I'm from Texas and was on a solo road trip along the west coast when I decided to try surfing in Ventura.... that's how I ran into Thomas. It was toward the end of the day and he was packing up his van to leave when I aimlessly asked if he has any surf board to rent. To be honest I was not expecting him to accommodate some guy off the side of the street. To my surprised he said, "Sure, I can let you take one of the wetsuit as well". I asked when do I need to get them back to you? He said, "Whenever you're done, just drop them off at my place, I'll text you the address." I asked him how much? He was like, "Whatever xx bucks each if that works for you." I was genuinely taken aback by his hospitality and epic chillness. That's just the start, once I dropped off the equipments at his place when I was done surfing, he continued to help steered me to the best local restaurant and a parking spot for the night. He even offered to let me parked in front of his house if I had any trouble with the parking spot. Needless to say I rented his board and wetsuit suit for the next day too and he was just as accommodating. I bought him a case of beer for all his help and just to let him know it's really cool to meet a real life surfer who embodied a surfer's philosophy of life. Although I didn't sign up for his surfing lesson, but I would imagined his approach would be just as legendary as his hospitality. Cheers Thomas... thanks for the encounter! Thai from Dallas, Texas read more

Learning to surf through iSurf has been one of the best gifts I have given myself. The instruction is great, and it is very possible to stand up and ride multiple waves from Day 1. I appreciate that Thomas, the main instructor, focuses on techniques to build a solid foundation, and not interim easier ways for very short-term gains. From the start you can learn to read waves, understand and adjust for conditions for the most ideal surfing, oh and carry yourself with good etiquette on the water. Thomas also invaluably understands the right amount of push and support to give - enough to keep challenging you, but not so much of either such that it's unattainable or coddling. Thomas seems to understand, and adapts his teaching to what each person needs. This is key, since it takes some perseverance to get surfing. And that's just the start. Like the other aspects of their lives, co-owners Thomas and Alelia fully put their hearts into iSurf. There are crazy-good surfing excursions and trips that are reasonably priced and well-planned to give awesome experiences all around. And then there's the Community. Through iSurf I have surfed alongside a diverse group of some of the best people, who are fun, intelligent, strong, and genuine, and we cheer each other along. I can't say enough that surfing and iSurf make you feel vibrantly alive and indulging in it! read more

I recently went on the Baja trip with iSurf and it was truly incredible. The experience was fantastic-- the whole operation from the comfortable sprinter van with all our gear, water and boards ready to go, to the amazing house in a wonderful safe part of Baja with ocean views, to learning how to surf and getting a taste of Baja culture-- was perfectly planned, and could not have been better! I had literally never tried surfing before, and had no idea where to get started. Thomas provided a thorough practice round on the beach before we even got in the water, which really helped build my confidence. When it was time to paddle out I was pretty terrified but quickly put to use the techniques Thomas and staff taught us on the beach and was able to paddle over some big waves. Once we got out there I really appreciated that he takes a minute with you to catch your breath, and then he helped me get into my first wave!! That day, I stood up on about 5 waves, and had so much fun! As soon as I got home I bought a wetsuit and borrowed a board and cannot wait to keep learning! If you are at all nervous about the ocean or learning how to surf but curious to try, I could not recommend iSurf more! After getting beat up in some big waves, I walked away smiling and itching to surf again. A fantastic introduction! read more

iSurf Santa Barbara is perfect for any female who wants to learn to surf or just needs some coaching to enhance existing skills. I wasn't sure what to expect and I was a little tentative as I have never surfed before. I just knew that I always wanted to learn but never did and it's never too late to try, right? The group was small class size to number of instructors and the ages ranged from twenty-somethings to age sixty. Everyone was so positive and really encouraged each other. We didn't know each other before the lesson, but afterword we all felt like a sisterhood. The instructor gave an excellent, easy-to-comprehend lesson on land before you even get in the water. No matter your level, the instructor makes you feel very welcome, very comfortable and stoked just to be there. In the water, same thing. Very attentive to what you are doing right, and what you may be doing wrong so you can eliminate any bad habits right away. AND they make it fun. That's how it's supposed to feel... like having fun, even when the waves are breaking over you. I highly recommend this surf school. read more

