Explore Top Surf Camps Along California's Shoreline for Stunning Waves and Exciting Summer Vacations
Top-Rated Surf Schools in California for Beginners and Experienced Surfers
California, a state known for its sunny beaches and endless waves, is a paradise for surfers of all levels. Here are some top-rated surf schools that offer expert instruction, tailored programs, and comprehensive safety education.
Surf Happens, Santa Barbara
Established in 2000, Surf Happens is highly regarded on the South Coast with a 4.9 average rating on Tripadvisor. They have a comprehensive teaching methodology covering ocean safety, wave reading, and etiquette. They offer private lessons, summer camps, and advanced coaching—serving all ages and skill levels from toddlers to seniors. Their program is praised for fast progression and tailored instruction by expert instructors [1].
Endless Sun Surf School, Newport Beach
Founded in 1963, Endless Sun Surf School is Newport's original surf school and has been voted Best Surf Camp in Orange County for six years. They teach all ages and skill levels daily, year-round. Their instructors include WSL professional surfers, and they provide all equipment, including wetsuits and boards. Lessons are private and tailored, with a focus on quality instruction by CPR-certified pros [3].
Surf Education Academy, La Jolla (San Diego)
Led by Coach Sean Brody, a respected figure in surf education with experience in sustainable surf tourism and adaptive surfing programs, Surf Education Academy offers lessons for all levels using top-of-the-line equipment at the gentle waves of La Jolla Shores. Programs include private/group lessons, camps, and clinics focused on safety and skill development [5].
Surf School Santa Cruz
Surf School Santa Cruz, located at Cowell Beach, is ideal for beginners and families due to calm waters. They provide private and two-person lessons, with emphasis on safety, wave etiquette, and fundamentals. The school is noted for its friendly atmosphere and experienced instructors helping surfers gain confidence in Northern California [4].
Avila Beach Surf School (SLO CAL area)
This mobile surf school offers one-on-one and small group lessons suitable for beginners through intermediate surfers in the Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay area. These locations feature beach breaks friendly for new surfers, with opportunities to progress at nearby piers and reefs [2].
| Surf School | Location | Key Features | Skill Levels | |-------------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------| | Surf Happens | Santa Barbara | 20+ years, summer camps, advanced coaching, 4.9 rating | Beginners to advanced | | Endless Sun Surf School | Newport Beach | Since 1963, daily lessons, pro instructors, full gear | All ages and skill levels | | Surf Education Academy | La Jolla (San Diego) | Experienced coach, adaptive programs, gentle waves | Beginners to advanced | | Surf School Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | Calm waters, private lessons, family-friendly | Beginners to intermediate | | Avila Beach Surf School | SLO CAL region | Mobile lessons, small groups, beginner-friendly breaks | Beginner to intermediate |
These schools combine expert instructors, tailored programs, comprehensive safety education, and excellent reputations among students, making them top choices for beginners as well as experienced surfers looking to improve their skills in California [1][3][4][5][2].
Pacific Surf School teaches surfing across beginner breaks like Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Learning to surf is considered a rite of passage in California. Surf schools in California teach ocean safety, etiquette, paddling technique, and wave riding.
Corky Carroll's Surf School, founded in 1996, is the first surf school in Huntington Beach. Surf P.E. was offered as an elective in a high school in California. Pacific Surf School has received an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, with over 1,300 reviews. Surf Happens has received an average rating of 4.9 on Tripadvisor. Surf schools are a popular way to learn surfing in California.
Surf Happens, a surf school in Santa Barbara, California, is known as the "undisputed top dog of surf schools on the South Coast." Surf School Santa Cruz, founded by Bud Freitas, is one of California's top choices for learning to surf.
