Top 5 Surf Schools in California

Known for its sunshine, sand and surfboards, California is a great place to go to enjoy the waves. It’s also no surprise the state has plenty of surf schools that you and your kids can get lessons from. Here we’ve listed our top five picks for the best surf schools in California. Grab your surfboards (with safety surf fins for all you groms out there) and take your first step into becoming a surfer!

1. Surf Diva

Annabelle Wirths-Tihanyi | Surfdiva.com

If you’re looking for a reliable surfing school with over 50 instructors on staff, all certified in CPR, first aid, and lifesaving, then check out Surf Diva. Surf Diva is the largest surfing school on the US West Coast and it’s female-owned and has operated for over 20 years. They offer a wide variety of programs for people of all ages and all abilities. You can choose private, semi-private or group lessons. Take your board with soft surf fins and catch your first wave while reducing the chance of injury.

2. San Diego Surf School

Group lesson, San Diego | Sandiegosurflesson.com

If you’re a beginner surfer, looking for some lessons and want to enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful beach towns, San Diego Surf School is the place for you. This surf school offers three types of lessons, surf camps and adult retreats. Students can also use their own boards with safety surf fins during the lessons. When enrolled, you’ll be in the hands of professional surf instructors that will individualize the experience for your personal surfing goals.

3. Santa Barbara Surf School

1 Person surf lesson | Santabarbarasurfschool.com

Santa Barbara county has endless options for surfing, featuring some of the best board builders in the world! Santa Barbara Surf School has been the premier surf school in the area since 2002. Whether you choose a private or group lesson, you will learn key surfing strategies to get you riding the waves faster than you can say “cowabunga!” This surf school also teaches various water safety techniques, identifying currents, paddling, and existing surfing etiquette.

4. Banzai Surf

Private lesson | Banzaisurfschool.com

Based in Huntington Beach, California, Banzai Surf School offers all kinds of camps and lessons to best suit you and your kid’s needs. You can sign up for 2-hour private lessons, seasonal group lessons or a week-long summer camp  for anyone 8 years old and above. Banzai Surf is perfect for beginners looking for a bargain, as they also offer an “open surf” option for up to four people during the spring, summer, and fall.

5. Learn to Surf LA

Surf lessons in LA | Learntosurfla.com

Founded in 2002, Learn to Surf LA has been a leading surf school in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Manhattan Beach for years. They are licensed and insured to conduct year-round surf lessons that are fun, safe, and taught by professional instructors. Equipment is provided, but people can bring their own boards with soft surf fins if they like. They also offer other non-surfing activities, including boogie-boarding, swimming, body-surfing, sand sculpting, and other beach sports to ensure you are entertained throughout the day.