What's up Golden State Surf School?!?! I am a little bit of a paradox , I am super social and love to entertain but at the same time I dislike most people, but in the friendliest way;) But every once in a while I meet someone who restores my faith in humanity, Laine is that dude! He was so relaxed, comfortable and had the confident in me that I myself was lacking! He was just so easy to listen to , took the time he needed to explain things but didn't confuse or over explain anything. It was my birthday and my husband surprised me because ever since I had kids my true dream in life is to become a tanned hot surfer mom, Laine will help me get there I am sure! At first I was super anxious and stressed because I am a perfectionist but his easy way and relaxed attitude made me feel like there would be zero problem! I got up and surfed one whole wave lol , it was rad! I am coming back until I have the confidence and the correct manners to encounter the waves by myself! Thanks Laine and thanks to Erik for making birthday special! I will be back to harass you before you know it!!! read more

Great service. Great surf lessons. Worked with me and let me rent a board for a week and provided access to the board at 6:00 am in the morning. Highly recommend. read more

Laine is a absolute all star. I'm so happy that I decided to use him to learn how to surf. He was super cool and encouraging. He not only taught me how to surf, he taught be how to be a surfer. And after several days on the water with him, I was fully stoked with surfing. I was recently in Venice Beach after taking a few months break from living in Asia. While I was in VB, I wanted to learn how to surf. While I had gone surfing several time in northern California, Baja, and Bali, I was never really surfing. More just catching the whitewash from the waves. So when I arrived to LA, I immediately took the chance to devote time and energy to learn how to surf. But after several disappointing days getting rocked by the waves, I was about ready to hang up the board for good. Fortunately after one of these days when I was returning my rented board rather disappointed, Laine was hanging nearby by and we starting chatting. Right away I started feeling more optimistic about my potential. After a little back and forth, I was able to work out a multi lesson deal with Laine. Since the waves at Santa Monica can be hit or miss, on bad days Laine took me further up the coast to sunset. He taught me how to read the surf reports and the buoys so that I would know when it was worth going out. He offered to take me to look at boards. After the lessons, he'd tell me about great surf spots in the area or around the world, especially his native Hawaii. And when the 5 lessons were finished, he even offered to go out with me when he wasn't giving lessons. It was these extra steps that he took that left such a strong impression with me. Much more than just a teacher, Laine became a good friend. I strongly recommend him for anyone who wants the whole surfing experience. And I look forward to surfing with him again when I am back in America. read more

My fiancée and I did a lesson with Laine at Golden State Surf and it was fantastic. Professional yet super encouraging and relaxed. He was also able to offer different levels of feedback for our different levels of experience which was great. We will likely go back to him for another lesson as our skills advance since he seems able to cater to many levels of surfing experience. I totally recommend this guy. read more

Took our family down to Santa Monica pier and decided on a surf lesson for our kids and ourselves. Laine was a fantastic instructor! Super patient, kind and joyful... and most of all knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time as a family. Thank you Laine!! read more

I've taken several surf lessons in multiple states with different instructors, and my experience with Golden State Surf was the best. Justin and Laine instructed my girlfriend and me over the course of three lessons. The standard information was provided on pop-ups and paddling, but they provide further insights and information that accelerate the learning experience. I felt that they were able to find what we were doing wrong, which as a beginner surfer, is really hard to notice yourself. (Am i paddling too slow, am I not popping up on time, am i positioned at the right place on the board, am I positioned correctly relative to the wave, etc...) In addition to instruction, they provide a lot of useful information on reading the ocean, surf etiquette, and the best times to go out. While all of that was exceptional, here are a few things that stood out about my experience: 1) My girlfriend got sick the night before our lesson, and Laine was really cool about moving it back until she felt better without any penalty. This proved to me that he really cares about our best experience and well-being. 2) Laine gave us experience on both epoxy and foam boards, which was important to me, to learn the different types of surfboards 3) Because our schedules (we both work) were not conducive to weekday mornings, Laine fit in a weekday afternoon lesson and wrestled the rough surfing conditions for us to make sure we still had a productive lesson. If avoidable I would recommend to stick to the mornings, the surf is too rough in the afternoons. Laine's willingness to take us out anyway, and giving us the option to reschedule, was pretty cool. Again this speaks to his interest in making sure we get the best surfing experience, and not just check a lesson off the list. 4) Laine also set up a lesson for us at Sunset beach, since I requested to get to know other beginner surf spots, and that was totally cool. I'm a santa monica native so haven't really been exposed to other surfing spots, and having that knowledge of other spots, is really great. 5) On our last lesson, Laine wasn't a stickler on the time, and we ended up surfing for close to two hours. Overall, I had a great time, and both my girlfriend and I learned a lot about the art of surfing. I think it got us over the beginner's hump, enough so that we are having fun out there, and really that's what it's all about. By the third lesson, my gf and I were battling for waves with each other, which is a pretty good problem to have! (and she's only been surfing four times!) Supporting a growing company that cares about the experience is important to me, and I'm glad I went with Golden State Surf. I'd recommend them to my friends and family also. read more

Laine was great - was fun to hang with, took the set-up, beach intro time seriously for basics and safety and etiquette, used the time between sets to impart important info, and we got into a number of waves with his guidance. Thanks! read more

On the spur of the moment I contacted Laine for lessons for my 17-year old daughter and a friend who were in southern CA for a college tour. He was able to schedule at a convenient time for us and when the surf was good for beginners. He did a great job with the kids, and both of them got up on the board after only a few tries. They enjoyed themselves and want to do it again. I would definitely recommend Golden State Surf! read more

Laine is a great teacher. I was worried that surfing would be beyond my capabilities but he explained everything and corrected me along the way. I feel confident enough to continue taking lessons. Thanks Golden Coast read more

Highly recommend!! My sister and I had a great time and both caught a wave! We were both first timers but were able to learn and have fun. Would do it again in a heartbeat! read more

Laine has definitely set the bar for surf lessons. He's really patient and didn't get frustrated even though I'm not a natural surfer and I was able to stand after one lesson! Plus he's from Hawaii so hes really easy going which is great for surfing lessons. read more

Laine is an excellent teacher; he is great with kids and he is very conscientious and pays attention to details. I knew I had gotten the best teacher when there we saw 4 other surf schools out there. Laine has a hands on approach working with my 9 and 12 year old boys, makings sure they didn't drown in the waves; whereas, the other instructors from other schools were yelling instructions from a distance like a football coach yelling from the sidelines. Laine was there beside my kids the whole time to prepare them mentally and emotionally for what they need to do to be successful to catch and ride the next wave. Both of my kids were able to surf immediately whereas other kids from other schools were struggling. Laine positions and talks with each kid to be successful in surfing. We were only going to be in Santa Monica for 2 days, Laine did not hold back. He maximized each kid to his potential. He didn't just say this is all you get to the first lesson. If he sees you can learn more, he will put you on a fast track. I guess what I am trying to say is that even in a group lesson he is great at individualizing each person's needs. Now my sons are able to go off on their own to begin surfing. On the last day, Laine prepared my sons what to practice on in the future. I would highly recommend Laine as an surfing instructor. read more

Laine is the best surf instructor around. In addition to being an experienced, accomplished surfer, he is an all-around great guy. Last week my 14-year-old son took a lesson with Laine while we were on vacation in Santa Monica. Laine connected with my son right away with his friendly, easy-going manner. He explained everything clearly and encouraged my son throughout the lesson with positive feedback, helpful tips, patience and huge smiles when he "got it". Laine's love of surfing is contageous! My son learned so much in just one lesson and can't wait to surf with Golden State again. read more