About This Listing
Richard Schmidt Surf School is a surf instruction program based in Santa Cruz, California, offering lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers. The school operates at the 30 Front St location, near the beachfront in downtown Santa Cruz. It specializes in surfing, providing guided sessions to help participants learn techniques, safety, and ocean awareness in a structured setting. Lessons are conducted in the ocean, with instructors focusing on small-group instruction to ensure personalized attention. The school’s reputation is supported by a high rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 69 reviews, indicating strong satisfaction among participants. While specific hours or seasonal availability aren’t detailed, the school can be contacted directly via phone at +1 831-423-0928 or through its website at [richardschmidt.com](http://www.richardschmidt.com/) for scheduling and further information. Visitors should expect a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on surfing, with gear typically provided as part of the lesson. Conditions and lesson timing may vary based on ocean safety and instructor availability.
Located in Santa Cruz, California, this sports club offers quality facilities and services for sports enthusiasts.
Hours of Operation
Rating & Reviews
Photos
What visitors are saying
“Richard Schmidt Surf School partnered with First Descents to provide 4 days of surf lessons to young adults who have had cancer. I feel very fortunate for the experience. Richard Schmidt, his sons, and other employees were fabulous. They were kind and patient and encouraging and knowledgeable and overall amazing instructors. I read a description of Richard Schmidt as a soft-spoken and methodical surfer. I agree with ”
— Wesley D. · ★★★★★ · 2025-10-24
“Richard and his entire crew are beyond AMAZING! I had the opportunity for 4 days to surf with Richard and his team and Iu2019m so happy I did! I was there with a group and we are all cancer survivors and I currently still have cancer and am on chemotherapy. So to say I was nervous because my body is not what it used to be is an understatement. Richard and his entire team were so kind and patient and gave the best instruc”
— Rachel R. · ★★★★★
“Just went through 4 days of surf instruction having never surfed before. My goal was to stand up by the last day, but finished a wave standing day 2. Richard and the whole crew are great and I would highly, highly recommend checking them out if you want learning to surf to be a great experience. Great instructions, endless patience.”
— James K. · ★★★★★
“Spent 2 days in surf lessons with Richie and it was amazing! Richie did a fantastic job with my son and I and had us both catching waves for our first time surfing! Highly recommend!”
— Trent M. · ★★★★★ · 2025-6-18
“My twins and I had a lesson with Zoltan. He was fantastic and we had a lot of fun. Zoltan was knowledgeable, positive, motivated the kids, and had them up riding waves from the get go. Richard was responsive and made it easy on us. Highly recommend. Update: We came back a year later for another lesson with all three of my kids and Zoltan and Michael knocked it out of the park. These guys are great with kids and just ”
— Eddie F. · ★★★★★ · 2025-8-22
“Best surf school and spot along my trip through California ud83eudd17 was so so much fun with you guys! My highlight the lovely seals during the class ud83dude0d”
— Chrissy · ★★★★★ · 2025-9-26
“Great instruction, very motivating and it made for a very awesome date for the wife and I!! Zolton was awesome and just a real cool guy! We will definitely be coming back! Very accommodating as well!”
— george m. · ★★★★★
“We had an amazing time with Eden at Cowell. Eden had such a great approach to teaching, was able to quickly spot improvable patterns and identify how I can improve my surfing. She was such fun and so helpful. Really one fantastic surf session.”
— Jacqueline · ★★★★★ · 2025-1-1
Location
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Richard Schmidt Surf School located?
Richard Schmidt Surf School is located at 30 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States. It is in Santa Cruz, California.
What is the phone number for Richard Schmidt Surf School?
You can call Richard Schmidt Surf School at +1 831-423-0928.
What are the hours of Richard Schmidt Surf School?
Richard Schmidt Surf School is open as follows: Monday 9u202famu20135u202fpm; Tuesday 9u202famu20135u202fpm; Wednesday 9u202famu20135u202fpm; Thursday 9u202famu20135u202fpm; Friday 9u202famu20135u202fpm; Saturday 9u202famu20135u202fpm; Sunday 9u202famu20135u202fpm. Hours may change on holidays — call ahead to confirm.
How is Richard Schmidt Surf School rated?
Richard Schmidt Surf School has an average rating of 4.9/5 from 69 customer reviews on Google.
Does Richard Schmidt Surf School have a website?
Yes. Richard Schmidt Surf School's official website is http://www.richardschmidt.com/.
