I’m learning to surf. It is challenging living a thousand miles from an ocean. Each time I travel to the ocean, I attempt to get in at least one surf session. I’ve found that it’s a lot easier to either go with a friend or hire a guide. On a trip to Santa Cruz, CA, my brother and I squeezed in a quick adventure to catch a few waves between commitments.

On a good recommendation from my friend Curious Gabe we choose Richard Schmidt Surf School.

Gabe is a long-standing columnist and photographer for Surfer Magazine.

I asked him….

Who should we call to go surfing?

Gabe, being said “Definitely Richard Schmidt Surf School”.

Down the hill, wetsuit on, catching waves, wetsuit off, back up the hill all in three hours.

You should’ve seen our smiles.

When all the other guys at the men’s retreat opted for shuffleboard or a game of cards, we lived an Outside Magazine article.

How to book a lesson with Richard Schmidt Surf and SUP School

Lessons run about $90 x person and last about two hours. Contact them for availability. Yelp reviews

849 Almar Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0928 or richardschmidt.com Bookings