I did a private lesson for me and my two kids (11, 8). Because of the conditions, only I was able to go out. I appreciate that our instructor (Jack) didn't take any chances and called the lesson for the kids because of the conditions. Safety is number 1 with this group. Jack was a tremendous instructor -- incredibly knowledgeable and guides you through the basics all the way to standing up and riding the waves. The logistics of the lesson were easy, the equipment was good, and everything went super smoothly. No issues getting refunds for my kids who couldn't surf. A+. Will definitely use them again for lessons. read more

I've signed up my son, Dylan, for 5 private lessons with Instructor Travis. Travis is a wonderful Instructor with a lot of knowledges about surfing. Dylan has advanced from knowing a little bit about surfing to knowing a lot more about surfing. He is confident and comfortable now to surf on his own. He had so much fun surfing at the beach every weekend! Thank you California Surf Experience!! :) read more

Fantastic Experience! As a kid growing up in SoCal, all my friends were Surfing but I just seemed to miss out. Here now, 50 Years later, in the water with Instructor Ryan (a little bit nervous but knowing Ryan was watching out for my safety), I had my first lesson. It was Awesome! We're heading out again next week. Got some homework assignments to practice. Can't wait! BTW, does anyone say "COWABUNGA" anymore?! read more

What a great time! Got up my first try. Travis was helpful and knowledgable. Can't wait to do it again.:) read more

Took my first lesson with Ryan His instructions were On par, unique and easy to follow. I had a blast being in the water and really learned a lot wirh Ryan. He makes you feel comfortable in the water , goes over safety procedures in and out and most of all fun fun fun. Will be booking my next appointment . Don't pass up Ryan , great experience and a pro thanks dude read more

By nature your first time surfing can be intimidating, especially for someone who doesn't have a ton of experience in the ocean (like myself) - but Ryan went above and beyond making my first time surfing a total blast. He does a great job at making sure you have all the base information you need before heading out, so there was never a time where I didn't feel completely safe and at ease. Ryan was totally professional, and overly willing to give a really thought out answer to all the questions I had (even the super-easy 'beginner' questions - he even encouraged it). As someone who is trying to take up surfing, it was really great tapping into the knowledge he has of years and years of surfing. Ryan is clearly a talented surfer, but most importantly a fantastic teacher, who takes the time to methodically set you up for success. The equipment he provided was really high quality as well. He even ended the lesson by encouraging me to reach out to him if I had any questions buying my own equipment, where to surf, etc - totally going above and beyond. We have friends coming into town, and without a doubt I'll be recommending they take a lesson with Ryan. If you're looking to turn surfing into a new hobby, or just want to try it out once, I can't recommend California Surf Experience enough. read more

My girlfriends and I booked a surf lesson in Laguna with Ryan on two different occasions because of a friend's amazing referral. We had fantastic experiences. All 3 of us are quite inexperienced, in our late 30's- early 40's and a tad nervous about the Ocean. Ryan was amazing at gauging our experience level, making us feel comfortable and was successful at getting all of us on some nice little waves! The pick up /meet point was easy to find and he had all of the wetsuits and boards ready for us. I will be booking future lessons with Ryan when my friends visit Orange County. Ryan is reliable, fun, patient and an overall great teacher. I felt safe and challenged. read more

The surfing that I did with Ryan is what made this one of my favorite vacations ever. He took care in teaching my mom and I, we talked about everything under the sun and saw a seal while we did it. He even got breakfast with us one day. He's a great teacher and an awesome guy. I hope I can get back out there with him soon in the future. read more

California Surf Experience - This is my mom and I. CSE van is parked behind us right at the top of the stairs to the beach. - Surfing Near Me

