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Open Group Surf Lessons at Cowell Beach

5.09 reviews

Trip Highlights

Catch Your First Wave
Learn from Experienced Instructors
Have great fun with your friends, and fellow surfers!

Description

Dive into the ultimate Santa Cruz surf experience with a 2-hour open group surf lesson at world-famous Cowell Beach! Perfect for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers, this surf class is designed for all skill levels. Groups are capped at 8 surfers, ensuring personalized instruction and pairing by age and ability. Learn the fundamentals of paddling, ocean safety, surf etiquette, and wave-riding techniques from professional, local surf instructors who know Cowell’s gentle, rolling waves inside out. Our Santa Cruz surf school provides everything you need to succeed: high-quality surfboards, warm wetsuits, and even sunblock. Whether you’re catching your very first wave or fine-tuning your surfing style, this lesson offers the ideal mix of fun, challenge, and progression. Join Surf School Santa Cruz for a supportive, energetic group surf session and discover why Cowell Beach is one of the best beginner surf spots in California. Come ride waves, build confidence, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Santa Cruz surf culture!

Itinerary

1
Meet your instructor and learn about the basics of surfing and water safety.
2
Practice pop-ups and paddling techniques on the beach before hitting the water.
3
Head into the ocean to catch waves with guidance from your instructor.

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
4 to 8 people
Price starts at
$150
Languages
English
Meeting Point
Surf School Santa Cruz - Cowell Beach
Open in Google Maps

Why take this tour?

Ready to ride the waves at Cowell Beach? Join Surf School Santa Cruz for a 2-hour open group surf lesson designed for all skill levels. Our professional instructors will cover the essentials—paddling techniques, surf etiquette, and how to catch and ride waves with confidence. We provide everything you need—boards, wetsuits, even sunblock—so you can focus on having fun in the water. Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to level up, this session is the perfect way to surf, learn, and connect. Reserve your spot today and experience the ultimate group surf adventure!

Included

  • Foam longboard
  • Full-length wetsuit
  • CPR & First Aid Certified Instructor
  • Sunblock
  • Unforgettable Surfing Experience

Excluded

  • Transportation to Location
  • Food and Beverages
  • Tips and Gratuities

Frequently asked questions

No, our lessons are designed for all skill levels, including beginners.
All of our lessons run for 2 hours and consist of 15-20 minutes of training on the beach and the remaining time in the water with your instructor.
We will notify you of any weather-related changes to your lesson.
YES. It is necessary that you know how to swim when taking surfing lessons.

Things to know

Skills or Experience

On open group sessions, we will try our best to match you with people within your age range, or people with your current skill set.

Age Requirement

Suitable for ages 3 and up.

What to Bring

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Recent Reviews

9 Verified reviews
Jamie Burke
Google Reviews

Jamie Burke

February 10, 2026

We had a double and single lesson with Dane and Sam and they were wonderful! Friendly and informative, towed us out and set us up for each wave, and gave pointers as we went. Highly recommend lessons with these two! We will always remember this awesome experience.

Larry Long
Google Reviews

Larry Long

October 15, 2025

Excellent instructors and a fantastic experience.

Tripadvisor

Michael T

August 23, 2025

Long-time CA residents but first-time surfers, my adult son & I booked a lesson with Sam and got up on the board on our first waves (!).Way better experience than I could have even anticipated at a classic Santa Cruz surf site. We will definitely do this again.

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Check Availability

From
$150

Why book with us?

  • Book instantly directly with provider
  • Get the lowest price guarantee
  • Worry-free flexible cancellation policy
Human support:(831) 428-3647

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