Start here
Group SUP lesson
Flat-water fundamentals on the calm side of the bay: stance, paddle stroke, turning, bracing and how to fall safely. One coach for every four paddlers.
- 2 hours
- 1 : 4
- Ages 11+
$120 per person
Paddle · Monterey Bay
Stand-up paddle lessons in Santa Cruz
Learn to paddle the protected water of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, or take your SUP into the waves with a coach beside you.
01 — Two ways to paddle
Flat water first, waves second.
Both lessons are two hours with a lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certified coach. Board, paddle and wetsuit are included — just bring a swimsuit.
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Next step
Semi-private SUP lesson
SUP surfing for two: wave selection, surf etiquette, whitewater, turns and re-entries, with one coach for every two paddlers.
- 2 hours
- 1 : 2
- Ages 11+
$150 per person
02 — Why paddle with us
Four decades on this water.
Club Ed has been teaching water sports in Santa Cruz since 1983 — long enough to know which side of the bay will be glass on any given morning.
Certified coaches
Every SUP instructor is lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certified, and teaches a maximum of four paddlers.
Gear included
Board, paddle, leash and an O'Neill wetsuit in your size. Nothing extra to hire.
Sheltered water
Lessons run on the protected side of Monterey Bay, with breaks chosen for the day's wind and swell.
03 — Private groups
Bring your whole crew.
Private SUP groups start at three paddlers, with discounts for six or more. Club Ed runs sessions for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, wedding parties, corporate team building, school and church groups — and women-only, men-only and yoga-plus-SUP retreats.
Tell us the group size and what kind of day you want, and we'll match coaches, boards and a launch spot.
Do I need to be able to surf to learn to paddle?
No. Group SUP lessons start from zero on flat water. Surfing experience is not required, and most paddlers are standing and paddling within the first hour.
What is the minimum age for SUP lessons?
Paddlers need to be 11 or older for both the group and semi-private SUP lessons. For younger children, book a private surf lesson — Club Ed offers a tandem option for small kids.
Can I rent a paddleboard without a lesson?
Yes. Stand-up paddleboards rent for $60 a day, or $80 with a wetsuit, by reservation only. Call (831) 464-0177 the day before you want it.
Get up. Stand up.
Book a paddle lesson and we'll text you the launch spot the night before.