My 14 yr old son decided overnight he wanted to go surfing with his buddies who were going to "teach" him. I'm so glad he had his first surfing experience with CA Surf Experience, instead! First, booking could not be easier with an online system which allows one to select from available days and times. Not aware of any other local surf school or instructor that had such a user friendly system. Because it was pretty last minute and a holiday weekend, I booked the first private lesson slot 8am on Labor Day morning to avoid the crowds and for easy parking. We did not get Ryan, but Shane did not disappoint! He was very nice and chill, and gave good instructions for our son. Shane provided my son with the knowledge and confidence to ride every wave after the first trial run. Granted, my son has the advantage of being a competitive swimmer so he had the confidence going in, but Shane is the cool experienced surfer that my son needed for his first experience to learn about the swells, zones and get the right vibe and foundation for the sport. He had so much fun even as it got crowded with other surfers around 9:00. And the bonus: a pod of dolphins swam past within 10-15 feet of them! It was a perfect first "California" surfing experience. Our son plans to continue with a few more lessons as he graduates onto smaller boards, and hopefully get a chance to surf with owner Ryan at some point. Needless to say, we highly recommend this company for surf lessons, whether you are a beginner or not. Private lessons are the way to go!! Note: the location is at Anita Street. There was no life guard on duty that morning (not sure if that was due to Labor Day holiday), so look into that with beach patrol in advance if concerned about water safety, or you're not a strong swimmer. read more

California Surf Experience - Riding to shore every time! - Surfing Near Me

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My son and I had a blast learning to surf with Ryan today in Laguna Beach. We both got up quickly using the incredible techniques we learned. Ryan did an amazing job explaining the basics but where he excelled is teaching how to surf smart. Would definitely recommend Ryan to anyone who wants to learn how to surf the right way, right away. We are already to hang 10 again. What a great day! read more

During a fun mother/daughter weekend trip to Laguna Beach, my daughter (11y.o.) wanted to try surfing. I scheduled a 90-minute lesson with California Surf Experience. The instructor, Kaylee (sp?), was so wonderful. She was super friendly and explained everything to my daughter. She explained technique so well that my daughter caught the first wave she attempted. My daughter is already asking when we can go back to the beach for her next surf lesson. Highly recommend California Surf Experience! read more

California Surf Experience - Surfing Near Me

I signed my 9 year old up for a 5 hour surf lesson. Ryan organized the event and customized to what he thought my son would enjoy given the wave conditions. He was so helpful and super responsive in text. Kailey was the instructor and she knocked it out of the park. She was so nice and really challenged my son to step out of his comfort zone by making him feel safe and giving him the tools to try. Also for those traveling you don't need anything. They have the boards and wetsuit. The only other add you may want to think of are water shoes as some of the beaches that are better for learning are a bit rocky. read more

Ryan is such an awesome instructor, had so much fun learning to surf with him. I was getting in the water after a couple of years, and last time I went surfing I broke my nose so I was pretty nervous but Ryan made sure that I was calm and I was having fun while surfing. At the end of the class I was pretty confident in going past the waves all by myself and catching the waves.The class started right on time, and all the instructions specified on the website and email are spot on. I will definitely be going back soon for my next class. Five stars to California Surf Experience. read more

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Signed up for a 1.5 hr private lesson with California Surf Experience for our visiting granddaughter (15). Her instructor, Tess, was wonderful and very successful at teaching! Tess showed her the basics on land, oriented her in the water, choose the right waves (GD rode 6), and made it such a fun and memorable adventure. GD loved the experience and is so excited to go out with her again soon. We also bought the photo package. The photographer was Paul Maggetti of Maggetti Productions. His work really captured the lesson (over 100 photos), including beautiful closeups. read more

My family came came to Malibu last summer for a first time surf trip. They fell in love with the experience and the instructor was amazing. So, I was fairly hesitant when they wanted to come back and try Laguna this year. After hours of reviewing websites and contacting locals, we decided to give CSE a try. Ryan was extremely informative and accommodating from the very outset and despite having big shoes to fill in terms of being a patient, insightful and wonderful instructor, he more than did the job. Five stars are hardly enough to reflect his A+ attitude, approach and skill set. May have to put Laguna on repeat for a few years just to surf with him again! read more

California Surf Experience - Paddling out into the gloam with Ryan to start a lesson in Laguna - Surfing Near Me

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I had such an amazing time surfing for the first time and Ryan was a fantastic instructor. He was incredibly professional, personable, and fun! I was able to catch a wave on my first try, which I never thought I would be able to do! I highly recommend and can't wait to book another session. read more

