Just moved to Santa Monica and really wanted to get into surfing. This was the third surf lesson company I have tried and was by far the best! Chris takes his time and really sets you up for success. I have already booked more classes with him. If your serious about learning to surf, book with this guy! He is very knowledgeable!!! read more

Chris is an incredibly talented instructor and great with people of all ages and absolutely fantastic with kids. See the video of my 4 year old nephew under his tutelage. Patient, trustworthy, and kind. Highly recommend! read more

I've lived a spit distance from the ocean my entire life and never had to chance to go surfing. Thanks to my girl, we had a chance to try it with Chris' help. We didn't have to buy boards or suits, Chris brought it all we needed. Chris was very thorough from the start in giving us good pre-water instructions. He's very friendly and easy to get along with. Although, it wasn't to his best interest to give us advices to go surfing on our own, he gave us a lot of good information. Once in the water, Chris helped us go through each step to stand on the board. He actually would stand behind the board and push us to catch the wave. Honestly, it's all about timing. I could definitely recommend Chris to anyone who really wants to take that first step into surfing. read more

It was an amazing day for so many reasons not the least of which was the surf lesson with Chris. (Although getting engaged the night before didn't hurt!) The lesson was a surprise for my then boyfriend, now fiance, Dave who moved to California from Michigan four years ago and has always wanted to learn. I thought I would surprise him with a surf lesson on our two year anniversary and after reading reviews on this site Chris seemed like a great choice. The pre-surfing instruction was extremely helpful as Chris is very knowledgeable about the ocean (I had always wondered what a "rip current" is.) Once out in the water Chris helped us paddle past the breaker without swallowing too much water, then held our boards until the perfect wave came along. I was thrilled to find that I could actually stand up on my board and got up several times. Unfortunately for Dave he had a little too much champagne the night before (poor guy had no idea what was coming) but still managed to have a great time and agrees that Chris was a great instructor. Chris is also very friendly and personable and I would recommend him to any couple, group or individual who has been wanting to give surfing a shot. read more

Excellent instructor. Professional and friendly, Chris stayed in the water getting bashed by the waves while he steadied our surf boards and sent us on our way. Was able to stand up by the end and I can barely swim. Surfing fears abated, I am ready for more! Would definitely take another lesson next time we're in LA. read more

Amazing lesson! THE GOALS: I'd never surfed. I want to learn. Found Chris through Craigslist and he seemed the most genuine out of the many ads for lessons. THE PROLOGUE: Even before the lesson Chris gave great advice on where to get a wetsuit and what to look for. I brought my girlfriend along for the first lesson--She wasn't quite ready to get in the water but I wanted to pay for both of us so she could get the basics. Chris let her listen in for free as he gave a great, low-key but extremely practical talk on the basics of surfing. THE WATER: Chris has a great, structured method for getting the basics down. After 45 minutes in the water I was standing (sometimes!) on caught waves. He was realistic in explaining the time it takes to learn but got me to a level where it started to be fun very quickly. The rate-limiting step was my physical endurance (or lack)--I felt as if I with Chris' instruction I was going to keep learning as fast as my body could handle. THE FUTURE: Super reasonable prices, patient teacher, flexible schedule, no pressure or upsell...just learning how to surf--I'm going to be coming back for lessons as often as I can. Wetsuits don't come with the lesson, and I think that's a perfect strategy--if you want a quick "intro to surf" lesson while on vacation that you don't plan to repeat, Chris seems more than capable and a rental suit is cheap. But if you want to commit for the long-haul and make surfing a lifetime sport, like I do, you'll have an incredibly capable and committed instructor and will save enough with his prices to buy your own suit up front with no problem. More to come as the lessons continue! read more

I am from the Mid West and have always wanted to learn to surf. I was in California for work for three months so I now had the opportunity. I looked at several companies but went with The Surfbug and glad I did! Chris is very nice and professional. He teaches how to surf and the steps it takes, about the types of waves, safety when going into the water and while out there, and surf etiquette. I would definitely recommend him! read more

