I've had the pleasure of taking several Adventure Out classes over the past year--Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, and most recently the Wilderness Survival Clinic--and every single experience has exceeded my expectations. The wilderness survival clinic with Jack was transformative. I initially signed up simply to spend more time outdoors and pick up practical skills, but what I found was something much deeper. Adventure Out's classes don't just teach--you're invited to truly interact with nature and form a real relationship with it. One of the unexpected highlights of the clinic was how naturally it became a team-building experience. Even though almost everyone in our group had just met for the first time, we quickly found ourselves collaborating, communicating, and problem-solving together. Building an emergency shelter as a group--choosing the right location, dividing tasks, and working within a limited time--was incredibly fun and surprisingly connecting. It added a whole new dimension to the experience and showed how nature can bring strangers together in meaningful ways. Our instructor, Jack, has a remarkable ability to make every person feel seen and included. Watching how he engaged with adults and kids alike--especially the two young children (ages 6 and 4!) in our group--was inspiring. His presence, awareness, and ability to track the energy of the group is unlike anything I've seen. The way he integrated the little ones actually inspired me to bring my 10-year-old daughter next year. And speaking of unforgettable moments--seeing fire by friction created before my eyes was one of the most beautiful outdoor experiences I've had. Learning how to carve my spindle, and progressing much farther than I expected, was empowering. Two folks in our group were able to start fire for the first time ever, based on Jack's instruction! I found Jack's YouTube tutorial afterward, which has been incredibly helpful for practicing at home. I'm already signed up for the wilderness survival overnight immersion next June. A huge shoutout as well to Dan, who taught my rock climbing class. The first session was so fun, motivating, and perfectly paced, and I enjoyed it so much that I later took a private rock climbing class with my daughter. I got hands-on practice with belaying, and she had an absolute blast climbing outdoors for the first time. It was an unforgettable experience for both of us. I'm planning to take more classes with my daughter, as well as take the rock climbing anchors class. Another big thank-you to Eli, who taught my mountain biking class. The class was tailored to my request for hands-on experience fixing common bike issues on the trail. We also covered MTB riding techniques, which were super fun--and as a bonus, we ran into pro cyclist Kate Courtney, which added an exciting surprise to the day! Adventure Out consistently delivers exceptional instruction, meaningful experiences, and a culture that supports learning, curiosity, and personal growth. I'm deeply grateful for the community they've built. read more

Adventure Out - private rock climbing class with my 10 y/o daughter, where I got to belay and she climbed all day - Rock Climbing Near Me

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Beautiful, I don't like to walk but I do and my god the beautiful landscape, bring fish food, the ducks and fish will follow you a great deal around the lake, delightful! There are nice bathrooms inside the large beautiful office bldg, a small coffee stand and indoor seating... What a find! read more

My son wanted to take surf lessons for his 16th birthday so I signed him up for the two-day beginner surf lessons in Pacifica, and he had a fantastic experience for his first time surfing, and his first time really out in the ocean! Surfer Jeff, Surfer Alan, and Surfer David were amazing and made his first surfing experience so much fun that he wants to come back and do it again! They were friendly, patient, kind, and made sure that everyone in the group received individual assistance. This definitely ignited my son's passion to continue his surfing journey! Thank you so much! read more

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The wilderness class was fun and educational... plus who doesn't love to be in a redwood forest with other like minded chill people? Attendees were diverse in age & background. Our group of 12 make a steep but short hike from the parking lot up to a small, shaded clearing with log benches, stumps, and a picnic table. We were split into two groups who each built an emergency shelter and later we each made, or attempted to, make fire with tools we made. I made smoke but no fire... but now at least i know how to. We covered the priorities in a true survival situation and i do feel like i will prepare better even for seemingly easy outings. It's a fun & educational class in beautiful surroundings with good people. No egos here, awesome read more

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I had an amazing experience with, thanks to the incredible team of instructors-Gary, David, and Al. Gary was outstanding in teaching about the nature of the ocean. His explanations on how to read waves were clear, insightful, and easy to apply. He's an all-around great instructor who really helps you feel connected to the water. David helped me understand how to relax my body, which made a huge difference in my confidence and overall experience. His calm, supportive teaching style really stood out. Al was fantastic at reinforcing safety throughout the entire session. He created an environment where I felt secure and well-guided at all times. Overall, the combination of knowledge, support, and safety these three provided made the experience truly exceptional. Highly recommend! read more

The Recertification Lifeguard class was an in-depth review. The "real life" scenarios presented by Al helped me to understand the reality of why we were training. His down to earth explanations were easily understood and meaningful. Overall, an excellent class and teacher. read more

Allan really facilitated thought provoking learning! He lead a cpr/first aid with scenarios and making sure we use proper resources.

