Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to call or email the surf shop to reserve equipment for my surf lesson.
A. If you have scheduled a space in our beginner group class or a private lesson for 1 to 3 people you do not need to call or email the surf shop to reserve your gear. We will have equipment waiting for you to use during your lesson. If you have schedule a private surf lesson and you plan to have more than 3 participants, it is recommended that you call or email us after scheduling on-line so that we will have the appropriate number of boards suits and instructors available for your lesson.

Q. How do I schedule a private lesson or 1 hour kids private surf lesson for more than one person?
A. When scheduling a private or 1 hour kids private surf lesson for more than one person in our on line schedule, Just reserve and pay for one person and bring as many people as you like. When you arrive at the 2 mile surf shop you can pay for your rental gear and the additional participants. It is recommended that groups over 3 call or email us after scheduling on line so that we will have the appropriate number of boards suits and instructors available schedule for your lesson.

Q. Whats included in the surf lesson rental package and how much does it cost?
A. Three hour use of a surfboard of your choice, 4/3 mm wetsuit and boots all for $30. You receive a $15 discount off the regular rental price of $45 when you are taking a surf lesson.

Q. What should I wear under my wetsuit?
A. Most people who own their wetsuits don't wear anything under them. Wetsuits fit so tightly that there isn't room for most types of shorts. Some women like to wear swimsuits (without metal underwire) because it makes it easier to change with a towel next to the car. Some men wear Speedos under their suits. If you're renting a wetsuit, you may want to put something on under it. If you don't have a Speedo, any short running shorts or short trunks will do fine.

Q. Will I be cold if I try surfing in the winter? And how cold does it get?
A. Most people are surprised by how warm they feel in the winter with a good wetsuit and boots. The water temperature doesn't change much from summer to winter. The average summer water temp is about 56-58 degrees, whereas the average winter water temp is about 53-55 degrees. The coldest it gets is about 48 degrees and that's almost always in the spring when the NW winds are the strongest. The water temperatures are usually warmest in July or August, after a long stretch of high overcast skies and glassy conditions. Summer water temps can reach 60 degrees.

Q. What thickness wetsuit should I rent or buy?
A. If your renting always ask for a 4/3 mm suit. Most people who only own one wetsuit own a 4/3mm, which means the suit is 4mm thick in the chest and legs and 3mm thick in the arms. In a 4/3, you will be hot on the warmest summer days and a little cool on the colder winter and spring days. Many people wear hooded rash guards under their suits in the winter. This makes the suit much warmer. The rash guard stops water flow in the suit, and the hood keeps your head and ears toasty. I have a 4/3 that I wear in the summer and a hooded 5/3 that I wear in the winter.

Q. Is there anything I can do to prepare for surfing?
A. Yes. Lie on the ground as if you were lying on a surfboard and try to jump to your feet, keeping your hands on the ground. You want your front foot to land in between your hands. Push-ups are good to build strength, and yoga is good for flexibility and body awareness.

Q. I want to learn to surf, but I'm afraid of sharks.
A. Although there are great white sharks in Northern California waters, it is very unlikely that you will ever see one, let alone be bitten by one. There is less than one great white attack per year on a surfer in all of the US, and almost all of the surfers who have been bitten have survived. You're three times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark and worldwide more people are killed by falling coconuts than shark attacks. If you drive on the freeway, you should be far more concerned by the fact that there are nearly 40,000 fatal car accidents per year in California alone.

Q. Can I surf with contact lenses?
A. Yes, I use contacts every time I surf. I would have a hard time catching waves with out them. I only loose my contacts when I open my eyes under water. Your tears are salt water so the ocean actually feels refreshing.

Q. The salt burns my eyes. Should I were swim goggles?
A. Salt water shouldn't burn your eyes because it is very similar to tears. It is probably the sunscreen or makeup that is creating the irritation. Goggles are not a good idea because they tend to fog up or get washed off in the surf.

Q. Do I need to be a good swimmer to learn to surf?
A. You must know how to swim to join one of our surf lessons, but you do not need to be an "Olympic" swimmer. If you can make it down the lane of a pool with a formal stroke you will probably be fine. We are usually in shallow water, touching the bottom, and you are attached to your board with a leash so there is not much swimming required.

If you have any other questions pleases feel free to email me any time: nick@surfbolinas.com.