iSurf

I am a physically active person. I found iSurf because the winter snow season was over and I needed something else to do. I cannot say enough on the professionalism that I have experienced with the lead surf instructor, Thomas. If the session in Santa Barbara isn’t looking good, he is kind enough to text me. I like that, especially since I live an hour away. I have learned a GREAT deal from Thomas and wouldn’t be where I am today without his knowledge, expertise and patience. I HIGHLY recommend you give iSurf a call if you have the desire to learn how to surf.

My boys had the best surfing camp experience with iSurf. The great instructors (Thomas, Zack, Nicole, Ashley, Victoria, Malea), the small groups (1:4 ratio), and the convenience of dropping the kids off near the wharf yet the flexibility of traveling to different beaches so the kids can experience the best waves makes this surf camp stand out from the rest. My boys had so much fun that we decided to try too, and now we’re hooked! We’re all big iSurf fans, and will surf with them whenever we can!

I was visiting Santa Barbara last week and did a Unilocal search for surf instruction. Based on the stellar reviews, I decided to give iSurf a try. I had surfed a few times before and mainly wanted to get some one-​on-​one instruction in the water. Thomas is a fantastic instructor. He responded promptly to my message and was able to work with my schedule. We instantly hit it off and and he made me feel really comfortable. I would recommend iSurf to anyone in the SB area looking for surf instruction. I’ll definitely be doing it again the next time I’m visiting the area and their surf retreats are something I’m going to work towards. Thanks Thomas for the great session! You gave me the confidence to get in the water at Cowells in Santa Cruz when I got home! Thank you! :)

This company is beyond AMAZING! I found them when I googled paddle board yoga in Santa Barbara for my sister’s bachelorette weekend. They emailed me back immediately and let me know that they no longer offer that but that they had something else in mind. They picked us up from our rental house in SB right on time, took us to a beautiful secluded spot on the beach where they lead us through a private yoga session (one of the best yoga experiences I have ever had), followed by a gourmet champagne brunch picnic that was being set up for us while we were doing yoga. The brunch consisted of delicious pastries from a local bakery, fresh fruits, cheese, chocolate and a bottle of champagne per girl! The friendliness of each of the staff members was remarkable. They were very patient and sweet when some of us were still recovering from the first night of bachelorette debauchery! The rest of the group and I were floored by how smooth and great everything was ran. They even took photos of us during the yoga and brunch and emailed them to me promptly. I can’t say enough good things about these guys, I highly recommend isurf to anyone looking for a one of a kind experience!

Learning to surf through iSurf has been one of the best gifts I have given myself. The instruction is great, and it is very possible to stand up and ride multiple waves from Day 1. I appreciate that Thomas, the main instructor, focuses on techniques to build a solid foundation, and not interim easier ways for very short-​term gains. From the start you can learn to read waves, understand and adjust for conditions for the most ideal surfing, oh and carry yourself with good etiquette on the water. Thomas also invaluably understands the right amount of push and support to give — enough to keep challenging you, but not so much of either such that it’s unattainable or coddling. Thomas seems to understand, and adapts his teaching to what each person needs. This is key, since it takes some perseverance to get surfing.
And that’s just the start. Like the other aspects of their lives, co-​owners Thomas and Alelia fully put their hearts into iSurf. There are crazy-​good surfing excursions and trips that are reasonably priced and well-​planned to give awesome experiences all around. And then there’s the Community. Through iSurf I have surfed alongside a diverse group of some of the best people, who are fun, intelligent, strong, and genuine, and we cheer each other along. I can’t say enough that surfing and iSurf make you feel vibrantly alive and indulging in it!

ISurf is fantastic! I was in Santa Barbara for my bachelorette this weekend with 6 other girls. The yoga instructor tailored the session to meet our varying experience levels. Yoga on the beach was so wonderful and relaxing, and the following champagne brunch was delicious. Everything was fresh and beautifully displayed when we finished our yoga. The staff was great to us, and the event was a MAJOR highlight to our weekend!

We went to a beach yoga and mimosa brunch for a friend’s bachelorette weekend. iSurf was wonderful!
They picked us up on time. The staff were incredibly professional and friendly! The yoga instructor was very experienced and really catered to what we were looking for. After the yoga, we had the most beautiful brunch spread of mimosas, fruit, cheese, pastries, and other tasty treats.
Overall, everyone had a great experience. They even took photos throughout the session with a professional camera.
I would definitely recommend them!

