The ocean temperatures in Santa Barbara range between 66 degrees in summer down to 52 degrees in the winter.  We are fully equipped with new, high quality wetsuits to keep you cozy and comfortable throughout your lesson!

Yes! Gold Coast Surf School instructors are professional coaches, CPR certified, and local lifelong surfers.

We appreciate advanced bookings 24 hours prior to your lesson. For groups of five (5) or more or any of our surfing experience adventure packages, a 48 hour notice is preferred. However, based on availability we are more than happy to put you on our schedule.

We offer pick up and drop off in one of our beautiful sprinter vans, or, you are welcome to meet us down at the beach.

Yes, it is mandatory to sign the waiver prior to arriving at your surf lesson. The waiver is available upon checking out. But can also be found here

We will be taking you to one of many ideal beginner friendly local surf spots within a short distance from your pickup location or hotel. With it’s small and forgiving waves, Santa Barbara is a beginners paradise. Our guides will find the optimum location for your surfing abilities.

It is customary to leave a gratuity or tip for your instructors, however it is a personal decision and left to your own discretion and level of satisfaction. If you do decide to tip, both cash and credit tips are appreciated. Generously tipping your instructors above and beyond is also welcomed and greatly appreciated. On parties of five (5) or more individuals an 20% service charge will automatically be added to your total bill with the option of adding gratuity if you choose to for services that surpassed your expectations.

Lessons that are canceled on the scheduled day of the lesson are subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Large groups of five (5) or more persons are subject to a 100% cancellation fee if canceled within 24 hours of scheduled appointment time.

All Surf Expedition Tours & SUP Expedition Tours are subject to a 100% cancellation fee if canceled within 48 hours of scheduled time of the tour .

We recognize that the time of our clients and staff is valuable and have implemented this policy for this reason. When you miss an appointment with us, we not only lose your business, but also the potential business of other clients who could have scheduled an appointment for the same time. Additionally, many times our staff will be functioning in an “on call” status and have traveled & scheduled their time specifically for your service. For these reasons we are obligated to compensate our staff for their time as well as make up for the lost revenue.

When you schedule your appointment with us, you are agreeing to these policies. Thank you.