Mike's the best! Great way of structuring the lesson that will lead to try to surf independently later on! In addition to being able to assess your energy level throughout the lesson to move you to an area that's more enjoyable and beginner-friendly read more

The owner, Mike "Spike", is an incredible coach. He works with all ages, private lessons or groups. He's very enthusiastic and cheers on his students making them feel comfortable, confident and happy! You will be riding waves at your first lesson! I did! read more

Just took my first-ever surf lesson with Spike. He is an all around good guy, professional, and great instructor. He had us up on the board quickly and patient with us as we got our footing. The wetsuits were nice and warm for the chilly morning. Honestly he seems the most competitive on pricing and the highest quality instructor, so booking with him is a no brainer! read more

California Kahuna Surf School - Surfer - Paddleboarding Near Me - Oceanside, California

Just did my first lesson with Mike and it was great! He made me feel comfortable in the water and gave me helpful tips throughout the lesson which made it very fun and enjoyable for me! Can't wait for the next one! :) read more

It was my first time surfing and I was able to get up, stand on the board, and ride waves, not just one, but many!! Spike, my instructor is a great teacher! Awesome dude with positive attitude and high energy! I had an amazing experience! And most importantly, I had so much fun!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND :) read more

California Kahuna Surf School - Didn't catch a photo of me on the board, but this face says it all! Happy with the overall experience! Joyous and victorious :D - Paddleboarding Near Me - Oceanside, California

Mike was wonderful with my grandsons first surfing lesson . I would highly recommend him .

If you are looking for a neat gift for a teenage boy, check out Kahuna Surf School. I gifted a first surf lesson to my nephew from Nevada and his dad, and it was a terrific experience for both. Spike, the owner, has years of experience and guided them from the beach into the water. As they maneuvered the waves, they had big smiles and a huge thank you to Spike for his guidance, instruction and friendliness. A 5 Star experience. read more

My 15 year old son Alex rockin his extra chromosome on the surfboard ‍. Mike is amazing he had my son up and on the board on his first few tries! He is so awesome with kids with special needs. Thank you for encouraging and cheering my son on he loved it! I highly recommend Mike. ~Mary Jo read more

California Kahuna is the real deal. The owner Michael Spikerman "Spike" is a world class coach and a great human being. Spike has been working with both me and my young son to get us surfing the last couple months. I have learned he specializes in working with children and people with disabilities. He's one of the Team USA coaches for the disabled surfers of America. Some of them are blind and CAN surf and compete. To top everything off he's the best value around and doesn't farm out his lessons to teenagers like many of the other local schools. Call Spike and get stoked with some 1 on 1 lessons. read more

Both Spike and Richard have been good teachers to me out there for the first time with surfing lessons. It is more than just learning; I've tried to learn on my own, but technique and fear kept getting in the way. I told Spike about that and he got it! So, he truly stuck with me in the waves, even holding my hand to help me get the feel of standing and going over waves (I needed a lot of work!) . We did manage to get me catching whitewater standing on day 1. On surfing lesson #2 I actually stood up all the way to the shore 4x! And it was truly exciting to do so. Then, it's great that California Kahuna will also rent out boards for practicing on own, and I finally caught a full wave! Thanks California Kahuna! Vanessa-juliana C. P. read more

I've been surfing for over 10 years but I hit a ceiling and wanted to figure out how I can improve and learn the proper fundamentals of surfing (I'm self taught). Called and setup a surf lesson with Spike. Super nice guy over the phone. I showed up for my lesson and he was already there (on time and professional). During the lesson, Spike was great!! Very patient, explained things clearly and he gave me helpful tips/things to work on to take my surfing to the next level. The surf spot Spike chose was perfect for learning and we caught a ton of waves. Would absolutely recommend this surf school to my friends, family and anyone else who wants to learn how to surf. Highly, highly recommended! read more

I have only taken one surf class before and it was in Hawaii almost 20 years ago. I was determined to take a surf class this year and I finally made the decision to go with Spike at California Kahuna Surf School. I am glad that I did! First of all, Oceanside is a perfect beach to learn at because the waves ensure that everyone from beginner to advanced has something fun to ride. Spike provided a 9 foot foam board that was very comfortable and stable to learn on. He did a quick tutorial on the sand about the pop up and foot placement on the board, and we were in the water. His approach seems to be to catch as many waves as possible to get you to the stage where you know that "you got it," and can catch waves on your own. What I like about Spike is that surfing is his lifelong passion that he has passed along to both his kids (who help out with the business). Moreover, he has carried that passion through to create a competition for Surfers who have disabilities (of one type or another). Spike chatted with so many of his former students who were in the water and enjoying this sport that is unique among every other sport or activity. He does seem to be the Ambassador of Oceanside Beach (at least that corner of it in front of lifeguard tower 18). I know what it's like to be looking through all the schools, teachers and places that offer to get you up on a board in the water, and Spike (and his crew) are a family that will accomplish that for you with patience and a spirit of fun and generosity that prompts you to reciprocate in some way. Thanks, Spike! read more

