10 out of 10 with the best instructors! From the booking experience to the training session, Surf Happens turned our first surf experience into a lifetime memory! Micah and Reed handled our private session for 3 with professionalism and enthusiasm. All 3 of our group gave it a 10/10 experience overall. Adequate instruction time to start and plenty of time in the water. Highly recommend!! read more

My 5 year old son has not stopped talking about surf camp. The first day I dropped him off he cried and held on to me. It was his first summer camp. Fast forward to the last day of camp he did not want to leave. He had a lot of good things to say about all his instructors. It was extra money to attend camp because he's not 6. It was money well spent. Camp is only a week long, they provide lunch, sunscreen, top of the line wetsuits, hats, and surfboards. I do wish they provided itinerary for the day. I missed his performance in the surf competition the last day. I highly recommend giving your child this experience. They offer scholarships and one on one lessons. read more

See all

Reed was my instructor, and he was extremely patient with my performance. I enrolled in lessons twice in 2-years & I am no expert; yet, understood som of the basic surfing principles. Reed reviewed safety issues and the mechanics of surfing before we began in the Pacific Ocean. If you want to learn a new skill, be patient, and have fun- this is the place for you. I highly recommend this for newcomers! read more

Surf Happens - Surfing SoCal Style! - Summer Camps Near Me - Carpinteria, California

See all

My kiddos came for a week long surf camp and had the BEST time! The coaches were great- funny, helpful and engaged with the kiddos:) The lunch provided, along with the sunscreen, water, wetsuit and rashguard made it really easy on me- all they had to do was come to the beach w a suit and a towel. The surf competition at the end of the week was SO FUN! My kids did not complain one time during the entire week and are already asking to come back asap! Would highly recommend Chris and Surf Happens! Thank you! read more

Top notch camp has been going on for decades. Great counselors and counselor-to-camper ratio. They have a surf competition on the last day with many trophies, and announcers with loudspeakers. They even brought a pro surfer who won the Rincon Invitational this year to officiate. I highly recommend it. read more

My husband and I had a great surf lesson with Nick at Surf Happens. We booked the 90 minute private lesson for two people. The location was great with waves perfect for us as beginners. The online booking process was also easy to use with clear directions. Would love to do this again next time we're in the area! read more

The team at Surf Happens is exactly who you want to learn from and spend time with on your next surf adventure. They Rock! They listen, taught us how to surf, and are fun to hang with. Our company worked with Surf Happens for our annual party celebration in Carpinteria and we could not have been happier. Thank you! read more

Incredible surf school, and by far the best in the area! As an intermediate surfer with experience surfing all over the world, lessons with Surf Happens have been the single most effective way that I've improved. They have literally saved me years. The instructors are expert and attentive, providing very specific and tailored instructions on how to progress. Whereas many schools take a cookie cutter approach, Surf Happens is far more sophisticated, tailoring the instruction to the individual. I couldn't be happier! The kids' programs they run are amazing. I know a number of families who enroll their children in the surf camps, and every one of them has only positive things to say. The kids learn, build relationships, gain confidence, and have a blast! read more

What a great experience!!! I booked a private lesson for my Grandson who was visiting from Oregon. I even had to change my day and time and they were very accommodating. When we arrived for the lesson we were met by Ryan who was absolutely awesome. He read more

We booked a private surf lesson for 3 kids and 2 adults. We got 3 instructors and everyone learned a ton and had a great time! Instructors did a great job for us! Thanks! read more

My family and I had the best experience with Surf Happens. We had two days of private surf lessons and the owner Chris & his staff were incredible. They gave us beach umbrellas so we could watch the lessons in the shade, and sent us home with Surf Happens hats and stickers. Thank you Surf Happens for teaching my kids to surf! read more

Surf Happens - Summer Camps Near Me - Carpinteria, California

I had a 90 minute surfing lesson with Ally, and it was great! She was very nice, supportive, and willing to talk about what sort of boards I should get even after my lesson was over. She had me surf in a different location than originally planned because she knew I'd have a better experience at another beach, and this other location ended up being closer and more convenient anyway! I learned a lot in my first lesson. Within the first half hour on the water, I could stand on the board, and by the end, I could make it all the way back to shore. For my first time ever surfing, this was incredible! read more

Celebrated my 50th birthday with a surf lesson. Thank you so much for your patience, Ally and Nathan, we will definitely be back!