I've taken several lessons with Adventure Out in Pacifica. Each experience has been absolutely wonderful! The instructors love what they do, and I felt it in the way they teach. My daughters who were scared of the ocean, recently took a surfing lesson with Stephen. They absolutely loved it! He was kind, funny, and gave them everything they needed to stay safe and have fun! I feel fortunate to have found this company, and just wanted to give a huge thank you! Martha Bartlett read more

Al was a fantastic instructor for our lifeguard recertification. He brought a lot of passion and knowledge - thanks for the help and for meeting us where we are! read more

I had a great experience with a surf lesson through Adventure Out. We had to change locations from Cowells Beach to Capitola to make sure there were waves but it seems like a great call and all the information was communicated clearly. The instructor, Chase, wasn't just an experienced surfer, he had taught surfing for at least a decade and it showed. He gave great instruction on land which lead to much more success in the water. I had had a few previous surf lessons in other parts of the world but his technique for standing up was the best I'd experienced and made it much easier than others had. He gave us a lot of information and thorough explanation and I really appreciated it. In the water he helped us catch waves with a little push of the board when we needed it but also helped teach us how to catch them. I successfully stood up almost every time! He gave constructive feedback and encouragement after each attempt as well. Best surfing lesson I've had! A week or so after the lesson I called the office to get advice on reading tide predictions for future surfing practice and they called me back and explained it all to me --for me that was totally going above and beyond. Highly recommend this company! read more

Adventure Out - Rock Climbing Near Me

Alan was a great instructor. He taught us not only how to handle the board, but also key safety basics and proper surfing etiquette. In the water he gave hands-on help, literally holding our boards so we could catch some proper rides alongside the average attempts. Not that this is the goal, but every single one of us stood up by the end of the class. He was on time and wrapped up on time, kept the briefing tight so we spent as much time as possible learning and practicing, and made sure everyone had all the information they needed. As a lifeguard, he made us feel safe throughout, and his teaching experience really showed. He even checked for bee allergies and took precautions when he spotted bees on the beach. Couldn't have asked for a better introduction to surfing--highly recommend Alan! read more

Had a great beginners surf lesson in Pacifica. Thank you Al and Surfer Jeff for making me feel welcome. I loved the way you were able to stress safety, while keeping it fun. I am looking forward to my next level course with you!! read more

Just completed the shallow water lifeguarding recertification class and it was terrific! Our instructors, Al and Gary brought fun, humor, passion, interest and good vibes to our class. I appreciated their teaching style which was fresh and interesting, focusing on concepts and reasoning rather than algorithms and memorization. Thanks so much for a great learning experience and such a pleasant, albeit challenging day with our Adventure Out instructors! read more

Took the shallow water lifeguard certification course with Al and Gary. They're phenomenal instructors. Very knowledgeable and personable. I was intimidated taking the course but both Al and Gary know how to guide you to feel confident in the knowledge you learn from the online course and the skills you learn each day. It's an exhausting three days but so worth it! Highly recommend taking a lifeguard certification course from these guys. read more

I would not hesitate to take any class offered from these fine folks. So much heart, all the good vibes, and safety first! :)

Gary was an awesome coach for my first surf lesson ever. I'm not much a beach goer and generally don't enjoy even getting in the water, but his clear explanation on surfing safety and mechanisms gave me the confidence to step in and give it a try. The boards and wetsuits were great quality and clean. Board was surprisingly easy to use and I was able to stand up on my first day. In the water Gary helped me with tips and tricks to get me going and safe. Highly recommend their surf day classes. read more

I attended a shallow water lifeguarding course with Alan and Gary, who were both very effective instructors. They reinforced the seriousness of each skill and challenged us physically while encouraging teamwork, building confidence and bringing in humor. I left the course energized with new skills and new lifeguard friends because of the camaraderie they inspired within the group. read more

Aloha Al On behalf of ASPA, and me, I wanted to thank you for the tremendous support you gave our organization. It has been a long journey but finally we are done. Through your efforts we have certified about a hundred lifeguards. Although I am still getting pings,2, on whether we have any more classes scheduled. My response has been maybe in the fall but many things have to fall in place, including a large request for classes. You would be our first choice for Instructor to head these classes. Clearly you wowed all the participants because all the responses on your classes were positive plus. I appreciate your ability to stick with the program despite the setbacks we encountered on every class. Hope to have the opportunity to work with you again. read more

My 10yo son recently attended the Kids Surf Camp for the first time, and his review was that it was "very very good." :) The instructors were a perfect combination of extremely kind, patient, competent, and fun, which truly makes all the difference in the world! Adding to the awesomeness of the instructors, everything else about the camp was easy and smooth. No problems finding the meet up spot, everything ran on-time, etc. It was all around a very positive experience, and my son is already looking forward to attending again next summer. read more

