We live, breathe & dream surfing
At Gold Coast Surf School we believe that surfing provides an ideal setting to live a healthy, fit and balanced life. It is our mission to help guide and mentor our community towards appreciating the ocean, environment, and our connection with the elements. Through surfing we can foster skills that enable personal growth, integrity and a sense of purpose.
Why Choose GCSS
As a full-service surf school, we provide our clients with an elevated and personalized experience that goes above and beyond an average surf lesson. Personalized coaching, youth programs, exclusively curated tours, and community events are just a few of our specialties, all of which are executed by our friendly and experienced staff.
We take pride in providing the highest quality service possible. This includes professional coaches who are CPR & First aid certified, top of the line equipment, door to door service in our comfortable luxury vehicles (including hot showers!), photo & video packages, and all of the required amenities for a great time at the beach!
Meet Our Team
-
Adam Lambert
OWNER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Adam Lambert began surfing at the age of four when his father pushed him into his first wave at Miramar Beach. He naturally excelled and climbed through the ranks as an amateur & competitive surfer, gradually developing his skills under the coaching of some of the best in the business, including Joe and Tom Curren, Mike Lamm and Dave Letinske.
Over the years Adam has developed a classic Santa Barbara power surfing style, which is complemented by a skilled air attack and creative approach to riding every wave.
Adam opened Gold Coast Surf School in 2021 and is passionate about sharing his love & knowledge of surfing with other ocean adventure enthusiasts.
-
Cory Poole
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Cory grew up in Cape Cod, MS where he got his first taste of surfing at only 8 years old. From then on he became obsessed with ocean adventures but had to begrudgingly wait out the long and frigid New England winters before he could dive back into the North Atlantic waters. This led him to eventually seek out the much more temperate climate of Santa Barbara in his late teens. California quickly became his home base to refine his surfing skills and explore around-the-world surf destinations.
Cory has 15+ years of experience in the surf, adventure, and hospitality industries, ranging from production & logistics to brick & mortar operations. When he’s not fine tuning operations at Gold Coast Surf School you’ll find him threading the needle at one of his favorite local sandbars.
-
Christian Green
ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR
Adventure and wave searching is in Christian’s DNA. Whether he’s grabbing a soft-top to surf 2 foot waves or waxing up his big wave board to ride heavy beach breaks, Christian’s positivity and desire to have fun is constant.
As a former lifeguard, Christian has advanced water safety skills and ocean awareness. He has been teaching private surf lessons for over 4 years while also earning a degree from UCSB as well as his Real Estate License.
Christian is a go-getter to the max and can’t wait to help you achieve your surfing goals.
-
Blake Bebensee
ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR
Raised in Goleta, CA, Blake caught his first wave at Campus Point at only 6 years old and has since grown into an expert of the surrounding breaks of Goleta and beyond. Blake competed for Dos Pueblos High School’s surf team in long- boarding and short-boarding, and now focuses on giving back to the community that supported his surfing and success since day one.
Blake loves working with kids & students of all ages. With 8+ years of experience teaching beginner surf lessons & advanced level coaching, Blake is driven to help you take your surfing to the next level.
-
Gaby Monkiewicz
ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR
Gaby is an experienced long-boarder, yoga enthusiast, and is currently studying for a future career in Marine Biology. She has been surfing for over 9 years and competed on surf teams throughout her high school years.
While attending SBCC, she had the opportunity to teach marine biology to home-schooling students where she discovered her passion for sharing her knowledge and appreciation for the ocean and all that nature has to offer.
Gaby’s extensive knowledge of surfing and marine eco-systems helps her students to feel safe and comfortable when learning to surf. She can't wait to inspire you to feel the joy of riding those beautiful blue waves!
-
Rex Mascheroni
ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR
Rex grew up in NYC and surfed the East Coast shores since the age of 3. At 15 he moved to California to pursue his pro surfing career and had the privilege of being trained by elite surfers Matt Malone, Sean Maddison and Toma Tomatsuri.
Rex has travelled all over the world to train both in and out of the water, refining his agility, mindset and technique. For the last 8 years he has been coached and mentored by Brad Gerlach on the WQS - taking his east coast quick approach and applying it to the point breaks of Santa Barbara. Rex has been trained extensively in multiple methodologies and surfing techniques. He has coached many youth surfers to victory in the NSSA’s and SSS.
The versatility of Rex’s surfing career combined with his approach to coaching and communication skills make him an excellent coach for all ages and skill levels.