118 LAGUNA BEACH CITY GUIDE
La Vida Laguna
DanSurf gives students an understanding of the ocean in addition to teaching them to ride waves .
SCHOOL ’ S IN SESSION
LEARN HOW TO CATCH A WAVE WITH THESE LOCAL SURF INSTRUCTORS .
BY SHARAEL KOLBERG
CALIFORNIA HAS A LONG AND STORIED HISTORY of surfing , including legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku catching waves here in the early 1900s . Laguna Beach was home to surfing and sailing pioneer Hobie Alter , founder of the popular Hobie Surf Shops , established in 1954 . Our town is also known for the Brooks St . Surfing Classic competition , which has been held since 1955 .
You ’ ll find everyone from retired pro surfers to elementary school kids catching waves off Laguna ’ s scenic shores . Thanks to the surf schools based in Laguna , anyone ( who knows how to swim ) can give it a try . The instructors have years of experience in local waters and are patient professionals who can teach you the ins and outs of what it takes to catch your first wave or advance to more challenging breaks .
Learning Proper Technique
Most surf lessons in Laguna last about 1 ½ hours , with a ratio of one instructor for every three or four students for group lessons . Private one-onone lessons are also available through some schools . You ’ ll typically start practicing your “ pop-up ” on the beach before hitting the water .
For those without much experience in the water , part of learning to surf is getting to know the ocean — the tides , the currents and how to paddle out through the waves . There ’ s a lot to process just to get out to where the waves are breaking , before you even start trying to take a wave back to shore .
COURTESY OF DANSURF