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Learn to Surf

If you want to learn to surf do the following.


First: Download and read this FREE E-BOOK "Learn to Surf." It also wouldn't hurt to read more about surfing etiquette here.

Second: TAKE A LESSON! I strongly recommend that you don't just rent a board and go to the beach. It's a lot less dangerous and less frustrating to take a lesson. Sign up for one if you don't know how to surf. An instructor will know how to get you started including when and where to go. You might want to take several lessons. Check for lessons with a local surf shop.

Surf woody in Oceanside
a empty a frame blue wave


Here are, arguably, a few of the best places to learn surfing.

  • Northern California - The Patch in Bolinas

  • Central California - Cowells in Santa Cruz.

  • Southern California - Old Man's in San Onofre.

Those spots have slow rolling waves that are ideal for learning. My wife took a group lesson at Cowells while I stood on the bluff and took pictures. She stood up and rode waves the first day.

In the San Francisco Peninsula there are also surf lessons in Half Moon Bay and Pacifica. Though not as ideal as Bolinas and Santa Cruz, these places OK to learn and I frequently see lessons given. Half Moon Bay and Pacifica don't have the slow rollers but there are places with a gentle slope where you can at least learn to ride white wash and maybe even a few small breaking waves. I frequently see Open Ocean Surfing Lessons (650-726-8686) in Half Moon Bay. In Pacifica you can try Surf Camp Pacifica (650-738-5757, Adventure Out (800-509-3954), or University of Surfing.

learn to surf on one of these soft longboards on rack

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