Our daughter did a couple weeks of surf camp with isurf this summer and it was by far the hit of the summer. She came home everyday excited and exhausted. After all the fun she had at camp set out to plan her own surf party for her 8th birthday, with the requirement that Thomas and Zach from isurf come. We had guests ranging in ages from 5 to 12 years old - most with little to no surf experience. Thomas and Zach both jumped right in and got all of the kids engaged - there love for the water and surfing was contagious! All of the kids had a blast and many of the parents commented on how much they enjoyed watching their kids try surfing for the first time. Isurf had come highly recommended to me by other parents for their low instructor to student ratio and for how well they work with kids. They have not disappointed - infact, they've exceeded my expectations. If you have kids wanting to learn how to surf, you can't go wrong with isurf! Thank you Thomas and Zach for giving Harper an unforgettable birthday party! read more

Just had the best first-time surfing experience we could have possibly hoped for with iSurf! Our group was four mothers and our four teenage daughters, all surfing novices. We were each a little nervous, but Thomas and Mariah spent time instructing us on the beach beforehand, taught us some surfing basics very clearly and concisely, and addressed all of our trepidation with kindness and humor. When we hit the water, we felt prepared and excited and Thomas and Mariah were great about pushing us into the waves and letting us know right when we needed to pop up, then giving specific feedback after almost every wave so we could keep progressing. All eight of us first-time surfers caught plenty of waves, felt successful, and most importantly had a blast out there together! Everything about our experience exceeded the expectations of all four moms and our daughters and everyone left wanting to surf again. I am now planning on taking my whole family down for a family surf session with these fantastic instructors. read more

I was fortunate enough to be able to take a surf trip down to Baja with six of my best girl friends this Spring hosted by iSuf. This was such a special and unique opportunity - a trip that we will all never forget. Not only was our surf trip empowering but it was full of laughter, good conversation and really great instruction! Thomas and Zach were easy to be around yet professional and incredibly dedicated to teaching us the fundamentals of surfing. The ocean has always intimidated me, and this trip definitely pushed me to my comfort limits! With that being said, I have also never felt more capable and strong in my life. Thomas and Zach felt the fear amongst my friends and I when we were out in the ocean, and they took us seriously, but they never let us give up. They guided us through our fear and somehow taught us how to surf! Our trip was nothing short of incredible. This will be an annual event for us all no doubt. Thank you iSurf! read more

I've shied away from surf schools in the past because of the unfortunate douche-y element that seems to pervade the industry. After learning the basics from an accomplished boyfriend, I figured I just needed to put the work in to get better. That's not exactly how it played out and despite tons of practice, I ended up frustrated with my lack of improvement. A friend recommended iSurf and I could not be more grateful! I typically prefer private lessons over group but the group lessons here are relaxed yet effective. I discovered I had developed some bad habits in my technique, and I learned how to make small adjustments that have resulted in sessions that are truly satisfying--I really feel like I get it now. The best part is there is zero douchiness. If you're interested in experiencing the rewards of surfing, but you're not trying to get caught up in the scene, check out iSurf! read more

I was trying to learn to surf last year on my own after a few lessons from my significant other but realized I needed more support and thought it would be good to learn along with other women. I am so happy to be learning with iSurf! The instructor Thomas Oretsky is professional, always punctual, knowledgeable and so supportive and attentive to each one of his students. You begin your first class with a mandatory safety instruction on land and soon enough you're in the water standing up on your board! I'm taking my 5th lesson today and I have a way to go to build my confidence, but with Thomas' encouragement and wonderful support from the other women in the classes who began just like me - and more practice, of course - I will continue to improve and overcome the anxieties that I and so many other beginners experience. Thomas is the best! read more

We are from the East Coast, Boston area. My three daughters (12,14 and 16), wanted to try surfing for the first time. We called these guys on short notice and they fit us right in. The instructor met us at the beach with all the gear. He was fantastic with my girls. He was high energy, and you could tell he not only knew exactly what he was doing , but he loved doing it. My girls had a blast. We were able to schedule on short notice, meet up, and pay, all with just a combination of phone calls and web visits. Sounds complicated but actually made it simple, no worries about cash, or running to their shop, etc. We were sightseeing and had a fluid schedule, so we kinda floated around the attractions in they area until they called, worked out perfect. Thank You read more

I was visiting Santa Barbara last week and did a yelp search for surf instruction. Based on the stellar reviews, I decided to give iSurf a try. I had surfed a few times before and mainly wanted to get some one-on-one instruction in the water. Thomas is a fantastic instructor. He responded promptly to my message and was able to work with my schedule. We instantly hit it off and and he made me feel really comfortable. I would recommend iSurf to anyone in the SB area looking for surf instruction. I'll definitely be doing it again the next time I'm visiting the area and their surf retreats are something I'm going to work towards. Thanks Thomas for the great session! You gave me the confidence to get in the water at Cowells in Santa Cruz when I got home! Thank you! :) read more

