Information on Surfing (Santa Barbara, Dana Point: sales, how much, buy)

[Bronze18]

Hi Im from the midwest and I plan to move L.A. by the end of the year. I understand that it's going to be very expensive so I'll be interested in taking advantage of as many free outdoor activities as possible. Does anyone have any idea how much surf lessons generally run? Also, is it like a one-time thing or can you take like a 5 week course? (Im pretty serious about learning ) And about how much do boards cost?

Thanks for your help!

-Bronze

[Charles]

If you are a decent swimmer and in decent shape you could take a couple of one hour lessons and being having fun in a few days. I don't think it is necessary to take a five week course (is there such a thing?) I learned by trial and error. A slightly larger board may be easier at first. Buy a used board and a wet suit using the Recycler (www.recycler.com) or Craigs List or Play It Again Sports. Try to learn at places where there aren't a lot of people (You may have to drive up north towards Santa Barbara, but what the heck it's a nice drive.) I was lucky, I used to surf at Point Mugu Navy Base, It has an excellent break and only those who have base IDs (employees and Naval personnel) there are allowed to be there, so it was never crowded. Don't try to learn on waves bigger than two feet.

[Mel2882]

I learned on a longboard and went down to Doheny (Dana Point) to practice. I also went to Newport a lot. I bought my first board for $200, but it was pretty beat up...good for a beginner...I'd say most are around $500. Shortboards are generally less expensive...I'd say harder to start on but great if you want to manuever more. I would definitely start with a used one, whichever you choose. Look around at garage sales in addition to where the last poster said to look. Honestly, I had a friend teach me for a few days, but then it was just trying what worked and what didn't to get it right. I don't know, everytime I see a class out in the water, it seems a little crazy because there are sooo many of them in one area, and I would think that would make it more difficult for a beginner.

[Bronze18]

Thank you for your help. Does anyone have an idea of about how much surf lessons cost?