The Surfbug - Chris and I catching the wave - Trainers Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Chris is seriously the best! He is fun, knowledgeable, patient, and really energetic about surfing. Scheduling the lesson was a breeze - Chris gave me time slots to choose from and sent me all of the information (parking, where to meet him, etc.) in a timely manner. The lesson itself couldn't have been any more perfect. He spent the first 10 minutes or so dumping extremely useful and interesting information on us about how waves are created, how to understand surf forecasts, when the best time to go surfing is, and some other safety tips. Then we learned surf techniques and he gave personal tips to each of us based on his observations of us practicing. The majority of the time was spent in the ocean. Chris was really great at helping both my boyfriend and I catch waves, and giving us each personal attention and answering questions. He starts out pushing you into the wave and instructing you when to stand up. Once you get comfortable with this he'll simply yell out when you should start paddling and eventually you're doing everything on your own. This was my first time surfing and I stood up quite a few times too - what an amazing feeling! I definitely recommend The Surfbug if you want a fun, nonrigid, exciting surf lesson with a really chill and fantastic instructor! read more

This was a great lesson. The instructor was very informative, thoughtful and easy to work with. You can tell he really cares about helping people learn to surf. I had a great time and I was able to stand up on my first lesson. In my second lesson I was actually riding waves. I would highly reccomend "The Surf Bug" to anyone looking to learn to surf. read more

We went surfing for the first time with Chris and he was fantastic! He taught each of us techniques that best fit with how we naturally move and was an incredible coach in the water. He was out in the water with us the entire time and helped us catch good waves and dodge the bad waves. He is so encouraging and so nice - definitely highly recommend! read more

My 17 year old son and I were in LA on college visits for him, and on a whim (and because of his good Yelp recommendations), I booked us a lesson with Chris. I knew my athlete son would have a great time, but even though I am active, I have a 54 year old body that has gone through a lot. I am a teacher by trade and I can honestly say that Chris is a born teacher - patient, positive, and all about getting his students to succeed. My son was up on his second try, and most amazingly, I even got to stand up for a wave, which was my goal, and I left feeling really good - exhausted, but happy. Chris is someone I would not hesitate to recommend and would book a lesson again with him in a heartbeat. Not only did I have fun, I now understand so much more about what goes into surfing. It is a sport I wish I started 30 or 40 years earlier! You really can't go wrong with Chris, I don't know anything more I can say than that. Have fun surfing! read more

Chris is a great surfing instructor. He was thorough from beginning to end and both my boyfriend and myself were very happy with the lesson. He takes his time and I did not feel like any part of the lesson was hurried. He gave a great intro to surfing first and then took us out into the waves, staying with us the entire time. I was a little nervous at first but once out in the water Chris remained with me and the board and I felt much more comfortable. I highly recommend him to anyone interested in trying surfing! read more

Summer was ending and I was about to leave town on yet another job, however my teens had hardly seen me over their break and I knew we needed a day together. The beach beckoned, but the kids wanted something more than simply playing in the surf - The Surfbug came to our rescue! Chris responded to my phone message swiftly and emailed a confirmation and location information within the hour. He was prompt, arrived with everything we needed and immediately took charge, helping the kids on with their wetsuits and leading them to the beach for a short demonstration and discussion about technique. In the ocean, Chris was alert and ensured that he divided his time equally between each teen, noticing when one needed a little extra help and calling out encouragement and advice to those who were trying to catch waves on their own. He didn't ever stop teaching and was incredibly attentive. My children have taken a few other surf lessons, but they all begged to go out with Chris again this summer, and I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending him to anyone who wants to enjoy the ocean with a board. read more

I have to says it was a great experience with a great instructor, excellent lesson for your money, which is what i was looking for. Chris was very patient and knowledgable, i definetly recommend it :) read more

Chris is great! Had a private lesson with him last weekend, and it was a lot of fun. I had surfed before but it had been a few years, so I am pretty much a beginner. Chris was informative and very helpful. Booking lesson number two right now. read more

Chris is an excellent instructor: professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. He started from the ground up, providing all necessary equipment and a basic surfing overview before we got in the water, but left plenty of time to hit the waves. We had a great time! read more

I had my very first surfing lesson with Chris, and it was truly an experience that I will never forget. Despite the freezing cold in which I chose to schedule my first lesson, Chris took the time to teach me everything I wanted to know about surfing, and helped me to find the techniques that made me comfortable before even taking me out into the water. He was out in the water with me the entire time, guiding me into the best waves and giving me tips after each catch that helped me improve over the course of the lesson. I felt completely comfortable and prepared -- all thanks to Chris! If you are ever in California and looking to take a surfing lesson, I highly recommend The Surfbug! read more

Amazing lesson! I would recommend him to anyone that wants to learn how to surf(: I had a great time and i will be taking surfing classes from him again soon. I have never surfed and learned alot from my first class read more

Chris is fantastic to learn with and teaches to your skill level. Definitely goes above and beyond to make it a great experience.