My daughter took two lessons from Thomas and had a fantastic time. I think she caught more waves in two days than I did in the first two months of surfing. Not only is the instruction top-rate but Thomas has a remarkable technique for helping the student line up for the wave, giving a wee push in the right direction. Thomas then paddles afterwards and gives a final small push if necessary at just the right moment. This requires rather a lot of agility and is impressive to watch. And very successful -- it resulted in lots of long rides. A great time was had by all. Best of all I got to surf good conditions while someone else made sure that Eleanor was catching waves. And I received a bit of useful advice as well. Highly recommended. read more

Great camp! I sent my daughter and our foreign exchange student (both 13) to this camp for a week. The online sign up was easy to navigate. They both got up and surfed the first day, with the expert instruction of Thomas, and continued to improve and gain confidence throughout the week. The group got to travel to different surf spots in the Santa Barbara area to find the best surf for the groups abilities. The instructors made it a great learning experience as well as super fun. The mixed age group created a relaxed environment that the girls really enjoyed. The 4:1 ratio made me feel very comfortable and I also appreciated the smaller group size (compared to other surf camps) for a more personalized experience. I highly recommend iSurf. read more

I wish I could give a 10 star review on here because the iSurf squad absolutely deserves it. I've lived by the ocean my whole life and never learned how to surf. After a certain point, it felt too intimidating so I accepted my non-surfing existence and gave up trying. A friend told me about how much fun their kids had a surf camp and convinced me to try it out for one session. The instructor was so encouraging and after a few epic wipeouts I started to get the hang of it. I've never felt more at ease and comfortable in the ocean (let alone on a surf board) than out in the water with Zach and/or Perri. If you're scared to get out there, suck it up and go have a blast with these guys. You won't regret it. They are awesome! read more

I have been timid about the ocean for a long time and I believe this Instructor could teach a rock to surf! He gives us lots of basic information about what you look for when you are going out including land, wave, water, and weather conditions. Need to know stuff to make you feel more comfortable as you challenge yourself in this sport. He is very perceptive about what is holding you back and makes you feel secure and is there with the right information and tips. He and all the wonderful women are very supportive whether you are having success or struggling! iSurf makes my surfing experience productive and SOOOO MUCH FUN! Any woman who wants to learn surf should start here! Highly recommended! read more

iSurf has got to be the BEST surf school I have ever tried out. Thomas and Zach are amazing teachers both implementing the perfect balance of critique with fun. They're really safe, knowledgeable, and able to notice any minor or major detail that may be wrong with your form, foot placement, etc. My confidence in the ocean and on my board is skyrocketing under their instruction. And then to make that all even better their membership options allow me to go surfing any day I want to for an extremely affordable price. I am so happy I found this company, I fell in love with surfing because of it, and I really recommend them to anyone who is dedicated to learning how to surf! read more

I really can't say enough about our experience with isurf. We are a family of four who wanted the experience of surfing together and trying something new. Thomas is a great teacher, so patient, positive and professional, and Zack and Perry have a wonderful, supportive, fun vibe as well. Our middle-school aged daughters were able to feel completely comfortable in the water and surf several long waves on their first lesson! Incredible moment for our family to share, and couldn't have made it happen without isurf. A fantastic company doing great things, including giving families a chance to bond in the waves! We will never forget it and RECOMMEND! read more

surfing has become one of the most rewarding things I have ever done for myself. thomas and the isurf crew have been vital in this. their wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm has made a timid scardy cat into a confident wave obsessed lover of the ocean and the sport. their annual membership is ideal for those that want to learn and play. the daily schedule is fantastic! I know I don't have to go in the ocean alone, and more importantly can laugh and have fun with them between sets. had my first lesson in july, became a member in august...drive up from los angeles almost twice a week...they're that good, fun, helpful, fulfilling, amazing...love 'em! read more

Glad to have this opportunity! This was a start to a daddy/daughter weekend doing something she always wanted to try. We wanted one last summer trip before she headed back to college. Thomas was her instructor and was AMAZING!!! Very patient, knowledgeable and assuring. He chose Ventura as a better place to go for a beginner although he lives in Santa Barbara. We were headed to SB from LA. She had a great time and I'm sure we will come back and try it again. He even arranged for us to meet in SB to get an item of clothing she left behind. Overall, a wonderful experience and memories were made with the help of Thomas. THANKS AGAIN!!!! read more