My teenage son & I did a private lesson with Tony this summer on a perfectly gorgeous sunny day. We were both complete and utter beginners. I was slightly terrified of getting run over or knocked out by a surf board, but I was being brave because my son wanted to try surfing! I freely admit that I ended up having a lot more fun than I thought I would. First, you practice popping up on the sand, then you paddle out to just past where the surf starts breaking and wait for the right wave. It's actually very relaxing chilling on your board, enjoying the waves and the sun. My son and I were both able to get up on a few waves. The beginner boards are nice and padded and cushy, and the surfboard & wetsuit are included in the rental. We came out of the water safe, tired, and happy. The worst that happened was getting saltwater up my nose, so I call that a success! Surfing is a bit daunting for me, I don't think it's my thing (I will stick to hiking up mountains) but my son can't wait to try it again! read more

My son and I took a private lesson with Ryan in Laguna Beach and we had a blast! Ryan had us up and surfing within the first couple attempts. He made sure we were aware of all safety measures, how to read the surf and how to have fun. Definitely recommend Ryan! read more

We gave a private surfing lesson to our grandson as a birthday gift the last two years. California Surf has excellent, courteous customer service. They were friendly and always prompt in returning calls. They sent a timely email with clear instructions of where to meet them and what we needed to bring. Our grandson had a good time and liked both of his instructors. He was able to stand on the board and ride waves his very first time out. read more

Just had my 2nd lesson with Ryan and I already feel comfortable on my new surfboard.. I have 3 more lessons and I feel confident that Ryan's teachings will get me surfing on my own in no time.. Ryan is a great teacher and extremely patient and experienced when we are out in the ocean.. read more

My friend and I were first time surfers and had an amazing experience with Tony. The lesson was so much fun and felt well worth the price. Would 100% do it again! read more

Had a surreal time catching my first waves with the help of my instructor Tony! He answered all of my questions clearly and knowledgeably which speaks to his experience and patience. I am hooked! read more

The kids had a time of their life !!! Tony was an AWESOME instructor. It was both their first time on a surf board and they were both able to catch a few waves. Definitely recommending California Surf Experience and Tony as an instructor. read more

These guys are great! I have sent a few friends visiting from out of town and everyone have been super stoked. They show up on time, have great boards and make the day super fun!!! read more

Great lesson from Toni, had a blast and learned a lot! He was very patient and cared about helping me progress in my surfing abilities. Highly Recommend! read more

Ryan got our grandson surfing on his first wave. The spot he surfs is perfect for beginners and the equipment he provides is high quality and well maintained. This experience was the highlight of the vacation for our family from Colorado. We will recommend California Surf Experience to anyone looking to learn to surf. read more

10/10. My husband and I wanted to try surfing before we left California, and we are SO glad we chose California Surf Experience. Ryan was very accommodating with our schedule, knowledgeable, and fun! We both stood up by the end of the lesson. Thank you so much, Ryan! We will definitely be back!! read more

Ryan is the man. We had a group with varying experience levels and he accommodated us all, and each surfer had a great experience. He's flexible and adaptable, and did his best to make everything as easy as possible, including supplying wetsuits and extra surfboards. He had our best interests in mind - he gave us tips on how to continue improving after we left him. I hope to meet up with him again because I can't imagine a better time surfing. read more

Wow! So much fun! Booked a couple of surf lessons with Ryan at Laguna Beach this September. I am a beginner and Ryan started the lessons by teaching me a few basic dos and don'ts. Then we went into the water and, well, it was GREAT. Ryan taught me how to position, how to move, how to rotate fast. I caught 6-7 waves in a row and I got better and better every time. Day two was as good, even if the sea conditions were not as ideal as the first day. Well I guess I learned something... Definitely recommended. Ryan is very experienced and can provide a great experience for both beginners and good level surfers. read more

