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We've put together the most effective program in the Bay Area, with the best instructors, the most effective techniques for beginners, and most calming pre-ocean preparation.

"The simulator clinic made such a difference. In Hawaii, my friends who hadn't done the clinic gave up on their lessons; they just couldn't get it. But I kept going all week and had an incredible time."
Angie

You'll start with the Indoor Simulator Clinic on Saturday. You'll learn to pop-up and center your body on the board, see a video of the ocean class, and meet other students; it's a fun way to prepare for your ocean experience.

We use the best instructors - the Richard Schmidt surf school.
Richard loves teaching our students because the Simulator Clinic gives them a head start and they have a great surf lesson in the water

On Sunday, you'll surf at Cowell's in Santa Cruz. We'll start with an on-beach review and then lots of personal water instruction. We even use a special technique to bring you out on the "green water" and give you a little niduge onto a real wave (most beginners just don't have the paddle power to grab it in time.) You'll have your instructor right next to you so you really experience the balance and flow of riding real waves.

At our Pier 38 studio, you'll learn the Must-Dos for surfing:

a nice smooth popping up motion
keeping your center of gravity low
a good flexed balance on the midline of the board.

Here is Adriana showing the paddle & rest technique best for beginners. Below, she demonstrates the pop-up on the simulator.

How does it work? The simulator balances on a rail, so it requires you to pop up along the midline of the board.

Thanks to the simulator, you'll learn much faster in the water.

"You were right - I totally should have come on Saturday! Everyone who did the simulator clinic was doing really well in the water."
Chris

Then take the water class in Santa Cruz
The water lesson starts with an on-beach orientation to review popping up and body position. We'll also cover surf conditions, water safety and surf etiquette.

Out in the surf, you'll be directed how to position your board, when to paddle and even given a nudge to get you on the wave with perfect timing.

"I took another surf class two years ago, but this one really clicked and now I go out on my own."
Amy

(NOTE: you can match any Simulator clinic with any Water Class)

Learn to Surf
We start with a beach orientation where you'll practice several techniques for popping up (the "push up" from laying down to squatting on your toes) and sturdy standing positions. You'll also learn board handling, water safety and ever-important surfing etiquette.

2-hour lesson includes wetsuit and surfboard, plus post-water snacks. You get lots of attention with our 1:4 instructor to student ratio.

We finish with an equipment overview at Cowell's Surf Shop, to show you which boards, wetsuits and gear are best for your level and body type. Parking at the surf shop is $10 - and allows you use of the store changing rooms & bathrooms.

Skills you learn and develop:

• ocean safety and awareness
• wave types and conditions
• board types
• basic stance and positions
• popping up
• balance and initial turns

Indoor Simulator Clinic:

Location:	1590 Bryant St. Sports Basement store Grotto Gallery (San Francisco)	Day: Time:	Saturday 3:30-5pm
Date:	Sat July 5 (co-ed)
	Sat Aug 2 (co-ed)	FULL
	Sat Aug 2 (co-ed) 2-3:30pm
	Sat Sept 27 (women's)	FULL
	Sat Oct 11 (womens)

Ocean Class:

Location:	Cowells Beach (Santa Cruz)	Day: Time:	Sunday varies with the tides
Date:	Sun July 6 at 9:15am (co-ed)
	Sun Aug 3 at 8am (co-ed) (2 more spots)
	Sun Sept 28 at 2:30pm (women's)	FULL
	Sun Oct 12 at 2pm (women's)

show me women-only surfing dates


	Q: Why do you teach at Cowell's Beach? A: We partner with the Richard Schmidt Surf School at Cowells Beach in Santa Cruz - the best spot in California to learn to surf. The gentle waves break for a long time, the bottom is sand, and the water is shallow. Q: Is there anything I can do before class to prepare? A: Yes! We will send you the Adventurous Get-Ready Primer on Paddling Out, Water Judgement, Waiting on your Board, Catching the Wave and Popping Up. This will get you in the right mindset - and you can even practice some techniques before your class! Q: Why don't you teach every weekend? A: We only teach on weekends with the right tide conditions, so you get the best chance Mother Nature can give for good waves.