Isla is the best of the best when it comes to surf schools in Charleston. The instructors are patient and extremely knowledgeable. I had never been on a surf board prior to my lesson with Isla. I was really nervous. I'm not the strongest swimmer or have the best balance. They put my nerves to rest very fast. The lesson starts on land. They teach you how to stand up on the board and do some drills with you prior to ever going in the water. After the drills are done, they go to the water with you. They help you paddle out and will help you find the best spot to wait for the best wave. They are super patient with you. They told me when to start paddling to catch a wave. I ended up standing up twice out of 5 good waves. I was exhausted at the end of the lesson, but it was worth it. I highly recommend Isla for surfing (and I've heard their paddle boarding tours are great too!). read more

Peter and his assistant PJ did a great job getting us up and surfing in a short amount of time . He's a great teacher , direct and clear lessons on land . When we hit the water we were all catching waves , standing up, and surfing right away We had a group of 4 in our family, it was day 2 of our vacation , we had an afternoon lesson. The conditions were pretty tricky at school , Peters great enthusiasm for the sport , and our safety, gave us the confidence we needed to catch those waves that as beginners, we wouldn't normally know how to handle . After school , we rented boards for the rest of the week, and have been surfing everyday here on Folly. I'm 52 years old , the son in law , my step son , and his buddy . I just had a life changing moment... Thanks Peter ! Yes ! I highly recommend this school . Bryner , from PA read more

This was truly the best beach experience ever. We were coming for a "beach day" from out of town and were surprised to find that parking nearby was a non-hassle and easily accessible. Peter and his team had thought of everything to make this the easiest and most enjoyable adventure. I was extremely impressed with not only the land lessons, but also the fact that Peter got into the water and helped me get up on my first try! There was a team on land to capture moments of my first "big wave" on camera and the many subsequent ones thereafter. I love that they have a package that allows me to buy 5 lessons so that I can continue to come back and work on my skills. Overall, I could tell that the Isla Surf School team had a vested interest in helping me and would recommend them to people of all ages. read more

I was in Charleston for a bachelorette in June, and if you're looking for a unique activity that is fun and adventurous, I highly recommend taking a class with Peter and the other instructors of Isla Surf School. Peter and the two other instructors were very easy-going, while also reassuring to our large group that we were going to succeed. We spent two hours on the water with them, and it flew by. I've been surfing before in a group, and previously I'd been stuck waiting for it to be "my turn." However, Peter and the other instructors facilitated the whole process for us and made sure that we gained confidence, while making the process fluid. They were also able to handle a wide skill-set from our varied group. I highly recommend taking a lesson with them! read more

This was a fantastic experience! My bf and I had never surfed at all before, and we were a bit nervous: it was March, and cold (we're talking sweaters and jeans on the beach, jackets at night). Peter had super warm gear and new-looking boards, so we were totally comfortable. His instructions were really easy to follow. Peter is a natural teacher: very patient, gave specific feedback, and very encouraging. My bf and I both were able to stand up on our first go-rounds, and surfed several waves. Huge success! We will definitely go back for a refresher course next time we're in Charleston. This was a blast from start to finish, and a super reasonable price for the amount of one-on-one attention and instruction we got. Can't recommend this company enough! read more

I have now taken 3 SURF lessons from Peter and his crew this summer. We went out for two yoga/ SURF mornings and really loved the entire program. We went back out for a group lesson with friends and really started to get a hang of how to direct the board, site waves, etc due to Peters's precise coaching and tips after each ride. I highly recommend Isla Surf School for any program or camp in Charleston! They are professional, skilled and make it fun! We love the foam boards made in Charleston that the school uses, largely because it makes it easier to get up-- and that goes a long way when you are just learning to surf! read more

We had 5 children ages 5-12 who participated in a morning surf lesson for part of their spring break and it was the highlight for each of them! Faye and Nadia were so patient and encouraging to each of them and they all felt so safe and capable out in the water. Shane was fantastic with communication and adjusting the schedule when the conditions were not safe for our original time. Activities like these foster such respect for the ocean! It also boosts their own confidence as they work through fears and try new things. So grateful for this amazing experience for our crew and would highly recommend! read more

As a city gal, feel most comfortable with my feet firmly on concrete. However, I recently braved a group surfing lesson at Isla Surf School during a friend's bachelorette party. Most of us were beginners, and Peter and his colleagues did a great job teaching us the basics. They gave us all personal attention, even though we were quite a large group - and were very kind, encouraging, and patient. To my surprise, under Peter's tutelage, I even caught a wave! Sports that require delicate balance and coordination are not my forte - so if Peter can teach me to surf, he can teach anyone! read more