Ryan was great! My wife was surfing for the first time ever and with his instruction, she got up on the board and made it to the shore every time! He was also very aware of the surroundings in terms of safety. While in the water, he selected the appropriate waves for her skill level, kept her at a safe distance away from a large group that was in the water, and more. The start of the lesson (on shore) included very important details about the water itself and more. He was very patient and extremely knowledgeable. If you are a beginner, just show up and he will take care of the rest!!! read more

Best experience of the whole trip. Ryan is amazing! All ages from 12 to 50 had a blast. Got everyone comfortable with a lesson on the beach, gave everyone the equipment they needed, and everyone ended getting up and riding a wave. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Can't wait to come back and do it again! read more

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We found Ryan/California Surf Experience on google search and can easily say it was the highlight of our trip. We read the directions wrong and ended up far away from our meeting spot but Ryan offered to come pick us up and was there almost immediately. He was incredibly friendly and accommodating. He had so much enthusiasm for the sport and energy to teach. As beginners we weren't sure how well we would do but we all got up multiple times! Ryan gave great advice and is clearly an expert. He also gave awesome recommendations for local spots to check out during the rest of our trip. We hope to return to Laguna to surf with Ryan again. You rock, Ryan! read more

California Surf Experience - Our instructor Ryan showing us how to "hang loose." - Surfing Near Me

I very much enjoyed my lesson with Dante. I'm a total beginner and he was able to help me get up at least four times! He was very friendly, encouraging and patient. Easy to book online and the whole experience was really fun! Highly recommend. read more

We had such a fun time on the waves with Ryan! Having taken a few surf lessons before, I'm able to say that Ryan is a superb instructor. Clear, thorough, patient, and positive! I learned things from Ryan that none of my prior instructors mentioned. Hope to do it again! read more

Ryan was the best! I've taken a few surf lessons elsewhere and can honestly say that I've had the best lesson with California Surf Experience. I told Ryan that I wanted to eventually be able to surf on my own, and he was actually trying to help me learn that. I feel that a lot of other surf lesson places just teach you the pop up over and over again. He took the time to explain to me board position, how to look at waves, and answered any questions I had. We spent about 20 minutes on the sand and the rest on the water. But most importantly, he was super chill, I learned a lot, and it was a lot of fun! read more

We had an amazing time with Ryan at California Surf Experience! He was knowledgeable, friendly and so helpful. HE truly wanted us to enjoy our experience and learn at the same time. He gave us great advice to get better each time out and while my husband was taking his turn and I was waiting I got to hear great stories of his surf adventures! I highly recommend CSE and especially Ryan! If you want to learn from a pro - this is the right place! We will be back for refresher skills our next trip to town! Thanks Ryan! read more

I had a blast learning to surf for the first time. Ryan is a great instructor with a strong foundational skill-set based on years of surfing experience. He walked me through the fundamentals on the beach for about 20 mins and we hit the water immediately. I was able to ride a number of waves all the way to shore. It was an amazing experience. Ryan was both patient and encouraging. We are bring my kids to Laguna in the spring and definitely using California Surf Experience again. Thanks Ryan. read more

I was looking for someone to take my 13 year old daughter surfing and Ryan was highly recommended to me by a long time friend. I contacted Ryan and he got back to me right away to answer my questions and set up a lesson for the upcoming weekend. My daughter was a little nervous to go out with someone she did not know, but Ryan's patience and experience helped put her at ease. He tailored the instruction to her pace and level and she was catching waves within 15 minutes of being out. My daughter was stoked after the lesson and cannot wait until the next session with Ryan. Not only did she have fun, but she feels that going out with Ryan is going to take her to the next level. read more

I really enjoyed my surf lesson with Ryan. Resale nice guy and helped me with the absolute basics like a pro. I was totally new to surfing, and I'll definitely be signing up for more lessons. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Ryan and California Surf Experience. I signed up for a private lesson, only my second lesson ever, and went into it a little nervous and expecting to not really do well. I ended up being able to stand up on every wave and even ride a couple all the way to shore. Ryan has such a calm and thorough teaching technique that sets all his students up for success. Safe to say I think I'm hooked on surfing and can't wait to make it out to Laguna sometime soon for another lesson! read more