Santa Monica Surf School

Santa Monica Surf School was founded in 2006 by Nick Ostrogovich, a Santa Monica native and passionate surfer. Our mission is to introduce the experience and history of surfing in Santa Monica to new and experienced surfers, while providing a solid foundation for students to feel comfortable in the ocean. With over 45 years of combined surf experience, our ISA-certified coaches are dedicated to making your surfing adventure as unforgettable as it is educational.

Our Core Values

At Santa Monica Surf School, we believe in living by certain core values that guide our approach to teaching surfing. These values include:

• Safety first: Both on the sand and in the water, we prioritize safety and well-being above all else.
• Surf etiquette: We teach students to respect the ocean and other surfers, promoting a culture of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
• Correct surfing technique: Our expert instructors ensure that students learn proper surfing techniques to enhance their experience and prevent injuries.
• The power of positive surfing and thinking: We emphasize the importance of a positive mindset and the joy of surfing to create a lifelong passion for the sport.
• Instill self-confidence: Our instructors strive to empower students with the confidence to take on new challenges and achieve their goals.
• Create memories that will last a lifetime: We aim to create lasting memories for our students, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship.
• Understand environmental conditions: We teach students to respect and appreciate the ocean and its rhythms, promoting ecological conservation and sustainability.
• Interpret wave timing, tide charts, and swell reports: Our instructors educate students on how to read the ocean and anticipate wave patterns to enhance their surfing experience.
• Encourage ecological conservation: We promote responsible surfing practices and environmental stewardship to preserve the beauty of Santa Monica's coastline.

Our Staff

Our team of expert instructors is dedicated to providing exceptional surfing lessons and experiences. Meet our team:

• Nick Rea: Founder and Head Instructor, Nick has been surfing for over 25 years and has taught students of all ages and abilities. He's certified by the International Surfing Association and is an Open Water Lifeguard.
• Esteban Lopez: Instructor Esteban is a member of the International Surfing Association and a certified lifeguard. Born in Costa Rica, he has spent years teaching surf lessons in various locations around the world.
• Aidan Ostrogovich: Instructor Aidan has over 25 years of surfing experience and has taught thousands of students over the years. With a Red Cross certification and a Level 2 Surf Coaching degree from the National Surfing Association, Aidan is an expert in his craft.

Our Services

We offer a range of services designed to suit every surfer's needs:

• Private Surf Lessons: One-on-one lessons for adults and children, perfect for beginners or experienced surfers looking to improve their technique.
• Group Surf Lessons: Join a group surf session with friends or like-minded individuals to learn the basics and improve your surfing skills.
• Surf Camps: Exclusive camps for kids and teens, focusing on water safety, surfing skills, and environmental awareness.
• Corporate Events: Let us organize team-building activities and corporate events that combine surfing and team-building exercises for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Whether you're a beginner, an experienced surfer, or just looking for a unique team-building experience, Santa Monica Surf School is here to help you catch the wave of a lifetime.