About Surf Happens Surf School
Surf Happens has been running surf instruction on the Santa Barbara coast since 2000, based on Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria, a short drive down Highway 101 from downtown Santa Barbara. The school works the gentle, sand-bottom breaks along this stretch of coast, which are among the most forgiving in Southern California for a first session.
Programs cover private and group lessons for all ages, half-day and full-day surf camps for kids and adults, after-school sessions during term, and ongoing coaching for surfers working toward competition. Boards, wetsuits and beach gear are provided with every lesson. The school also runs its own community contest series and a performance coaching track for intermediate and advanced surfers who want video review and technical work rather than another beginner lesson.
Surf Happens is best known locally for its Fletcher Family Surf Camps and the depth of its coaching bench, with instructors who have brought students from a first wave through to regional competition. The Carpinteria base means consistently smaller, cleaner surf than the exposed Santa Barbara beaches on a big swell, so lessons run on days when other schools are hunting for a rideable break.
