Experience the thrill of surfing in Santa Cruz with our two-hour group lessons. Learn paddling, wave reading, and riding techniques at one of California’s most famous surf beaches, perfect for beginners and all skill levels.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a basic level of fitness, comfortable in the water and able to swim.
Wildlife
History
Santa Cruz has been a hub of California surf culture since the mid-20th century, with Steamer Lane recognized as one of the first major surf spots in the U.S.
Conservation
The local surf schools emphasize reef-safe sunscreen and ocean stewardship to protect marine habitats influenced by tourism.
Club Ed International
Experience the thrill of surfing in Santa Cruz with our two-hour group lessons. Learn paddling, wave reading, and riding techniques at one of California’s most famous surf beaches, perfect for beginners and all skill levels.
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.
Check the surf report
Always review daily surf conditions to ensure waves match your skill level for a safe lesson.
Wear a wetsuit
Water temperatures can be cool year-round; a wetsuit will keep you warm and comfortable.
Listen carefully to instructors
Following safety cues and technique tips improves your experience and reduces injury risk.
Arrive early
Arriving 15 minutes before your lesson allows for equipment fitting and briefing without rush.
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm in Santa Cruz’s cooler Pacific waters.
all
Rash guard
Protects against sunburn and board rash during surfing.
all
Water shoes or surf booties
Provide extra warmth and foot protection on rocky or cold beaches.
fall;winter
Sunscreen (reef-safe)
Essential to protect exposed skin under intense sun on the water.
summer