Dive into Santa Cruz’s surf culture with a semi-private lesson tailored for all skill levels. Enjoy expert coaching on the best local beaches and experience California’s iconic waves like never before.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness and basic swimming skills to comfortably handle ocean currents and paddling.
Wildlife
History
Santa Cruz has been a surfing hotspot since the 1930s, renowned for pioneering surf culture on the West Coast.
Conservation
Local instructors emphasize ocean stewardship and follow sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.
Club Ed International
Dive into Santa Cruz’s surf culture with a semi-private lesson tailored for all skill levels. Enjoy expert coaching on the best local beaches and experience California’s iconic waves like never before.
Club Ed International is a Watsonville, California–based surf and paddle school offering structured instruction across surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and multi-day surf camps. Led by Ed Guzman and Master Instructors, Club Ed International runs weeklong Summer Surf Camp at Manresa Uplands State Park that includes daily surf sessions, camping, meals, evening campfires, organized activities, professional surf photos, and a commemorative t-shirt.
The business provides a full range of lessons: private and semi-private surfing instruction, private and semi-private SUP lessons, beginner group SUP lessons, group surfing lessons, and private group lessons. Lessons are tailored to individual skill levels and ages, with instructors choosing the best beach for conditions and tides. Equipment such as surfboards and wetsuits is included for lessons that specify it, and instruction emphasizes safety, paddling fundamentals, wave dynamics, self-rescue, and surf etiquette.
Club Ed International offers one-on-one coaching with unique teaching methods for SUP and surfing, plus semi-private formats for paired learning and small groups with personalized attention. The Summer Surf Camp combines outdoor education and surf coaching in a permitted state park setting. Based in Watsonville, the operation highlights local beach selection and tide-aware scheduling. Parents and participants can expect structured programming, professional documentation of sessions when provided, and trained instructors delivering focused skill development in surfing and paddle sports. Private surfing instruction sessions typically range from one to two hours, giving focused time for technique, safety drills, and immediate feedback. Beginner group SUP lessons are two hours long and include instruction on self-rescue and paddling fundamentals.
Location
Watsonville, CA
Based in Watsonville, California
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Range of camps and lessons
Session Length
1–2 hours
Typical private lesson duration
Camp Location
Manresa Uplands
Summer Surf Camp site
Check availability for Summer Surf Camp, private lessons, and group sessions — book tailored instruction and included equipment for better progress.
Arrive Early
Get to the meeting point 15 minutes early to check in and get settled before hitting the water.
Check the Weather
Surf conditions vary daily—dress in layers and bring a wetsuit suitable for cool Pacific waters.
Respect Local Surfers
Observe surf etiquette including right of way and respecting the lineup to keep the experience positive for everyone.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water and drink plenty of fluids to stay energized during your lesson.
Wetsuit
A wetsuit keeps you warm and protected in Santa Cruz’s often chilly Pacific waters.
Surfboard
Boards are provided, but you can bring your own for a personalized fit.
Rash Guard
Protects your skin from sun and board rash during warmer months.
summer
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial when spending time on the water.