Fabien has been an incredible surfing coach. He's super friendly, approachable, and immediately…read moremakes you feel comfortable in the water. What really stands out is how supportive he is--he pays close attention to your technique and gives clear, practical feedback that you can actually apply right away. His tips on how to pop up were especially helpful. He broke the movement down step by step, corrected small details I didn't even realize I was doing wrong, and made the whole process feel much more natural and consistent. I saw improvement quickly because of how clearly he explained everything. What I appreciated most is that he didn't just focus on the session itself--he also gave me specific drills and practice tips to work on at home. That made a huge difference in building muscle memory and confidence before getting back in the water. If you're looking for a coach who's knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping you improve, I highly recommend Fabien!

Thank you Fabian!!! You got me up on the board, finally. And I feel like a genuine surfer now, no…read morelonger a poseur.

Costa Rica is so beautiful and the people are so welcoming. From the second I arrived at Pura Vida…read moreAdventures, I felt so welcomed and at home. The hotel was the perfect combo of luxe, jungle living. Steps from the ocean, the property was exactly what I was hoping for. The pool was a nice touch and the open air restaurant on-site was fresh and delicious. Now for the surfing and yoga! I was a beginner at yoga at the time and Cris was an amazing instructor. I felt completely comfortable and excited to push myself to learn more. The open air yoga studio overlooking the ocean was so peace during each morning yoga sesh. So, even though I have lived in San Diego my whole life, I waited until my 30s and going to Costa Rica to learn to surf. Crazy! But I am glad I did, because the rolling waves in Costa Rica were so perfect to learn on. The small groups at Pura Vida coupled with the super experienced instructors really helped me feel like I was getting one-on-one attention. I was so proud of myself for pushing through my fear and riding waves in. By the end of the week, I was both refreshed (mind) and exhausted (body). With two small kids at home and a demanding job, Pura Vida was the perfect getaway to reenergize my mind and spirit. I also loved heading into town- such a quant place with good restaurants and fun people. We also zip-lined one day, which was so amazing - Starting at the top of the jungle canopy with the most amazing ocean view, and working our way down to the beach! When I got home, I bought a surf board and began surfing in San Diego. Although, I must say, I like the waves in CR better. :) https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g635538-d12727804-r525853077-Pura_Vida_Adventures-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html#

Are you female and have always wanted to learn to surf?.....or already know how to surf, but want…read moreto get more instruction, NOT freeze your ass offf and actually be able to wear a bathing suit in the water? Or maybe you are already a fantasitc surfer, but don't feel comfortable travelling to Costa Rica by yourself for a surf vacation? If this is you, I HIGHLY suggest booking a trip with Pura Vida Adventures. An amazing woman and friend of mine, Tierza, started this business about 4 years ago, and I was part of the very first all girls camp.....and I can't possibly iterate how empowering, fun, beautiful and enriching my experience was....probably because of all the tequila I drank while I was there. My memory is a little foggy ;-) I fell so in love with the area, Malpias and Santa Teresa, that I now travel back on my own to enjoy the same beautiful coastline, waves, rainforests, and people (THE HOTTEST men I have EVER seen living in one tiny area in my life!!) Here's a great quote that a girl from my camp wrote at the end of our trip...I think she sums it up very well: "Start by imagining the perfect week: surfing, yoga, wonderful food, beautiful women, falling asleep to the sound of the waves every night - wake to the sounds of tropical birds in the morning. Maybe see the stars like you've never seen them before. Start telling time by the direction of the wind and the tides. Forget what day it is. How hard can you paddle? Drink? Laugh? Double that, and that's Pura Vida." Although the camp caters to all women groups, they do have some weeks throughout the season that are coed....so, if any guys are interested in this, check out the calendar on their website. www.puravidaadventures.com To get a discounted rate, pay 60 days in advance of your trip. NorCalWomensSurfClub members get an even bigger discount, and joining NCWSC is free and easy to do on their website. So, I highly recommend that for savings....and it's a great way to meet other female surfers. This is one of the most amazing times I have had travelling...and I try to travel as much as I can. It definitely took some months off my life, at least off of my liver, and I think there's a video of me riding a mechanical bull that I wouldn't want my parents to see floating around somewhere on the internet....but, so worth it. I made friendships that will last a lifetime....and it gave me the confidence to begin travelling solo.... Pura Vida

We had. Great day of surf instruction and surfing with Ryan and Kevin. They were great guides and…read moreoffered a lot of tips that got us surfing. They also did a lot of work towing us around much of the day.

