Mission

Catch Your First Wave with Us

At Surf School Santa Cruz, we’re passionate about sharing the joy of surfing with all ages. Our expert instructors create safe, fun, and unforgettable lessons that inspire a love for the ocean and its waves. Whether it’s your first ride or a step toward mastery, we’re here to help you grow and thrive in a supportive surfing community.

Surfing with Passion

Meet The Instructors

Ryan Augenstein

Ryan Augenstein

Ryan Augenstein (Auggy) was born and raised in Santa Cruz where he worked as a Junior Guards instructor and lifeguard before surfing professionally. He’s travelled the world as a sponsored surfer and has also competed on the Big Wave World Tour. Notably, he did stunt work for the movie Chasing Mavericks. He enjoys instructing lessons while giving students the confidence and knowledge to go out on their own. Ryan loves teaching lessons at Surf School Santa Cruz but loves chasing swell even more- the bigger the better!

Sam Coffey

Sam Coffey

Sam is a Santa Cruz native that grew up in a surf-centric home. As a junior lifeguard he became water savvy at a young age as he continued through being a Juniors Guards instructor and lifeguard. A competitive surfer since age 10, Sam has been supported through sponsorships with O’Neill (2014-2019) and currently Buell Wetsuits as he takes on the World Surfing League’s men’s qualifying series. Take a lesson from Sam, who is currently ranked 17th in the United States for surfing, known for sick airs, and is the first SSSC instructor to incorporate headstands into his lessons!

Dane Anderson

Dane Anderson

Pro surfer Dane Anderson has been riding waves for over two decades. He made his mark on the competitive scene with a 2nd place finish at the Ripcurl Pro Tofino and has scored sponsorships from big brands like Body Glove. Cold water surfs are his fave with worldwide shred adventures taking him from chilly Icelandic shores to rugged Nova Scotia coasts. Dane loves sharing the stoke with students through Surf School Santa Cruz, and as a safety facilitator for Surf Therapy Santa Cruz.

Koa Depuydt

Koa Depuydt

Koa Depuydt is a surfer born here in beautiful Santa Cruz. Over the past 16 years, his whole life has revolved around the ocean. Before his earliest memories he was already riding one-footers with his dad’s help. Today, Koa is a sponsored surfer traveling all around, surfing some of the world’s best waves. When he’s home, he loves sharing the stoke of surfing to the students at Surf School Santa Cruz! Koa’s been a surf instructor for 5+ years, and the party has just begun! He hopes to see you surfing soon with us here at the best surf school out there, yeww!

Alo Slebir

Alo Slebir

Alo has been surfing since age 3. His dad would take him out every weekend until the point, and age, where Alo could surf independently to which he began his daily surfing routine. At age 14, Alo was taken out to the local big wave, Mavericks, by mentors of his. He’s now not only addicted to local surf breaks but pushing his limits in big waves! Catch a lesson and wave with Alo, he’s also fluent in Italian!

Mairin Torr

Mairin Torr

Mairin was born in Pleasure Point and has grown up surfing with her family and friends. Travel, massage therapy, and surfing are her passions and have led her to many beautiful places. She participated in Junior Lifeguards as a student and an instructor which has given Mairin strong water safety skills and ocean awareness. Mairin has worked with Santa Cruz Surf School for 7 years—safely introducing students to the incredible experience of riding a wave is one of her greatest joys!

Where Passion Meets the Waves

Bud Freitas

Bud Freitas grew up surfing in Santa Cruz county and enjoys instructing new surfers at Surf School Santa Cruz on his home “surf.” Bud spent every waking hour of his young life surfing and exploring the coast of Santa Cruz, and has 25+ years experience in the water surfing his butt off he is ready to help you surf like a pro after your Santa Cruz surf lesson! His credentials on the WQS and other contests speak for itself and if you want to watch Bud Freitas in action, then watch the video on the right side of this page, or check out the photo gallery and watch Bud ripping with your own eyes! Learn more about Bud Freitas the surfer and teacher.

Why choose us?

Looking to ride the waves? Surf School Santa Cruz offers expert instruction, stunning coastal scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere for surfers of all levels. Their certified instructors provide personalized lessons focused on safety, skill-building, and a love for the ocean. It's the perfect place to start your surfing journey in an eco-friendly and fun environment.

Expert Instructors

Certified and experienced instructors provide personalized guidance, ensuring you learn the fundamentals of surfing while building confidence.

Certified and experienced instructors provide personalized guidance, ensuring you learn the fundamentals of surfing while building confidence.

Commitment to Safety and Environment

Emphasis on safety and eco-friendly practices helps students enjoy the sport responsibly while appreciating and protecting the ocean.

Emphasis on safety and eco-friendly practices helps students enjoy the sport responsibly while appreciating and protecting the ocean.

Amazing and Prime Location

Located in Santa Cruz, known for its stunning beaches and consistent waves, it's an ideal spot for surfers of all levels.

Located in Santa Cruz, known for its stunning beaches and consistent waves, it's an ideal spot for surfers of all levels.

Location

Surfing Paradise in Santa Cruz California Coast

Nestled along the stunning California coastline, Surf School Santa Cruz offers lessons in some of the most iconic surf spots in the area. Our locations at Pleasure Point and Cowells Beach provide the perfect setting for surfers of all levels to hone their skills. With multiple breaks and a welcoming community, Santa Cruz is a surfer's paradise where the waves are as diverse as the people who ride them. Whether you're a local or a visitor, our school is your gateway to experiencing the best of California surfing.

Frequently asked questions

Most frequent questions and answers

All surf lessons are 2 hours start to finish. Meaning we start with our pre-surf that takes 15-20min on the beach then spend the rest of the lesson catching waves.

Yes. Please come suited in your bathing suit and have a towel on hand.

YES. It’s a requirement to be able to swim to be able to attend a surf lesson at Surf School Santa Cruz.

NO. We do not allow you to keep the board and wetsuit due to regulations. But there are surf shops nearby that offer rentals.

Yes but limited and we ask if you are scheduled for a group lesson to carpool to help with parking.

We do not have a shower on offer but do have a hose you can use to rinse off.

Not always! Conditions are always changing and can make the surf change any time of the day, with that being said we build our availability on our calendar off the best tides for that day and will most likely generate for the best surfing conditions.

Yes, You will be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel or reschedule your appointment without giving a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to the start of your lesson. The cancellation fee will be 50% of your lesson amount. No-shows will be charged the full price. Thank you!

Surf Santa Cruz Today.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Surfing Experience
Excellent
verify 1217 Verified reviews