On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, we had the most amazing experience at Surf Happens. The owner came out to instruct our lesson personally, and not only was he SO engaging with my kids, but also allowed our two other friend's kids to join free or charge, even though they hadn't signed up. During the lesson, the instructors were so attentive and fun, it left such a wonderful impression on me and my girls! In fact, my youngest daughter was afraid to try surfing again after a previous bad experience, but the owner was such a natural with kids, and was able to connect with and encourage her, so she decided to give it another try at his urging, and ended up having a great time! It was truly such a great experience, and we can't wait to go back again! read more

We LOVE Surf Happens! My husband and son first took lessons here, then my son did Surf Camp. The staff is incredibly friendly and patient. My son went from not sure about surfing to LOVING it - awesome given we live in Santa Barbara. Going to try to squeeze in another week of camp this summer. Highly recommend!!! Thanks SH! read more

We absolutely love Surf Happens and are so grateful to Chris, Jenny, Ally, Jade and all the other amazing employees and instructors for giving our kids such a great experience at their camps and after school programs for the last few years. They run a well-organized business, are just great people, and have really inspired and nurtured our daughter's passion for surfing. read more

I moved to California to be a rad surfer chick and this was my first stop enroute to realizing my dream. I signed up for the Adult Clinic on weekends in August, I think it ended up being $400 for 6 sessions. The sessions were intimate with just about 2 other surfers and one surf instructor. Tom is great, friendly, patient, passionate, and encouraging. He taught us how to look up swell and read the waves. We would do some yoga and strengthening moves before hitting the water, and once in the water we'd work on paddling, turns, and turtle rolling before catching waves. The instruction really helped me feel more comfortable surfing and I felt it gave me great basic knowledge to step it up to the next level. There's a surf divas camp for people like me so I'll definitely have to check it out soon. read more

Had a surf lesson today for my 11 year old twins and their friend, Chris Keet owner. He was terrific, kids attended surf camp last year (5 days) and said they learned nothing compared to what they learned in two hours from Chris. He was funny, validating and informative! I would love to come back to one of his camps! What a great guy and my kids are happily surfing! He also loaned us his fabulous camera, I have 343 pictures of my kids surfing PRICELESS! read more

First Class operation. They know how to teach. Take great care of our kids. No skimping anywhere. Wonderful staff. Exceptionally high standards for the lunch they serve and the products they use. read more

We booked SurfHappens for a company event and were so impressed! They took care of absolutely everything for us, from catering to activities to equipment. Our team had a blast and would absolutely book with them again for future events. read more

This is a wonderful company. My son has done the stationery camp and I plan on doing the woman's lessons. The instructors are wonderful young people that surf and they are very accommodating, knowledgeable and the gal that runs the office is awesome! We will come back as much as we can. He's done both spring and fall sessions. read more

Surf Happens - Surf Class fall - Summer Camps Near Me - Carpinteria, California

These guys are the best. I've done a surf school before and it was all a bit disorganized. These guys are well staffed, well prepared, great with kids and adults alike. They are super careful with the children, as well as enthusiastic and energetic. They have enough instructors to insure that everyone is well attended and no one feels ignored. My party of 8 had a fabulous morning. We couldn't be happier. read more

Brought more than half my Brownie Girl Scout troop to a four hour surf school today and it was AMAZING! Every girl had a blast and now they all want to surf! Seeing the joy and confidence on all their faces when they stood up (they all did multiple times!) was the best! Plus they got valuable lessons about how to care for the ocean. I was jealous I wasn't enrolled! Can't say enough good things about them :) read more

My son was 14 years old and he hated the camp. You guys didn't serve him hot lunches like you guys said on the website. He didn't get any help from the instructors and he didn't learn anything. GO FUCK YOURSELF read more

They turned an old guy into a surfer OK, sort of, but I rode the board on my own a couple times until I stuck the back fin into the beach... This was a bucket list item for me. I tried a Surf Happens neighbor 1st but couldn't get them to follow through on a lesson. In just 2 hours Surf Happens got me on my way to becoming a real surfer. read more

I can't say enough about what a great time I had with Chris today. I called 3 surf shops advertising lessons and Chris was the only one who got back to me. I am a terrible surfer, but not a beginner. He worked with me on the phone to figure out a way to get me in the next day, despite a busy schedule. He also handled my lesson with another surfer (at a discount BTW) beautifully. It was a great refresher course that reminded me of the spirit of surfing (which Chris totally gets), and the skills a surfer needs to develop beyond riding waves (such as wave knowledge and safety) Chris gracefully managed to keep me busy with things to think about and practice while at the same time giving great attention to a brand new beginner. It was a fun day and I would definitely do it again! One more thing...he set me up with another surf teacher in the area for tomorrow. Sharing the love. Surf Happens has tents set up on the beach with snacks, shade, boards, and water. Another teacher was in the water with some kids doing a surf camp. One of the things that's a bummer about surfing is the crowds. It was refreshing to be on a little gentle peak...great for beginners...with a group of supportive kids. Enjoy! read more

