Best Surf School Ever! Surf Happens made our trip perfect. We just finished a weekend getaway to the Santa Barbara area and our children had the best time learning to surf with Surf Happens! The first day was so great they insisted on a second lesson, despite a tight schedule. We had three kids taking lessons, and each had a different level of skill or anxiety and all were accommodated with the amazing instructors. Our youngest was very nervous about being tossed about by waves, but was the one asking for "one more run!" several times over by the end of the lesson. Watching him stand up on those waves was inspiring! We also had two young teens at slightly different experience levels who were given all they needed to find the waves and get up on their boards with confidence. The fact there was time on the beach learning about the water and how to handle yourself in the ocean was great for our landlocked kids. The second day's lesson included instruction on land too, reviewing the safety information from the day before and learning about the changes in the waves at the new beach. The Surf Happens instructors were so great- engaged but relaxed, eager to share their passion and knowledge, and encourage the kids through the challenges and triumphs of surfing. With years of experience at all the area beaches, they know the waves like the backs of their hands and when/where is best for your level of ability. We are now looking for a time to come back for their week-long surf camps! Thank you to the team at Surf Happens! read more

Chris Keet and his team at Surf Happens are more than just surf instructors. We just returned from a quick trip to Santa Barbara, with our 3 teenage children. I knew my gung-ho husband and kids would LOVE the surf lessons, but I was nervous. I had done it before, but not in a long time. I am scared of the ocean, and in general, don't like to fall down, or be cold and wet. All of which are required in surfing! Chris gave us an inspirational talk before we surfed, (it was really amazing), along with a lot of data about the conditions, and the area. It was very comforting to have this knowledge, and made us all feel more well prepared. Once we got in, he didn't give us much time to think about surfing, he just put us on the waves, and sent us, coaching all the way! We had a 2nd instructor, Nathan, so we got a LOT of waves, and practice and instruction. We all LOVED it, and were quite successful in our efforts, thanks to Chris and Nathan! It was so much fun! Chris is a lifelong surfer, and ocean expert. Truly! I did get wet, and I did fall, (a lot) and it was pretty cold! But we had wetsuits, and the falls didn't hurt, they were mostly funny. We were sore all over from the workout, which made us all feel very accomplished. We surfed 3 days with these guys, at the same spot. It was nice to go back to a familiar place, but also interesting how different and challenging each day was. A great family experience!! read more

Our boys, 6 and 11, just finished their second summer camp at Surf Happens. I highly recommend it. Chris and his entire team are very kid-focused and family-friendly. It starts in the morning with stretching and a game of dodge ball. It continues throughout the day with lunch, games, and lots of personal attention and lots of surfing instruction. Chris and his team keep all the kids involved, know each one of them by name, and makes each one feel special. The week culminated in a surfing competition and a talent show. All the kids got to showcase their talents in, and out of, the water. Chris provides a great teacher-to-student ratio. It's a great value for the very affordable price. It's conveniently located with lots of available parking. The waves are perfect size for kids and beginners. There is additional food and shopping within a two minute walk. The beach isn't overly crowded. And it's a wonderfully relaxing environment. My boys are already looking forward to returning next summer! read more

Chris and Jenny Keet and the whole crew at Surf Happens do such an amazing job. My son has been with them since he was little at the summer surf camp and for the last months now through the after school program. That program has not only improved his surfing through the great coaching and support, but more importantly his confidence and personality have grown so much. It's been amazing to watch that happen. Very grateful that he has the opportunity to engage in what this company offers -- contact with nature and the outdoors and lots of great, supportive, energetic, positive contact both through the coaches and the kids that all surf together. Excellent. read more

I appreciate the instructor's friendly demeanor and informative approach, which helped my daughter get up on the board a few times. However, there was a slight concern regarding the session structure. Although I booked a 2-hour lesson, the instructor spent the entire first hour on explanations, entering the water only during the second hour. As a family from LA on a budget, we value cost-effective activities, especially considering our reliance on community-based free lesson programs. Unfortunately, having only one of the two paid hours actively in the water made the overall experience less satisfying, considering the financial commitment. read more

Surf Happens is amazing! My son has been surfing with them regularly for the past 3 years, and I've watched him completely transform in so many ways. His happiness and confidence has increased dramatically- both in the water and out. His weekly sessions are the highlight of his week, and he is always looking forward to the next school break when he can attend all day camps. The instructors are not only expert and engaging coaches, they are so amazing with the kids. My son has learned life-long skills, and made lifelong friends through Surf Happens. I really cannot say enough good things about Surf Happens! read more