California Kahuna Surf School - Paddleboarding Near Me - Oceanside, California

I wasn't sure what to expect with my first surf lesson... I'd heard a lot of mediocre reviews from people who had taken lessons at various places (in SoCal or elsewhere). My experience with California Kahuna was great! Spike provided just the right amount of quick education, support,and encouragement to get me up on the board multiple times in my first hour. Thanks Spike! read more

Amazing! When I first read reviews on Yelp I thought it wasn't possible to find a surf school that was so easy to work with and got the kids engaged right away... but believe it or not, Spike and the California Kahuna Surf School are the REAL DEAL! They promised me that my kids would be up and surfing within minutes of getting in the water. I had my doubts. To my astonishment, both of my kids (11 and 9) were out there shredding the waves like absolute beasts! They must have caught 30 waves during that lesson and I think they have become lifetime surf addicts in one day. The first words out of their mouths were- "can we please do this again tomorrow?" I couldn't be more pleased. Not only was this a classy and put together operation, but the people were genuinely nice. They made surfing simple and made my kids feel like surf warriors. I simply cannot say enough nice things about The experience! read more

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Spike and his son were incredible. We celebrated our daughters 7th birthday with Spike and 10 kids ages 3-9. Within minutes Spike and his son had 7 of the kids standing and surfing within moments. They quickly earned the trust of the skeptical toddlers and young ones by building sand castles and then got them to go into the waves to surf together. I can't compliment this family business enough. read more

Kid review: Best surf teacher ever!!! Spike is really good for kids who want to learn how to surf. I am 9 years old. He was patient and kind. Parent review: Spike was the real deal. My son was up on the board and surfing within a few minutes of being in the water thanks to Spike's teaching style. He had a relaxed and fun attitude about it all which worked well for my kiddo. Clearly, Mike has a ton of experience with kids and knew how to keep things fun and safe but also challenging. Will definitely return for another lesson with Spike the next tine we are in Oceanside! read more

Spike and his kids are great! My son has a great time in the water with them! We are definitely coming back next summer!

Mike is a excellent surf instructor and he is really great with kids !! He had my 8yr old girl and my 10yr old boy riding waves on their 1St tries with Mike's expert instructions!!! Mike is Highly recommended from me and my family they can't wait to hit the waves again !!! read more

California Kahuna Surf School - My daughter riding waves for the first time thanks mike !! - Paddleboarding Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Mike is the best I couldn't have had a better experience. It was my first time surfing and he had me riding waves in no time. Looking forward to my next lesson! read more

I really wanted to spend a little time learning to surf while on my vacation. I'm 38 and not in great shape but Mike had me and my partner up on waves right away. As the waves got bigger so did our wipeouts but Mike kept us going and kept us coming back. A great workout, but even better was that he was a great teacher. He made sure we were safe and having fun. I'd highly recommend him and I only wish I had a day or 2 or 10 more to keep learning. read more

We were in town for a wedding and were looking for something to do with the whole wedding party. I called around different places, but no one was able to rent kayaks/paddle boards to a group of 18. Mike was extremely helpful and gathered up enough boards for all of us to do it together. He was so nice, and so willing to help his customers! read more

Cali Kahuna is AMAZING!!!!! If you're in Oceanside and wanting anything water related GO HERE! you will waste time and money anywhere else! Spike is amazing in the water. I didn't think I stood a chance of catching a wave (couldn't even stand on a paddle board) but, I caught my FIRST wave and many more! He's great with safety and encouragement and knows how to handle beginners and can coach seasoned pros. I've rented paddle boards and boogie boards from him; and Trinadee is amazing with the kids camp kids as well! Needless to say, my first time on the water I caught/rode waves; and by my third time on his paddle boards I was riding acrylic like a veteran. California Kahuna is the GO TO place in Oceanside!!!!. Go all the way down to the Jetty! You won't be sorry!!!! read more

Spike was a fantastic teacher and easy to work with in coordinating times (and directions to meet him). He and his assistant made everything easy from wet-suits, to safety lessons, to the simplicity of his surfing lessons. Having worked with surf instructors in Kauai previously - Spike was above in beyond in getting us up on the boards and catching our own waves (quickly). Neither of our children had surfed before and both were up and picking their own waves in under 45 minutes. His enthusiasm was infectious and everyone had a great time! I would recommend California Kahuna to everyone! read more

Top notch surf instructor! If you are looking to catch your first wave, this is the surf school to call. Mike's expertise and positive vibes are one of a kind. read more

What an awesome experience for my two sons! Mike is very passionate about teaching and it shows. Every time they would a wave, he would cheer them on and made them feel good about it. If you're looking for surf lessons, give him a call! read more