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    Surf Happens

    4.7 (59 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Surfing SoCal Style!
    Neal P.

    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!

    Denae S.

    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!

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    12 years ago

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    Chris K.

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    Review Highlights - Surf Happens

    Chris and his team keep all the kids involved, know each one of them by name, and makes each one feel special.

    Mentioned in 17 reviews

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    A-Frame Surf

    A-Frame Surf

    4.5
    (69 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I do like to drop into surf shops when I happen to be in a beach town. When I was in Carpentaria…read morenear Santa Claus beach, I popped into the A-Frame Surf shop. They offer *surf boards, *SUPs, *boogey boards, leashes, wax, *wetsuit, swim gear, towels, clothes, hats, sunglasses, and beach gear. They *rent out gear. Also what sets them apart from typical surf shops is that they offer lessons (all ages) and summer camps for kids. The shop is clean, modern, well stocked and organized. The staff were helpful. Plus I happen to see the kiddos summer camp surf lessons at Santa Claus beach. I was impressed with the organization and leadership to handle the gaggle of surfing kiddos and teach 'em a thing or two .

    It's unfortunate because every time we come to Carpinteria, we've stopped by this surf shop for the…read morepast 10 years. We always hope the experience will be different, and we've purchased items from the store many times over the years. Unfortunately, the staff has consistently come across as unfriendly and unwelcoming. As a customer, it's hard not to wonder if we're being treated differently, and that feeling is disappointing. Whether that's the case or not, we've never felt welcomed here despite being loyal customers. It's sad that after so many visits, the experience has never improved. Based on our repeated experiences over the years, I can't recommend this shop. Zero stars.

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    Kona shaved ice after camp
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    Pike’s Surf & Sk8 School

    Pike’s Surf & Sk8 School

    5.0
    (68 reviews)
    9.3 mi

    James is an amazing surf instructor. My 10-year-old son absolutely loved it. He definitely loves…read morewhat he does for a living and it shows. He was very personable and easy-going. We are looking forward to our next trip!

    James is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING surf coach…read more James is knowledgeable, skilled and able to convey the spirit and stoke of surfing. He knows when to go and where to take you so you will have success. He is a wealth of information on equipment, mechanics, environment, and the mental and physical components of surfing. If you're interested in surf history and culture, as I was, he will also teach you a lot. I've worked with quite a few surf coaches, and James is the best. He is a phenomenal teacher. He teaches ocean safety, awareness and respect. He is excellent at breaking down moves. My sense is that he adjusts his teaching style to the student. I'm sure he is great at working with beginners, but he's also quite skilled at working with advanced beginner/intermediate surfers. As noted in several other reviews, James is communicative, committed and competent. He is super conscientious, he shows up early, and often goes overtime in order to give students best experience. Never got the sense he was looking at his watch, like with other coaches. And he's just delightful to work with, an incredibly down-to-earth and generous person, I feel super lucky to have gotten a chance to get coaching lessons from him. If you have an opportunity to work with him, you won't be disappointed!!

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    Dogtown academy in action!!!
    Dogtown academy in action!!!
    Lucas is my favorite surfer! He's got style, check out that awesome bonzer surfboard under his arm. 5'5, 19 & 1/2 and 2 & 3/8.
    Lucas is my favorite surfer! He's got style, check out that awesome bonzer surfboard under his arm. 5'5, 19 & 1/2 and 2 & 3/8.
    James Pike Owner of Pike Surf & SK8 Skool:)

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    James Pike Owner of Pike Surf & SK8 Skool:)
    iSurf

    iSurf

    4.9
    (62 reviews)
    12.0 mi

    As a long time wannabe surfer, iSurf was the perfect way to start my journey. Scheduling your…read morelesson is super easy, and if the weather isn't cooperating, rescheduling is too. Thomas was our instructor and he helped us with everything from parking to properly putting on your wetsuit to surfing basic info to technique practice (on land) to helping us catch our first waves! I felt capable after the first lesson. Heading over to book the surf club membership now :) Thanks so much Thomas & iSurf team!

    I was so happy.my first lesson. I caught my first wave at 46 years old. I was stoked and motivated…read more Then my second lesson at 9am at Mondos Thomas, my instructor met me with a couple other girls that seemed a little more experienced than me but I was willing to take notes. But then it got weird. Feeling out of place with the group, I must have said something awkward that was misunderstood by Tom. When I asked about switching days to make up my monthly classes and to credit that I had already paid for, he disqualified me and said he no longer wanted to work with me. I was genuinely hurt. I really wanted to learn and he made me feel like I was this terrible person for saying something that was misunderstood. I still remember how bad my experience was, that I'm afraid to go out and try again . Maybe I would have "clicked better with a women instructor, but Tom was mean and hurtful.

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    Take flight Watersports

    Take flight Watersports

    5.0
    (2 reviews)
    16.8 mi

    What a transcendental experience! Christian has every quality that you could hope for in a…read moreteacher. He's incredibly supportive, calm and patient- we were connected via radios in the helmets. Christian gave me beta just when I needed it. I was up on foil turning in circles- halfway thru the lesson- and almost overwhelmed by joy. Christian loves efoiling and his enthusiasm resonated with mine so much that i feel like we've been on the same team for years. The Lift efoil worked flawlessly-- it's the best in the market. Christian also provided a super safe environment, safety vest along with the helmet. For me this whole experience was such a dream come true -- words fail to illustrate the pure exhilaration- the glorying stoke has not worn off. Can't wait to get out and efoil some more. Thank you Christian!!!

    Christian creates a comfortable and fun experience for all skill levels. I was impressed with his…read moreorganization and professionalism. Meeting at our planned location and time he had all the gear ready to go including helmet with two way hands free radio which makes for easy coaching. In very little time we were flying above the water in tandem. The feeling is like surfing on a jet powered magic carpet. He even managed to get some pictures of me riding and had drinks waiting when we were done. Couldn't have had more fun on such a serene marine morning. For those interested in trying this futuristic experience, I highly recommend Take flight water sports.

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    Efoil
    Efoil
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    Surf Happens - summer_camps - Updated August 2026

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