Laguna Beach Surf School offers lessons and Sli Dawg ’ s weeklong Summer Surf Camp for kids ages 9 and up .

a more powerful wave and to navigate around rocks .

“ The Brooks Street wave comes out of deep water and hits a shallow reef , which pushes more water into a smaller area , intensifying its power ,” Oftelie says . “ Rockpile is aptly named : Lots of rock , often encrusted with even sharper barnacles — and a rock bottom , with [ spiky ] sea urchins .”

GEARING UP Every surf school in Laguna Beach provides wetsuits — since water temperatures can get chilly — and surfboards suited for beginners , with a leash .

Eli ’ s Learn to Surf Laguna Beach brings the equipment to the beach , so all you have to do is show up . “ You don ’ t have to carry your gear to the beach because it ’ s already there when you arrive ,” says owner Eli Viszolay . “ We bring everything to you to make it easy to focus on surfing . Additionally , we aren ’ t just surf instructors , we are passionate locals from Laguna Beach that have experience in professional surfing .”

The only local company with a brickand-mortar shop for outdoor adventures is La Vida Laguna , which is situated just a couple blocks from the beach . “ We meet at the shop and provide custom wetsuit fittings , [ a ] bathroom , changing area , safekeeping for valuables , off-street parking , hot showers after [ your ] lesson and beach chairs for parents ,” says Doug Oyen , co-owner of La Vida Laguna . The company also offers kayak and bike tours in Laguna as well as SUP outings that combine a lesson and tour .

And Laguna Surf & Sport , which has been a Laguna staple for the surf crowd since 1982 , sells all you need for your surfing adventure , such as swimwear , wetsuits , surfboards and leashes , sunscreen , sweatshirts , sunglasses and sandals , in addition to offering lessons . The shop is just one block from Oak Street beach .

“ Our surf lesson program stands out from others ,” Henderson says , “ because we incorporate the surf shop experience , where you get to hang out with the locals , get some souvenirs and have an amazing time learning a new skill or hobby .” /