THINGS TO KNOW FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN TAKING SURFING LESSONS OR ATTENDING A SURF CAMP:

We have been contacted by numerous people asking questions like "how can I tell if a surf school is good or not?", or "how do I pick one surf school over another?", or "who teaches the best surfing lessons". As we are a service for current and aspiring surf instructors we feel that it only right to help shed some light on the surf school issue.

Remember - taking a surfing lesson is a big decision so make sure to have all ALL your questions answered first.

Before signing up for surf lessons with any individual or surf school always ask:

1.  How long have you been in business?
     Remember a lot of people lie so ask them to prove this.
2.  Am I calling a cell phone or land line?
     Cell phone is red flag because it can indicate 'fly by night'
3 . Are you insured?
     If YES - remember a lot of people lie so ask them to prove this.
4 . Are you licenced and or permitted?
     If YES - remember a lot of people lie so ask them to prove this.
5 . Are all your instructors CPR certified?
     If YES - remember a lot of people lie so ask them to prove this.
6 . What type of equipment do you teach on?
     Make sure it is safe

SURF SCHOOL INDUSTRY FACTS EXPLAINED:

FACT: It is hard to tell the difference between a good and bad surf school just by looking at their website.

Surf Schools are opening up all around Florida and California and with little to no regulation place this situation can be potentially dangerous. That is why it is important before signing up for a surf lesson, camp or class that you know as much information about that school as possible.

FACT: Many surf schools do not carry insurance.

Currently there are little to no regulations governing surf schools so many are just in this business to make a quick buck the cheapest way possible with little to no consideration for their clientele. Always ask to make sure the surf school or private instructor that you are interested in carries an insurance policy  *specifically  written  for  surf  instruction.

FACT: Some surf school surf instructors do not hold CPR certification.

Always make sure that your surf instructor carries CPR certification (lifeguard or higher is even better!).

FACT: Instructor/ Owner backgrounds are important.

We are dealing with kids, parents, ourselves and the people we care about here! Before you send yourself or your child to a surf school or camp make sure that the instructor(s) (especially the owner) does not have a criminal record that you would find objectionable. We have heard stories of individuals operating surf schools, and individual instructors who have criminal records.

FACT: Creditability is important.

Always feel free to ask your prospective surfing school or instructor for references. Have they been covered in the Media? Do they have verifiable references? Those are two very important questions to ask.

FACT: You should be careful of the surf school that advertises a cell phone number as it's main phone number.

Cell phone only surf schools could mean fly-by-night. We do not know of any insured and creditable surf schools that advertise a cell phone number as their main phone number. Here is a great resource to check whether a phone number is a land line or cell phone: click here

FACT: Many surf schools do not have a license to operate.

Always make sure the surf school or instructor you are doing business with is licensed to operate. Always feel free to ask to see his or her licence.

FACT: Surf schools run by former professional surfers are not always the best kind.

Sure, there are several ex-professional surfers who do a wonderful job at running their surf schools, however just because one is a good surfer doesn't mean one knows anything about running a business. Don't be lured solely by big names.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Would you go see a doctor that had not passed through medical school? Or hire a lawyer without a law degree? Then why would you pick a Surf School that doesn't have their basic credentials ..?

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SURF SCHOOLS THAT WE ARE COMFORTABLE RECCOMENDING:

Surf Schools In California:

1. www.SurfDiva.com
2. www.RichardSchmidt.com
3. www.LearnToSurfLA.com

Surf Schools In Florida:

1. www.FloridaSurfLessons.com
2. www.SouthBeachSurfSchool.com
3. www.SurfSchoolCamp.com