The most interesting wilderness first aid class you will take! Really good instructors and they did a great job of customizing the class to the audience which was really helpful read more

Alan is knowledgeable and skilled at guiding individuals through challenging classes within a short timeframe. He is an engaging and humorous lecturer as well as an excellent coach. Gary is also a passionate and great coach. read more

My buddy and I did the Saturday 9am one-day surfing lesson. Our instructors were Alan and Alice, and they were terrific. The lesson was 2.5 hours, and a majority of it was in the water. They taught us the crucial parts and had us in the water learning in no time. I would definitely recommend booking here; the price was cheap, and we had a great time. read more

Adventure Out is a terrific company. My grandson loves to surf and I signed him up for 2 days of lessons. His instructor was Alice who was wonderful with him. The waves were not very good and he was a bit disappointed but both days said he had a fun time and learned a lot. Adventure Out communicated regularly through email and text. We knew exactly where to go and when to be at the location. We hope to come back next summer!! Thanks so much for a wonderful experience. Happy Grandma!! read more

2 day surf camp in Pacifica for my 13 year old. they send clear instructions before the camp, provide all gear , clear instructions and training before getting into the water, good trainer - student ratio. recommend highly for beginners read more

Had a great surf lesson with Alice in Pacifica. She has such positive energy, really patient and thoroughly went through the fundamentals in great detail. She gauged everyone's level and capabilities and spent time to really knock down the basics. Highly recommend and will likely go for another lesson to get repetition and the training. The surf lessons included everything you needed (wet suit and surf board). read more

Thank you Adventure Out and Instructor Chase for a great surf experience in Santa Cruz. Total newbie here but felt welcomed and comfortable with our group in the water. Highly recommend as a great experience for anyone on vacation in the area or anyone that just wants to give surfing a try. I'm an old lady with no athletic skill and I still managed to ride a couple waves thanks to Chase. :) read more

I thought Alan did a great job teaching these concepts in a way that was digestible and grounded in practical application. He kept the class engaging and fun also, it was the most effective and enjoyable cpr training I've been through overall. read more

Adventure Out surf instructors focus on safety, reading waves, as well as mechanics of paddling and popping up! I felt like I was in good hands, there were no serious injuries, and the instructors were able to give each student attention and assistance. Thank you Coach Dave, Surfer Jeff, and Surfer Gary! I'll be back :) read more

Took the 2 day class: great instructors and great experience. Definitely good value for the money! I would definitely recommend this place if you are interested in learning to surf read more

Al is an excellent instructor. He explains information in a natural way that really maintains your interest. I'm so glad I took this class. I feel very prepared for shallow water lifeguarding and basic first aid!! Thanks Al. read more

This team is amazing! Safe and student focused very experienced, I have been back several times! Very Stoked!

Al and Gary were awesome coaches for 3 rigorous days of practice, testing and training. They were firm, fair and fun! Thank you building teamwork amongst all of us and for supporting our pool association. I will never forget this experience! Thank YOU!!! read more

I cannot recommend this class enough. I had a great time. I feel like everyone should take it. I've been a paramedic for about 20 years and even with the training and experience I already had, Al was able to make the class engaging, and educational for me along with all the other students. Thank you again read more

We learned so much. And we were all safe the whole time. No short cuts, just learn and demonstrate. Thanks!

I had an incredible time with their surf lesson today. The instructors were gracious and knowledgeable and very encouraging. Nothing short of a priceless experience. read more

instructors were professional and sincere. lots of good discussions engaging audience

Had the most fun experience taking a beginner's Surf Class with Adventure Out in Pacifica! I found this place on Groupon and reservations were easy to make on their website. Before the lessons, communications were super clear, and there were multiple emails detailing where to park, where to meet, what to wear, and what to do with valuables etc. The morning of the class, we also received a text with an even more clear picture / diagram of where to meet. Wetsuits, booties, and the board also came included with the class which was a huge plus. The first portion of class was dedicated to water safety and practicing paddling + standing up. When we were out in the water, there were multiple instructors helping us get onto the board and letting us know when to start paddling. There were about 4 students to 1 instructor, so it was a good ratio where it felt safe. They also had a dedicated lifeguard from Adventure Out stationed on the beach watching out as well. The students wore bright yellow jerseys and the instructors wore red jerseys so they were easy to spot. Overall, Adventure Out provides the best combo of safety and also fun. I will be recommending Adventure Out's surfing lessons in Pacifica to all my family and friends! read more

These folks know their stuff! Al and Gary taught me in a Red Cross shallow water lifeguard course and were the perfect mix of knowledgeable and fun. I ended the class feeling well trained confident. read more

Al and Gary are very professional and helpful. I learned so much and they were super respectful.

Great training. Covered a huge amount of information in a short time. Great at answering questions. Great presentation skills.