Queer Surf currently offers three types of public group surf lessons in the Bay Area and two types in Los Angeles.
In LA we offer the Foundations and Practice Lessons
In the Bay we offer Foundations Lessons, Practice Lessons and the Summer Surf Series Cohorts.
Beginner Foundations Group Lesson- This lesson is for folks who are brand new to surfing, or for those who want a full refresher course on safety and mechanics. This class includes a gear tutorial, Queer Surf framework, a land lesson covering safety, mechanics, etiquette and land practice, as well as hands-on, in water instruction.
Beginner Practice Group Lesson- A great follow-up to the lesson above, the Beginner Practice lesson is for folks who have participated in a Beginner Foundations lesson, understand the basics of safety and mechanics, and still identify as a beginner. If you have taken a lesson and have learned the basics, but you still want some hands-on or verbal support, this lesson is for you. Beginner Practice does not include an extensive land lesson, covering all the basics of surfing. Instead we start with a quick review of essential safety, go over some higher level tips for paddling and positioning, then spend most of the lesson in the water practicing.
Summer Surf Series Cohorts: A consistent, immersive surf lesson series to jump start and sustain your surfing journey. Cohorts of 8-12 people meet in person and virtually every other week throughout both June and July. Cohort A will meet every other Saturday in person, and every other Wednesday online. Cohort B will meet in person every other Sunday, and online every other Wednesday. This blended format offers ample water time with hands-on instruction, while also deepening understanding of all aspects of surfing, from board types, to wave formation, surf reports to reading waves. Sign up for the summer series begins April 11th.
Time: Most lessons last 3 hours and are scheduled around a low-mid tide.
Cost: Foundations and Practice Lessons are Sliding Scale $100-$250. QTIBIPOC with financial barriers $80- $150
The Summer Surf Series is $669-$2000
What is included: Foundation and Practice lessons includes all gear rental- surfboard with leash, wetsuit and booties, optional hood and gloves.
For the Summer Surf Series we help you get your own gear, so you can can surf on your own time.
Location: Bay Area Lessons are typically held at the Princeton Jetty in Half Moon Bay, or at Lindamar, Pacifica.
LA lessons are held in Venice Beach or at Will Rogers Beach.
Instructors: Our instructors are experienced surfers and water people, and are queer and queer competent. Our lessons have a maximum 4:1 student:instructor ratio. We also have trained volunteers join our lessons to help out.
Schedule: SF Bay Area dates here.
LA dates here.
Registration: Registration opens on the 1st of the month, the month BEFORE a lesson. For example- registration for all April lessons open March 1st. Registration for all August lessons open July 1st.
Cancelation: A lot of resources, planning and labor go into these lessons. If you need to cancel, please do so as early as possible. While we cannot guarantee a refund, if we have a waitlist and are able to refill your spot, we will offer a refund. Cancellations within 48 hours will not be refunded.