We did a 2 hour family lesson. My 10 year old was able to stand on her own after an hour. My 4 year old would not get into the water. We had 4 different people trying. Finally Chris came over and he was able to get him to ride two waves. He was so good with my son. We had a wonderful time. Thinking of coming back with my daughter to do a women's week in the future. Our two instructors, Ryan and Glen were very nice, and funny. read more

Surf Happens is the best Surf School in Santa Barbara! We love them because at Surf Happens your kids are their kids. They have instructors who are not only competent and the tops in town, but also kind and positive people that really keep kids engaged and determined to insure that everyone gets the most out of their surfing experience. We've had guests come from out of town and we've had our son enrolled in camps, and in each case we've all learned safety, skills and passion. Jenny & Chris of Surf Happens are a top notch team - they also run the non-profit Surf Happens Foundation and are upstanding members of the community that give back - so everybody wins. read more

These guys are awesome! Friendly, welcoming and oh so patient with our family, all who have never surfed before. We signed up for family lessons while we were visiting Carpentaria on vacation. With the lessons, you got a hat and a tee shirt. They were out of hats at the time. A week after retuning home, we got a box of hats mailed to us! We definitely will be retuning for more lessons in the future. read more

My 10 year old son had an absolute blast at his 2 hour lesson with Chris! Chris spent time teaching Jacob safety and what weather and environmental elements to look for when you go surfing. Really appreciate how much he taught my son as well as kept him entertained! We will be back!! read more

The kids had a blast and are clambering to go back, for more Surf Happens camp.. Only complaint was sand on their sandwiches - hahahah We have solved that problem. They will be back. read more

I wasted $170 on a 2-hour lesson. Would have been far better off renting a board and not taking a lesson.

My daughter took surf camp for a week with Surf Happens in July 2013. Pros: she learned to surf (which is great!), they have a nice location on a good beach. Cons: the counselors were really underwhelming, the camp seemed disorganized and not well-tailored to different ages and personalities, and I am not sure that the instruction was really all that good. This camp was MORE expensive than a number of others in town, and they nickel and dimed us the whole week (no lunch provided, parents bring all food for last day BBQ, pictures are $40 if you want them of your child surfing). Sorry, but I think A-frame or other SB surf camps would be a better camp AND less expensive. read more

While having a Mother/Daughter camping trip in Carpinteria, my Brownie GS Troop spent the day at Surf Happens and had a blast! They even got myself and a couple of other Moms out there to surf. Now all of our girls want to surf and definitely want to return. It was an amazing day filled with lots of "firsts" and amazing memories that will last forever. Thank you Surf Happens! We hope to see you again very soon! read more

Thank you so much Surf Happens for an incredible surf experience...I went as part of my bachelorette weekend and made last minute reservations since I really wanted to surf. Roxanne scrambled to find a us instructors and made it happen. They were super understanding when we made last minute changes to our reservation even though it was inconvenient to them. Anyway the surf instructors were super friendly and knowledgeable and we all got up like 75 percent of the time...huge bonus was the Dolphins that put on a show right next to us. I can't have imagined a better day and am so grateful for the lesson. Thanks! read more

Ryan was friendly and easy to work with. The surf conditions were very calm and waves were infrequent which made for a lame ride but it was my first time so I guess lame is safe and I learned the basics easily in those conditions. I recommend checking conditions the morning of your lesson if you have a flexible schedule. It was easy to set up, I booked my lesson same day. read more

We took our son, who is autistic, to see if he liked surfing. He LOVED it! Chris is great with children and he just let our son play and learn at his own speed which is so important for him. Chris and Jen are really lovely people who give a lot of themselves to their students. It was really awesome to watch a group of small children all in the ocean together having fun learning something cool. If you want your children to learn to surf, take them here. You won't find better. read more

When I did the Surf Happens summer camp, I had never surfed before in my life. I only did it for one week, and I can already catch good waves by myself. This is one of the best summer camps I have ever been to, if not, it is THE best summer camp I have ever been to. Every day, we play games like dodgeball and kickball and team building exercises, which is a lot of fun. The lunch is also very good. I made some friends at the camp, and the instructors are always so fun and nice to me. I definitely want to come back to this camp next year, and I would 100% recommend this camp to anyone that is looking for a surf camp. They also do surf lessons, and other things like that, and they have a cool surf shop with boards and beach gear. I am pretty sad that I can't come to this camp again for another year, but I am looking forwards to next summer when I get to do it again. read more

These guys are the real deal. They were great for me and my family (all beginners). Chris and Dean provided an awesome stress free and fun experience. I highly recommend them and hope to return for intermediate and advance lessons down the line. read more

Had a great time taking surf lessons with Chris this weekend! My boyfriend and I walked in and he whole staff was really nice and they were able to take us right away. Chris was an awesome teacher and super encouraging. He made the lessons really fun for us and we left with a lot of new knowledge. The whole experience was awesome! read more