Santa Cruz Surf Academy

"I had the best surf lesson with Ron. High quality tuition for a very reasonable price. I called Ron in the morning and we had a time and location ready later that day - all equipment was included for the best price I had come across when researching surf lessons in Santa Cruz. The lesson exceeded my expectations. We went to a gem of a beach, no one else apart from us in the water, consistent waves, a great spot for my Partner to watch from the land above. Seals, pelicans and other sea life bobbed around in the water which made for a perfect setting. Ron was very patient, experienced, enthusiastic and friendly. I feel like I've learnt tricks of the trade that you wouldn't get from your standard surf school due to Ron's background as a professional surfer and years of experience. I felt Ron understood my level of comfort in the water and helped me catch waves that were to my ability. At the end of the lesson I pulled my calf from catching so many waves! Once I told Ron this he immediately came to my aid and towed me back safely to the shore. From the start to finish I felt like I was in safe hands and my surf abilities improved from the afternoon of coaching. I can't recommend Ron and Santa Cruz Surf Academy enough, it was the best."

"Absolutely brilliant. The tutors were 5 star making us feel both welcome and relaxed and my 10 year old girl was up and surfing within the hour! Such a shame we couldn't do more lessons and can't recommend this place enough. Thank you for making our memories of Santa Cruz so special"

"Ron and his fellow instructors are patient, really cool, and super knowledgeable. They took out a big group of us last weekend and helped everyone go at his or her own pace. Ron started the lesson with a good 20-minute explainer on the shore, and then he guided us all as we paddled out past the breaker, and worked with us one-after-another to time the waves, stay on our boards, and stand up. Prep-wise, Ron took care of the wetsuits and the boards, and he made sure to check in the day before by text message. It was a ton of fun."

"I owe all my surfing abilities to Ron, owner of Santa Cruz Surf Academy. He not only taught me how to surf, but how to safely and happily be in the ocean. I wasn't always super comfortable in the dynamic ocean, being more of a lakes and rivers girl growing up, and I definitely had some nerves in the beginning. But Ron's patience and much needed comic relief always mellowed me out. I took several one-on-one lessons from Ron, eventually advancing to bigger and more exciting breaks that challenged my skills but provided more thrills. I always trust his calm, guiding voice on the water. He is like a map, knowledgeable of all factors involved in surfing: tides, weather, timing, and choosing the ideal location for the day. His years of experience are evident. Ron is clearly at home in the ocean; he will make you feel the same way, too!"