I just came back from a week of surfing in Todos Santos with Pablos as my instructor. I've had surf lessons with several instructors in the past (Nicaragua, Hawaii and California) and I can say hands down lessons with Pablo were way way better - completely different.
Here is why Pablo was awesome (i) he is super nice/cool and you don't obviously want to be on the waves for hours with someone who isn't ;), (ii) he focuses not just on helping you get on your feet (literally) but really understanding how to read the water, manage the waves, manage yourself relative to other surfers, and manage your board so that you stay safe and feel confident vs being scared of getting you ass kicked by the ocean and your board, (iii) he explains what you are doing - and not doing - technically in a way that helps you understand why you are succeeding or failing so that you can adjust and really learn, (iv) he is very patient about catching the right wave for you (so you don't have a WTH moment), but at the same time works you hard so that you are again learning and moving along in terms of challenges, and (v) lastly, he repeats his instructions again and again so that they stick even though it feels like there are a dozen different things happening at once.
He is a champion surfer who teaches people from absolute beginners to pros. I'm still learning the ropes, not an absolute beginner but not confidently intermediate yet. As a parent, this is the guy I would want teaching my kids (or my friends) as I know he will be teaching them safely and providing clear instruction, and oh - is fun also. I have had instructors in the past who just want you to stand up and get the "photo" but aren't focused on really teaching surfing technically or teaching safety. read more