Capitola Beach Company

Business Details

22 Years

experience

Surf & Stand-Up Paddle Board Lessons in Capitola

Capitola Beach Company has been a trusted provider of surf and stand-up paddle board lessons since 2004, serving both locals and visitors in Capitola, California. Our team of experienced instructors, including lifelong Capitola residents with decades of water safety expertise, prioritizes safety, education, and enjoyment in every lesson. We specialize in beginner-friendly surf instruction at Capitola Beach Company, recognized as one of Santa Cruz's premier learning spots, while offering personalized private, semi-private, and group lessons for all ages. Our rental services feature top-quality surfboards, paddle boards, and wetsuits, ensuring clients have the right equipment for their ocean adventures. The company also operates a boutique shop carrying surf lifestyle brands and unique gifts, reinforcing our commitment to the coastal community.

With a focus on environmental stewardship, we participate in monthly beach cleanups and emphasize ocean safety awareness. Our instructors' deep local knowledge of tides, surf conditions, and etiquette ensures clients receive expert guidance tailored to Santa Cruz's dynamic coastline. Customer testimonials consistently highlight our staff's professionalism, patience, and passion for water sports. We maintain strict safety protocols, including lifeguard-certified instruction and comprehensive equipment checks. By combining technical expertise with a welcoming atmosphere, we aim to make surfing and paddle boarding accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

Services

Surf Lessons SUP Lessons Equipment Rentals Boutique Shop Group Lessons Private Instruction Ocean Safety Training Beach Cleanups Wetsuit Rentals Local Gift Shop

Details

Year established: 2004

Highlights and features

We offer 20+ years of local surf instruction experience with lifeguard-certified instructors
Our equipment rentals include premium wetsuits and boards from trusted brands
We maintain a 4.9/5 customer satisfaction rating from verified reviews
We provide tailored lesson plans for different age groups and skill levels
We participate in monthly beach cleanups and ocean safety education programs

What people say

Kind and genuine employees Latest and greatest equipment Therapeutic SUP experience Right by the beach Consistently kind and friendly

Website

Update Listing

Services

Surf Lessons

Our surf lessons cater to all skill levels with personalized instruction from experienced lifeguard-certified instructors. Private sessions offer one-on-one attention while group classes maintain small sizes for optimal learning. Lessons include beach training on wave reading, safety protocols, and proper technique before water time.

SUP Lessons

Stand-up paddle board lessons teach fundamental techniques, safety practices, and environmental awareness in Capitola's calm waters. Private and semi-private options allow tailored instruction while group sessions accommodate various skill levels. All rentals include necessary safety equipment and expert guidance.

Equipment Rentals

We offer premium surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, wetsuits, and accessories for rent with expert fitting assistance. Our inventory includes multiple board types and sizes to match different skill levels and conditions. Daily and hourly rates available with security deposit requirements for protection.

Boutique Shop

Our boutique carries surf lifestyle apparel, accessories, and gifts from brands like Billabong and Roxy. The store features men's, women's, and children's clothing, local jewelry, and unique souvenirs. Online ordering with local pickup and return options available for customer convenience.

Group Lessons

Group surf and SUP lessons provide affordable instruction while maintaining personalized attention through small class sizes. Certified instructors focus on safety fundamentals, proper technique, and environmental awareness for beginners. Sessions include all necessary equipment and safety gear.

People

Matt Arthur

Surf Instructor & Lifeguard

Born and raised in Capitola, Matt has 34 years of surfing experience and California lifeguard certification. He specializes in water safety instruction and has competed in professional surfing events across the Pacific. His local expertise includes knowledge of optimal surf spots and conditions.

Paul

Surf Instructor

Paul teaches surf lessons with a focus on technique and safety, receiving consistent praise for his patience and clear instruction methods. He works with students of all ages, emphasizing proper wave etiquette and ocean awareness during lessons.

Questions

What types of surf lessons do you offer?

We offer private, semi-private, and group surf lessons for ages 5+. Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction, semi-private accommodates families, and group lessons maintain small sizes for personalized attention.

Do you provide equipment for lessons?

All lessons include necessary equipment: surfboards, wetsuits, paddles, and safety leashes. We maintain premium quality gear suitable for different skill levels and body types.

What's the best time to learn surfing in Capitola?

Capitola Beach Company offers consistent beginner-friendly conditions year-round. Our instructors recommend checking tides and morning conditions for optimal learning experiences, with summer providing warmer water temperatures.

Are paddle board rentals available without lessons?

Yes, we rent stand-up paddle boards hourly or daily. While lessons are recommended for beginners, experienced paddlers can rent equipment with proper safety briefing and equipment check.

What safety measures do you implement?

Our instructors are lifeguard-certified with comprehensive safety protocols including equipment checks, ocean condition assessments, and emergency response training. Lessons emphasize environmental awareness and proper safety practices.

Can children participate in water activities?

We offer family-friendly programs with lessons for children aged 5+. Parental supervision is required for minors during rentals, and we provide appropriately sized equipment for young participants.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Sarah Y.

Nov 15, 2021 Report

Not great, not safe, would not recommend, I'd suggest literally any other place. They care very little of their customers safety seeing as they didn't care about the fact they rented out a broken paddle to go with the paddle board. They also are borderline a scam since they start counting your time as soon as you state you want to rent a board. They have no respect either, as when my friend called, Matt, who is the owner, spoke in a very aggressive and uncaring tone of voice.

Emma Beeler

Aug 30, 2021 Report

Had a 4 person lessen with my brother and two others, cooper was a great instructor! Got us out in the water and actually catching waves. The owner, Matt, was very friendly and informative. Highly recommend!

Tom Y.

Aug 06, 2021 Report

This is going to be long-winded, but if you want excellent service and a good price; this is the place for you.

So, to start off, I am from Florida, a tiny town near the spaceport called Cocoa Beach. While not a hoary a surg spot as St. Cruz, we do have a bit of surf culture. Being on the east coast, we are, of course, more advanced and sophisticated than westerners. One aspect of our advanced technology is our adoption of a modern development; the stand-up paddleboard. This is a surfboard where the rider remains on his feet, and uses a long paddle to navigate through the waves. Many surfers

T. Lpk

Aug 03, 2021 Report

The whole family had surf lessons with Cooper. He was exceptional with everyone, being calm, confident and encouraging. We all came home tired and happy.