I recently visited my best friend in California, traveling all the way from New Jersey. It was my…read morefirst time in Cali, and since I've always wanted to learn how to surf--especially living near the water at the Jersey Shore--I knew this was the perfect opportunity. While visiting, we booked a lesson with Surf School Santa Cruz, and I'm so glad we did. From the moment we met our instructor, Ryan, he made us feel comfortable and excited to get out on the water. He stayed right by our side the entire time, offering encouragement and guidance that kept us motivated. Learning to surf with Ryan was such an incredible experience--he's not only an amazing teacher but also truly one of the best surfers out there. If you've ever thought about trying surfing, I can't recommend Surf School Santa Cruz (and Ryan!) enough.

Really?! Not on Yelp yet?…read more People you must do this! Amazingly fun! Relaxing.. Workout.. Fantastic instructor! Tasha(owner/instructor) gets a feeling for your mobility and starts off nice and easy. Having calm shallow water helps in the fear of possibly falling in. Stand up paddle boarding is so fun! Here in the valley? what more can you ask for! You must contact via email. So what are you waiting for?

This was so fun! Not quite Hawaii, but it will do. Great workout and nice scenery, another way to…read moreenjoy the local waterways in a exciting new way. Tasha is an awesome instructor and will have you up and going in no time, no experience needed. I am looking forward to the warmer weather to go back out on the water. It does help to have good balance and a little upper body strength. Don't worry, it's not all that grueling. Aloha!

Booked a lesson in a week, spent 2 hours on the road and got nothing : no one showed up for the…read morelesson. Not a text, not an email that it was canceled. Just that, just ignore. Next business day I get an email saying "we are sorry you were at the wrong place and the wrong time", which is a lie. They said they ordered the refund - will see how it goes. Found another surf school down there, will go with them next time. Ruined experience

Super nice crew! We rented wet suits and body boards for the day. They explained the whole process…read moreto my sister and I being first timers finding the perfect size suit for us. You didn't make us feel dumb for not knowing and I really appreciate that. Thank you for the good experience!

i did a 1 day surf lesson in Pacifica with Gary as our instructor, it was an amazing time, very…read morenice and likable guy. made sure everyone was safe especially because the surf was a bit bigger than normal, overall would love to do it again. thanks Gary!

Adventure out is simply amazing!!! Everybody in the team is an expert and very friendly, and you…read morewill have fun with them 100% I did surf lessons and they were just great in every aspect, I stood up on my first time and learned about the ocean and surfing and also swimming with Chase and Antonio (aka the sweetest). If anybody is planning to come down to santa cruz definitely do out doors activities with adventure out!

Found this place on Yelp and decided to support local and buy some gifts for friends. We got a few…read morebeanies which were great quality and not super expensive. Prices vary depending on what you get. They had lots of cool stuff and the staff were friendly.

Maverick's Surf Shop has a deep history in the Half Moon Bay community, or so I was told, by a…read morefriend who grew up in the area.... This shop and the nearby popular beach with which it shares a name and is known for their huge wave surfing is a must-see if you're in the area. So, for that reason, and because I have a son named Maverick, we decided to swing by this surf shop and check it out... We weren't in the market for any surf gear, but they have everything you need here if you are. We enjoyed perusing their store and I ended up purchasing a t-shirt and hat. The other stores in the area were closed for renovation, but if you end up here, eat at nearby Sam's and make an afternoon of it. That's what we did. Enjoy!

"First Established in 2002, the Wave Chaser Paddle Series has become Northern California's premiere…read morewinter racing series for human-powered watercraft including outriggers, surf skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. The unofficial goal of the series is to promote the awareness of the sport to the greater Northern California community." - from the website The folks who run Wavechaser - Mike Martinez, Dave Jensen, Helen Workman and Scott Kelly - are true enthusiasts who promote the sport, fundraise and organize great paddling races year-round in the Bay Area. They've been successful in raising awareness of paddlesports throughout California, drawing paddlers from as far away as SoCal and Sacramento (and, for their biggest race, the US Surfski Championships - www.ussurfski.com - from South Africa, Tahiti, Hawaii and Australia). I'm a regular participant in Wavechaser races and am very grateful for the dedication and hard work of the Wavechaser board and volunteers. All the races so far have been safe, fun, and run on gorgeous courses. Dave Jensen should be singled out for sometimes slaving over the stove all night before races cooking his signature chili, setting up the race course, and then jumping into his surfski to show the rest of us how to paddle really fast in the race. My only complaint is that as a vegetarian that mouthwatering chili, laden with choice meats, is not accessible to me :-) Helen runs the show on land (and boy, does she know how to crack her whip!), Mike runs the safety boats, making sure exactly as many racers come back as went out, and Scott is an able fundraiser, organizer - and MC for the awards and raffles. If you enjoy watersports, or just like the spectacle of gaily-clad athletes racing beautiful boats in the Bay and Ocean, check wavechaser.com for upcoming races and come on out. There's usually a Novice course and rental boats available for first-timers!