I had a great experience during my surf lesson! I found the prices to be super affordable, while also gaining a lot of knowledge during the session. I felt prepared prior to the lesson and the school was very flexible. They provided a wetsuit so I could surf even in March! I had no experience going in and am not very coordinated, but the instructor Peter was very patient and encouraging. A lot was taken into consideration for safety, my own ability, and making sure it was a lot of fun. Would definitely recommend for any age group or level of surfing. Check it out, you won't regret it! read more

Isla Surf is by far the best company to work with on Folly. Their emphasis on soft skills in teaching, fundamentals focus, and fun in the water put them above the rest. My kids (8 & 6) did surf camp; my 6 year old daughter refused to get on a board prior to the week. By the end she didn't want to come out of the water. Small groups and emphasis on each kid. NOT ALL SURF SCHOOLS ARE THE SAME. Do your homework, these guys focus on quality and safety for the individual child. Well worth the money. You get what you pay for! We'll be back next year. read more

The surf instructors were very patient and showed us all the fundamentals of surfing. They helped us get in the water, into the the paddling position, and how to get over waves that were coming at us. While waiting for the right wave they told us a bit about themselves, but as soon as the perfect wave came they would tell us to paddle, they would push us on the wave, and then they would tell us to stand up using the form they taught us. We were able to stand up quite a few times, and the instructors would help us do it all over again. read more

Isla Surf school is amazing!! I purchased a five lesson package and went from a girl who had never once been on a surf board to a girl that can confidently ride whatever waves Charleston beaches can throw at me. My only complaint is that the instructors are so good looking it can be extremely hard to focus at times...I mean seriously have you seen those guys? Its like Channing Tatum had a baby with George Clooney and then that baby had a baby with Kelly Slater. 5 stars! Would recommend to anyone looking to learn how to surf! read more

I planned a social event for the Charleston Junior Women's Club with Isla surf School. Peter was always quick to respond to all my emails and made the process of booking extremely easy. All 12 of the women were beginners to surfing but with the help of the talented instructors, we all caught amazing waves! They divided us up in groups with an instructor, Brant was mine, and he was so patient and made it such an enjoyable learning experience. We had such a blast and would highly recommend booking with Isla Surf School. read more

We had lots of fun with Peter and Declan as our surfing coaches. They are really professional and full of patience. After our first surfing lesson，we mastered pop up and caught many good rides all the way to the beach. It had several showers of the weather，once we began to surf it got sunny. We don't need to worry about get sunburn. They provide trainning tops to protect our skin as well. Now we're planning to come again and learn more advanced tips and see our lovely coaches again in the summer. read more

Awesome experience! It has been my lifelong dream to surf. I started taking lessons last year and it was a blast. The team is amazing. They are very positive and supportive and want to ensure that you have the best experience possible. I've worked with two of the surf coaches (Shane/Sam) and both are excellent. I am a beginner, and a senior citizen, but they were patient with me and I had so much fun that I'm back this year taking lessons again. Thanks Isla! You're the best! read more

Best Surf Instruction in Charleston! Safety is top priority! Exceptionally professional both owner, Peter, and head instructor, Trip.  As a beginner surfer, was put at ease knowing Trip had 25 yrs surf experience. His passions for surfing & conservation, combined with expert knowledge, dedication, patience, positivity, & eagerness to see the student succeed all while having fun, is what makes Isla stand out from the rest! Super impressed! Looking forward to my next lessons! read more

A group of friends and I reached out to Isla Surf School to set up a surf lesson. From the beginning, the booking process was simple and easy to navigate. Peter was very accommodating when one of our group members had to drop out last minute. Once we got there, the instructors were so great to work with!! I would consider it one of the best times we've had in Charleston so far. I recommend this to everyone coming to enjoy a day at the beach! We will be doing it again!! read more

My friend and I had a lesson with Pete this Fall, it was the first time surfing for both of us. Pete was a wonderful instructor! He has a relaxed confidence about him and taught us the basics in just a few easy to remember steps. We had a lot of one-on-one time in the water and we both "got up" many times. I would definitely recommend a private or semi-private lesson especially if you are a beginner. We can't wait to get back out there when it gets warmer! read more

Our group took a group lesson recently and had the time of our lives! Thank you to the staff who stayed late after surf school to accommodate our group! The on land lesson was thorough and in the water experience was amazing! We were a little worried about the strong tide but it was clear the instructors had only the riders' safety in mind and provided staff for a 2-1 ratio. Thank you for a great day playing in the waves! We'll definitely do this again! read more