Surfing... Where have you been all my life?? Growing up out east on Long Island sound, the ocean was always there. Waves however, were quite non existent. When I finally made the move out to California I received the best birthday gift I could ask for. Two surf lessons with the Surf Bug. Chris is an outstanding teacher. Professional and personable all at the same time. He leaves no stone unturned. First, thoroughly explaining the anatomy of a wave break, Chris then goes onto explaining wetsuits and the surfboards themselves, so you know what you'll need to get started on your own. In the water, his knowledge and awareness is impeccable. You're never nervous, and in no time at all, you're up and cruising. The lessons provide more than enough water time. Never a rushed feeling. Truly one of the best gifts I've ever received. I've been bit by the surf bug, now I'm hooked on surfing!! Thanks for the gift of surfing!! "Surf Bug" is the bee's knees!! When learning to surf, it's the only way to go. read more

Very professional service. Chris has a great knowledge of the ocean and surfing. He makes the whole process enjoyable and easy. Looking for great surf lessons in L.A.? Look no further. read more

Chris could not have been better. An easy but thorough briefing had us knowing enough to get in the water after 40 minutes or so but its really Chris infectious enthusiasm that makes the lesson special. Now, I don't want to brag - and past performance is not indicative of blah, blah blah - but my gal got up and rode on her third try and I (because I didn't want to show off) on my sixth. Highly recommended! read more

Chris is a gregarious guy who loves surfing and teaching, and he's great at both! This is one of the cheaper options for a surfing lesson we found, and I couldn't imagine a better experience. My boyfriend and I both learned way more than we thought we would in an hour lesson, and Chris was patient and encouraging the whole time. I'd highly recommend the surfbug! read more

I can't compare to other instructors cuz Chris is the only one I had a lesson with but this is what I can say about our experience. This was my first time surfing, so me and my bf had high expectations for this day. Our lesson was on Memorial Day at 8 am so you can imagine how likely it was that our lesson would get delayed. However, Chris gave us precise instructions on the meeting location, two confirmation emails with info on the beach, parking and surf report. He also showed up right on time. After a basic informational orientation on land, he observed what standing positions we were more comfortable, and then made individual suggestions tailored to work better for us, to make it easier on us to actually get to surf. Not being much of the sporty type, I honestly didn't expect to enjoy my lesson much. To my surprise, his tips totally worked and both me and my bf had a great time. We were not able to complete the lesson on the water cuz we were exhausted. Normally, any other person would have said " okay, a pleasure" and leave. But he decided to stick around with us chatting and answering our questions on boards, places to surf etc and afterwards, when we were all rested, he offered again to finish our lesson! He was kind, flexible to our needs, and provided great individual attention to both of us. Finally, and most importantly, his prices were the best I found out there for a semi-private lesson. In fact, he was even willing to negotiate discounts that would work for us and make additional accommodations. I definitely recommend him!! read more

Just had an individual lesson with Chris today and thought it was an awesome experience! Chris has no problems personalizing the lesson to your current level/experience and appropriately progresses the lesson based on your goals. I would definitely recommend his services to friends/family and anyone out there who is interested in learning to surf as he is a very patient, affable, and knowledgeable person. Chris, thanks again! read more

Chris is awesome!! I can't say enough good things. Excellent instructor, great at calming nerves, passionate about technique, teaches safety really thoroughly, and always made sure I had FUN! I felt like I was in good hands. Chris is professional and always made me feel safe. :) super grateful I got to take lessons with him. read more

Had an amazing lesson with Chris a few weeks ago. He is a great teacher and will get you riding waves in no time. Perhaps more importantly he is a really nice fun guy. My girlfriend and I took a joint lesson and had a really great time. Highly recommend! read more

Chris was fantastic and super helpful. He taught me how to surf and gave me a stronger understanding of the larger dynamics to be aware of.

I had a private surf lesson with Chris and it was excellent. We spent the first part of the lesson going over some surf theory then the second part in the water practicing paddling and catching waves. Chris is very friendly and has a positive attitude. I had a little bit of prior surfing experience and he adapted the lesson very well to suit my sticking points. I highly recommend him. read more

Chris is an excellent instructor. I just can't say enough. He explained everything before my kids got in the water with him. He spent extra time in the water with them and by the end of the lesson my kids fell in love with surfing. I would totally recommend Chris to anyone who is looking to learn how to surf. read more