how to swim in the ocean?

A: You must be able to swim, but we don't expect all students to know how to swim in the ocean as many do not live near the beach. Most of our lessons take place in waist-chest high water and we like you to have your feet on the sand until you feel comfortable. You should be able to keep your head above water for at least 2 minutes, although we do not test you. It is a good idea to be a good swimmer before learning to surf.
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Q. Do you offer female only classes?

A: We do cater to women, but we do not offer female-only classes. We have taught hundreds of women and girls to surf, and our instructors are sensitive to the best ways to teach women whether there are males in the class or not. Larry has been teaching Kim for years and has learned specifically how to teach women and has trained his instructors. We encourage girls and women to surf, and offer them the best instruction available.
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Q. Do you provide all the equipment?

A. Yes, we provide both surfboards and wetsuits.
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Q. What do I need to bring?

A: No we pick you up or meet you at a location. Then we go looking for good surf.
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Q. How long is each lesson?

A: Lessons are 2.0 hours long and travel time can depend on swell conditions. Expect to spend the half a day with us.
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Q. Can we rent or use the boards after the lesson?

A. No! We do not rent our boards, or let students borrow them after the lesson because we know you will be safe while we are there, and cannot leave you unsupervised.
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Q. Any advice before we take our lesson?

A: Eat a light breakfast so you have some energy but are not bloated. Oatmeal and orange juice or toast and tea for example. Don't be hungover. Don't wear perfume or cologne.
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Q. Is there anything I should do before my lesson to prepare.

A: Stretch, especially hips, lower back, and quads. Don't work out real hard the day before, you don't want to be tight and sore. Watch some surf videos and get in the mood. Check out the classic Endless Summer about 2 guys searching the globe for the perfect wave. Leave early the morning of your lesson so you feel nice and relaxed. It'll be easier to get into the zone. Forget your stress, and be ready to have fun.
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