Surf Happens is the best surf camp out there. Our kids (7 &8) are on their third year and love it more every time. Chris is organized, calming, caring and a highly skilled and respected surfer. He has fantastic counselors out there with him that inspire the kids to be their best. The kids not only learn surf skills but also respect for the ocean, beach, "trains" and, best of all, each other. I can't say enough good things about this camp. Sign up! and get the photos they offer as well. Branden is excellent and offers photo memories you won't get anywhere else. read more

If you want to learn how to surf, go to Surf Happens. They are awesome. I took lessons for myself with the womens group, Aloha Surf Sisters. The first day out we got up on our boards and surfed waves. So empowering and so much fun! Surf Happens instructors know what they are doing and Chris, who is the owner, is absolutely amazing - so knowledgeable, motivating and extremely positive. My daughter now does the after school program and is having so much fun while learning how to bottom turn! You will be so happy you took surf lessons with Surf Happens! read more

Surf Happens is a top-notch surf experience, from expert instruction to the groovy t-shirts. Owner Chris Keet is absolutely cool and very kind. My 11-year old had a fantastic lesson with him on perfect waves and went back to the East Coast with tips to work on this summer. Now I see why so many locals recommend Surf Happens - they are 100% professional and committed to giving you the best surf experience possible. Surf Happens was the best part of our Santa Barbara vacation - we will definitely be back! read more

I've always wanted to learn how to surf. My instructor Jack was an incredible teacher. He was extremely patient and had such a positive attitude. He answers any questions I had and was super funny. Thank you for this life-changing experience. Afterwards they let us use their cute outdoor shower and had a great conversation with one of their kind owners. She was very sweet and was very knowledgeable about tips for living a more ecofriendly life. Thank you Surf Happens for giving me this opportunity! read more

Surf happens is the very best camp anywhere, ever! The best instructors and the most enthusiastic coaches! Fun and safe and just plain cool. Kris Keet the founder, has created and poured his soul into this really special place for kids to develop a love of the ocean and surfing. This is my sons 4th year and my daughter's first and it is only getting better. That said not only was it fun, but both my kids can catch and ride waves on their own! read more

Wow... what an A+ experience; registration was easy; instructor Chris was on time, knowledgeable patient and extremely kind to my 11 year old niece who had never been on a surf board before. Chris provided excellent info on the history and heart of surfing and when in the water my niece was up on her first wave... My niece said "Chris was so positive and when I messed up he was kind to explain what I did and how could do better next time". read more

I have the best time surfing with the Aloha Surf Sisters at Surf Happens. The instructors are always welcoming and patient and just great fun to be with in the water. The girls are also great fun!! Enjoy both the time in the water and post session lunch on the beach! What a great way to get in the water, improve your surfing and spend time with a great bunch of ladies!! read more

Great morning of surfing with Chris! He had both of us (50 yo old mom and teen daughter) up several times despite never having surfed before. Chris is funny, extremely knowledgeable and made our experience one to remember. Can't say enough good things about Surf Happens. Definitely should be your number one choice for surf lessons in Santa Barbara!!! read more

Had the best time working with Chris. Such an awesome surfing teacher. Both he and Jenny could not have been nicer. Was a great experience. Have already set up another appointment to do it again. Do yourself a huge favor and learn to surf with this group of people... kind, knowledgable, encouraging and FUN! Highly recommend!!! read more

Another batch of amazing experiences with Surf Happens. The team was incredibly friendly and my instructor was so helpful and patient and generally fantastic. Best of all, I had tons of fun rides. So happy to have had these sessions with Surf Happens; I cannot wait to get out in the water with them again. read more

Took a lesson with my father at Surf Happens yesterday morning and absolutely loved it! Our instructor Ryan was friendly, knowledgable and patient and helped us make great progress. Would definitely recommend Surf Happens to anyone looking for a wonderful surf experience. read more

My business team and I went out for a surf lesson and had so much fun! Surf Happens handled the wetsuits and the boards and getting to the beach was so easy. Even the people scared to go in the water felt comfortable and caught waves. I would highly recommend! read more

Great surf camp. Chris knows how to keep kids engaged. The surf instructors are wonderful with the kids. Hot lunches were great. My son learned to surf by the second day and enjoyed every minute of the week he spent at Surf Happens. read more