Most booked
Group surf lesson
Four beginners, one coach, one break. You learn together, cheer each other on, and get a push into the wave when the set arrives.
- 2 hours
- 1 : 4
- Ages 12+
$120 per person
Lessons · Santa Cruz
Surf lessons in Santa Cruz
Group, semi-private or private — pick the one that fits how you want to learn, then book it online. Wetsuit and board are included in every lesson.
01 — The short answer
Choose in ten seconds.
All three lessons run on the same Santa Cruz breaks with the same certified coaches. The only difference is how much of your coach's attention you get.
| Feature | Group Most booked | Semi-private Best for two | Private Fastest progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $120 per person | $150 per person | $150 per hour |
| Time in the water | 2 hours | 2 hours | 1, 1.5 or 2 hours |
| Coach ratio | 1 coach per 4 surfers | 1 coach per 2 surfers | One-on-one |
| Ages | 12+ | 12+ | All ages, tandem for small kids |
| Best for | First-timers, families and friends learning together | Couples and pairs who want more attention | Fast progress, kids, or a specific skill to fix |
| Book |
Three or more surfers?
A private group lesson keeps your party together with your own coach, at $130 per person for a minimum of three surfers.
Groups of 10 or more
School trips, Scout troops, birthdays and team days get a discounted rate and one coach per four surfers. Call us to build the day.
Want to surf with Ed?
"Shred with Ed" is a private surf or paddle session with Club Ed's founder, Ed Guzman, booked by phone around the day's swell.
02 — The three lessons
What each lesson actually feels like.
Most booked
Best for two
Semi-private surf lesson
You and one other surfer share a coach. Your coach splits the session between you, so you both get corrected on every wave.
- 2 hours
- 1 : 2
- Ages 12+
$150 per person
Fastest progress
Private surf lesson
Just you and your coach. Tandem option for small children, technique work for returning surfers, and a plan for what to practice next.
- 1–2 hours
- 1 : 1
- All ages
$150 per hour
03 — Included
Everything you need is on the sand.
Turn up in a swimsuit with a towel. We bring the rest.
- An O'Neill wetsuit in your size, from junior 4 to men's 4XL
- A beginner-friendly soft-top board, or a fiberglass board for experienced surfers
- A lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certified coach
- A beach safety briefing before you paddle out
How booking works
- Book online — pick your lesson, date and time.
- Get the text — by 6pm the night before, your coach texts the break, the meeting spot and parking notes.
- Meet and surf — arrive 15 minutes early, get fitted, and paddle out.
Cancellations more than 48 hours ahead are fully refunded. Inside 24 hours, see the terms.
04 — Why Club Ed
Forty years of first waves on Monterey Bay.
Ed Guzman started teaching water sports in 1983. The ratio, the certifications and the safety-first approach have not changed since.
One coach, four surfers
A ratio that keeps you safe and keeps your coach close enough to correct your stance before the next set.
Certified to teach
Every Club Ed instructor is lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certified, and the team includes an ISA Level 2 Surf Coach.
The right break, daily
Five permitted locations around Santa Cruz, chosen the day before for the tide, swell and wind.
Which lesson should a complete beginner book?
The group lesson is the best first step for most people: it is the lowest price, it runs for two hours, and you still get one coach for every four surfers. If you want more attention, or you are booking with one other person, choose the semi-private. If you are booking for a child under 12, choose a private lesson.
Can I book a lesson for a group of friends?
Yes. Book one group lesson spot per surfer, and Club Ed will put one coach with each group of four. For three or more surfers who want their own coach, a private group lesson is $130 per person. Groups of 10 or more get a discount — call (831) 464-0177.
How far ahead should I book?
In summer and on weekends, book at least a few days ahead. Spring, fall and winter are quieter, and lessons run daily, year-round, so you can often book the day before. Summer surf camp sessions are different — the first one usually fills by January.
What if I have never even stood on a skateboard?
That is who these lessons are for. Club Ed coaches teach the pop-up on the sand before you get in the water, then stay with you in the shallows until you are comfortable. Most first-timers are standing on a wave within the first hour.
Pick your lesson. We'll pick the break.
Book online in a couple of minutes — your coach texts you the meeting spot the night before.