Big Surf Lessons & Adventures — Attraction in Pacific Grove

Unfortunately, our experience with Big Surf was very disappointing. We booked a couples surf lesson for our 12- and 15-year-old at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. The day before, Omar texted to confirm and told us to meet him at Del Monte Beach. At no point were we asked to complete waivers for our minors — which should have been a red flag.

On Sunday, while we were having lunch in Pacific Grove before the lesson, I received a call from Zane, the owner. He was abrupt and asked why I hadn’t replied to a text he had sent less than an hour earlier (I was driving at the time). He informed me that our 1:30 lesson had to be pushed back because the instructor had a family issue. We agreed on a 3:00 start. Then, at 1:20, another staff member called, mistakenly confirming 1:30 at a new beach. The communication was disorganized and confusing from the start.

We arrived at their truck at 2:55 as instructed, only to see Omar returning from the water with other students — despite being told he had a personal emergency. Our lesson didn’t actually begin until around 3:20, and much of the first hour was spent fumbling with wetsuits.

Once in the water, conditions were poor and frankly unsafe. Any responsible company should have canceled. The instructor, Sam, fell on top of my daughter and repeatedly used the kids’ boards for his own stability, leaving them to struggle through large breaking waves. More than once, my 100-pound son was stuck behind the board powering through dangerous surf while Sam clung to it with no concern that it could slam into him. In total, they had less than 20 minutes of actual water time.

Instead of focusing on safety or making the experience positive, the instructor laughed as the kids were pummeled by waves, joking about how “tough” they were. They were never taken out far enough to catch a real wave — just left standing in the break.

This company had multiple opportunities to make things right — rescheduling due to unsafe conditions, offering a refund, or at the very least being honest. Instead, we experienced disorganization, unsafe practices, and a lack of integrity.

We visit the area often and would never recommend Big Surf. If you want your kids (or yourself) to truly enjoy learning to surf, find a company that actually cares about safety, honesty, and sharing the sport — not one that just churns...

My daughter and I had an AMAZING experience with Zane at Big Surf! We have both had a single surf lesson in the past, though not together), and I have recently become disabled, able to walk very short distances using crutches but otherwise dependent on a wheelchair. I reached out to Big Surf explaining my physical limitations and, because my daughter is 9 and cannot join a group lesson without an adult with her and because I really wanted to participate in the experience with her rather than sit on the sidelines, I asked what options might be available. Zane was so great. He responded to my request offering to teach my daughter and I himself, and to bring along an additional instructor so we would each have someone to help as we needed during the lesson. He was incredibly supportive and encouraging, both in that communication, and during our lesson. Everything was organized and prepared when we arrived. He and our other instructor were so great -- focused on teaching my daughter (who is on the autism spectrum so has some challenges of her own), while also ensuring we both had an enjoyable time. Neither instructor was judgmental or showed any frustration for the extra help I needed to get down to the water, back on my board at times, and definitely back up the beach after we were done, nor towards my daughter who sometimes gets overwhelmed and shuts down and other times can be overzealous and a little wild. They were incredibly positive and encouraging to both of us the entire time! My primary goal was absolutely fulfilled - I surfed (on my knees or even just staying on my stomach) alongside my daughter. We laughed and cheered each other on and ultimately created the most wonderful memory! Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving us this treasure we will always cherish! Zane and Big Surf are nothing short of amazing! If you are looking for surf lessons, or I'm sure any of the adventures they provide, this is...

As an adult learner with a little (I mean very little) surf exposure, I was impressed with Big Surf Lessons and Adventures. I scheduled a private lesson and my instructor was Zane. I also met Abraham at the truck as he prepared for a lesson with a different student. You can tell Big Surf loves what they do. They make it a fun experience!

I like that they chose the beach based on the waves that day. It was easy to find the Big Surf truck. They carry all their boards and wet suits with them, so they can give you equipment that suits you.

Zane gave me the choice between a 7 and 8 foot board (for my 5 foot height) and next time I would go with the longer board so I could focus on catching the wave and less on trying to balance.

On the shore Zane explained surfing basics: getting past the break, positioning on the board and in the water, and other info like how to communicate with other surfers about who is taking a wave (priority). Honestly it started to feel like a lot of information, but once we went into the water he coached me and it was helpful to have the background information that he had taught me.

Getting through the break the first time (to get to the waves) wiped me out. I had my breath knocked out of me and took in some water. I had a primal but quiet, inner freak out. There was a moment when I thought I can’t do this I’m just going to have to watch! I told him I needed a moment to catch my breath and Zane helped me succeed. He was really good at coaching me through catching the waves and giving me a push when it was time to go. He told me how he relaxes between rides and lets go of the stress. My last ride was the best. Surfing is so fun! I feel like for this sized wave (4-5’) I’d need another lesson before surfing on my own. And in spite of the challenges, I WANT to take another lesson. Over all it was a very good...