La Vida Laguna — Local services in Laguna Beach

Honest review from first time surfer!!! 🏄🏻‍♀️

1.) HIGHLY recommend a private lesson. I signed up for the group lesson & simply due to a lack of participants- wound up with a private lesson!

This totally made me nervous!!! But actually - was the best, here’s why:

Your instructor has a lot of potential to help you if it’s 1:1.

I had no idea (totally a surfing newbie) that they could help you decide if the wave was “worth it”, help you with the timing, literally push the end of your board to help with speed, and yell at you when to stand up - with this much attention, I stood up every time, and made it close to shore most of the time. They really can make it easy for you to succeed!

I’m not sure I would have had the same success with a group lesson! If it’s your first time, I highly recommend a private lesson!

2. the hardest part is getting back out there 😂

You triumphantly make it to the shore. You then have your legs and cord to your board dragged down in heaps of seaweed. The waves crash on you and push you back - cause you hesitate to run into the surf.

By the time you paddle back out past where they’re breaking - you’re exhausted 😂

I expected to be tired from squatting - nope! I should have hit the gym practicing my paddling and working on arm strength 😂

3.) my instructor was Jason and he was the best!!! Positive, kind, and easy going. There’s a lot of waiting for the right wave, so you’re going to be chilling on your board as you wipe the sunscreen out of your eyes and nose after getting faced by waves 🤣 and I chatted his ear off but he was so easy to chit chat with! Highly recommend him for his energy, demeanor AND helpful instruction. He’s from Laguna, competed in surf competitions around the world - like Hawaii - AND is a talented full time musician!

Wear sunscreen - don’t stress - have fun - they have a shower for you after so you can hit the Laguna bars post lesson to celebrate your basic success 😂 - don’t hesitate & book today!!! Highlight of my trip to...

We were recently at the St. Regis in Dana Point, and had the opportunity to do some coastal cycling. As soon as we stepped outside the lobby, Mike and the rest of the La Vida Laguna crew were waiting with a van full of bikes and helmets for us to use!

After giving a brief but useful rundown of the bikes, gears, etc. we were on our way. Mike led the pack, and some of the other friendly staffers were positioned in the middle and rear to ensure we didn't lose anyone in our varied ability group of 20+ cyclists. Mike took frequent stops to gather the group and share points of interest, cool views, and also give us the lay of the land for the terrain ahead. He was also at the top of tricky climbs giving motivation pump-ups to keep us pedaling. Most impressive was their ability to cater to such a diverse crowd, offering advice and suggestions regardless of prior skill or athleticism. They also provided a "chase van" that rendezvoused with our group 2-3 times, offering fresh bottled waters and (should anyone have needed it) a ride back to the hotel.

About 1/3 of the way into our circular loop trip, we were presented the option to go back the way we came, or continue onward to see new scenery. Some of our group opted for the former, most of our group - including the two of us (both athletic/skilled cyclists) - continued on. After some more stops and a stunning viewpoint/group photo opportunity, we headed back to the St. Regis, capping off a leisurely 15-mile ride in about 3...

I set up a surfing lesson for my 13 yr old grandson who loves to buggy board when he comes to visit from Ohio The week he was here the surf was gigantic The staff kept in close contact with us about the safety of conditions especially for a beginner We were impressed with their awareness of his disappointment but talked with him about safety first Finally last Sunday conditions calmed and his lesson was on! Jake, his instructor was fabulous He talked respectfully to Ryan about expectations and off they went It was a practice on the sand first and then out they went As we watched from shore the smile and determined look on Ryan’s face remained constant even throughout the wipe outs The absolute joyous look on his first full wave ride said it all! After his hour and a half lesson we arranged to keep the board and for hours Ryan rode I can’t say enough positive things about the service and professionalism and friendliness we experienced with La Vida They were patient knowledgeable and supportive Highly...