Some training... some paddling... and a little nudge over the edge...
Starting out surfing is a humbling and amazing experience that demands respect for oneself, other surfers and, above all, the power and beauty of the ocean.  We'd like to help you into this experience.

At Santa Cruz Surf School you will be getting lessons from respected local surfers who have dedicated their lives to knowing and appreciating the spots they surf and teach at.  Our instructors are highly qualified, mature, lifelong Santa Cruz Surfers certified in First Aid and CPR. You can pick from male or female instructors who are some of the most patient people you'll ever meet.  If you like a particular instructor, please request them for your following classes and they will work with you as you progress. 

We are striving to maintain a healthy balance in the water, so as many people as possible can enjoy the Sport of Kings, while having as small an impact as possible on other locals' home breaks.  To do this, we maintain that learning surf etiquette and water safety comes first, and we teach our beginning classes exclusively at Santa Cruz's best beginner's surf spot: Cowell's. 

Surfers you see today at the top spots with the best waves have likely been surfing throughout their entire lives.  Many of them had parents who surfed and passed down the skill.  At Santa Cruz Surf School, we realize that many people who didn't grow up around surf and surfing have not had this opportunity, and we'd like to give it to them.

Santa Cruz Surf School believes that surfing is a rare chance to see a side of life most people never knew existed-- and we'd like to extend that opportunity to anyone with a desire to learn.  For that reason, we also offer "scholarships" (free lessons) to kids from low-income families.  If you feel you or your child may qualify for this program, please contact us for more information.

Instructors
Dylan Greiner, owner/instructor • click here to watch a short video of Dylan surfing
Dylan Greiner has been surfing for over 15 years and teaching surfing for more than 8 of them.  Dylan is a standout at some of the Westside's top spots, and can frequently be found at the Lane or Scott's Creek.  Being good in the water is one thing, but being able to patiently explain the intricacies of the sport and the ocean to a novice is a skill that takes years of training.  Dylan loves teaching.  It makes his day every time to see that look that everyone gets after their first time riding a wave.

Elijah Crowell, instructor • Surfing for 11 years, teaching for 6 years

Justin Burk, instructor/trailer guy • Surfing for 10 years, Justin has been a pro snowboarder and snowmobile guide for the past 10 years.

Gena Bergstom, instructor • Gina has been surfing her entire life and teaching surfing for the past 6 years.  Gina's a professional singer and on her way to law school.