I’ve shied away from surf schools in the past because of the unfortunate douche-​y element that seems to pervade the industry. After learning the basics from an accomplished boyfriend, I figured I just needed to put the work in to get better. That’s not exactly how it played out and despite tons of practice, I ended up frustrated with my lack of improvement. A friend recommended iSurf and I could not be more grateful! I typically prefer private lessons over group but the group lessons here are relaxed yet effective. I discovered I had developed some bad habits in my technique, and I learned how to make small adjustments that have resulted in sessions that are truly satisfying – I really feel like I get it now. The best part is there is zero douchiness. If you’re interested in experiencing the rewards of surfing, but you’re not trying to get caught up in the scene, check out iSurf!

My son went to the iSurf Summer Camp when we were visiting Santa Barbara last year and had a blast. The staff was very attentive and got him standing on the first day. He cannot wait to go back on our next vacation. Highly recommended!

I’ve been taking lessons from iSurf for almost a year. It has been great! Thomas is a great instruction. He is patient and truly wants you to have a great experience. Mariah is great as well during the few times I’ve worked with her. iSurf also offers trips to different places for the women’s group such as Baja and San Diego. The trip that I went on was super fun and its great to get to know other women with shared interests.

I had a great experience surfing with Thomas from isurf! He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and tireless in helping us catch wave after wave. He addressed all of the concerns and questions we had fully, and made the experience safe and fun. I will definitely be taking more lessons with this company!

iSurf is amazing! If you want to learn to surf the right way with an instructor who is knowledgeable, encouraging and has a ton of patience then iSurf is for you! I have had lessons with other surf schools but nothing compares to iSurf!!! I am actually surfing now! We go to different surf spots and experience different surf breaks! ISurf is awesome and I recommend any woman who wants to learn to surf go here!

I had such a great time surfing with the crew at iSurf! Travelled to Mexico for a ladies camp and everything was pretty perfect (despite the small waves). I felt safe and well taken care of the whole time. The lodging, meals and surf excursions were well organized, and the instructor was super knowledgable and accommodating. Not to mention the camaraderie — all the ladies were fun and upbeat. A very enjoyable experience all around!

Just had the best first-​time surfing experience we could have possibly hoped for with iSurf! Our group was four mothers and our four teenage daughters, all surfing novices. We were each a little nervous, but Thomas and Mariah spent time instructing us on the beach beforehand, taught us some surfing basics very clearly and concisely, and addressed all of our trepidation with kindness and humor.
When we hit the water, we felt prepared and excited and Thomas and Mariah were great about pushing us into the waves and letting us know right when we needed to pop up, then giving specific feedback after almost every wave so we could keep progressing. All eight of us first-​time surfers caught plenty of waves, felt successful, and most importantly had a blast out there together! Everything about our experience exceeded the expectations of all four moms and our daughters and everyone left wanting to surf again. I am now planning on taking my whole family down for a family surf session with these fantastic instructors.

I will not send my children back again! I thought this was worth a try because it’s so much cheaper than the other surf camps in town but now I see why. Inexperienced instructors, rude and unorganized. Please don’t trust your child’s safety in these people’s hands.

I spent an amazing three days surfing with Thomas of iSurf! The lessons were incredible. I had previously been to Costa Rica twice and taken many «lessons» (with little instruction given) and was convinced I’d never be able to pop up on the board based on these experiences. Within one iSurf sesson, Thomas had me riding waves for the first time. His instruction and attention made all the difference. *Highly* recommend. I’m already trying to plan my next trip out to the West Coast so that I can go on one of their excursions…

I have been surfing with iSurf now for four months. There is zero chance I would be surfing the way I am now without the help of Thomas and iSurf School.
iSurf is a great way to learn basic skills as well as perfect your technique, the instructors are friendly and patient and I love the camaraderie we have in the water with the other women students.

Isurf is an incredibly ethical, well run business. Professional, committed instruction is at the heart of their mission, and has been since the owners started their own business. Sadly, all of the excellent reviews that iSurf receives on Unilocal are being taken down almost as soon as they go up. Can anyone explain why?

ISurf, a surf school for women, is an amazing organization! You cannot get a better instructor than Thomas Oretsky. I started surfing in February of 2013 and have kept coming back to ISurf over and over because of the awesomeness of ISurf and Thomas. Thomas is super easy to get along with, he is very professional and helps you overcome any fears you have in a totally supportive environment. To fully comprehend what a great instructor he is, you need to take a lesson from him and I guarantee you will come back for more. I learn something new every time. I would completely recommend ISurf to all women!

Best Surf school ever! The instructor absolutely met our needs. A few of us had a fear of water. By the end of lesson our small group of women were all surfing! It was so much fun. I highly recommend isurf school to everyone. Every woman should learn with isurf.