Pike’s Surf Academy

We just had one of the best family excursions we could have hoped for. We decided to give surfing a try. My wife searched for an instructor and she looked at the bigger business in the area and then came across James Pike. The search stopped there. He was such a friendly guy on the phone who had a ton of passion for surfing she felt he would be a great fit.
Well he didn’t disappoint. We had a BLAST with James. He’s super smart and his knowledge of surfing, surf history, the ocean and just being a good person was impressive.
He provided us with so much knowledge my kids and I felt very comfortable jumping in the ocean to take on some waves. We all got our chance to catch plenty of waves and had so much fun in doing so.
If I could give James more stars than 5 I would. Do yourself a favor and book an outing with him. You will be stoked you did so!

I am brand new to surfing and just had a lesson with James. To say he is an amazing instructor is an understatement. Every element of my experience with him exceeded expectations-​from his professionalism over the phone when booking the lesson; to his knowledge of surfing and the history behind it; to his ability to teach both on shore and in the water. He had me up and riding waves almost immediately. James offered great tips throughout the lesson and was really encouraging. If you are thinking about lessons, definitely give him a call. You’ll be so glad you did.

James was an absolutely fantastic surf instructor! He started off explaining the structure and terms of the board, plus the physics of surfing, which really helped to clarify the theory of surfing. Then after a few practices on the sand we were in the water! He was very encouraging and gave great tips, working with each girl in the group so we could all ride a wave. So much fun and I can’t wait to go for another lesson!

Booked with James for a surfing lesson for our bachelorette. He was not only accommodating with our group (one of our girls wasn’t feeling so well that day) but patient and incredibly warm. We could immediately tell we’d be in good hands and were very excited about the lesson within the first 5 minutes! James provides great feedback and did a great job trying to get us all great waves to practice on. I would absolutely book with him again! Such a great teacher and person

James does a fantastic job teaching surfing. I took my 3 teens and we had an amazing lesson. First James goes over the basics on land. Then he took us with his assistant Logan into the waves. James literally put his foot on my board and paddled me over to the waves. Once there he and Logan would pick a wave, get us in position, yell 1, 2, 3, and launch us. My kids got up their first try. I struggled at first because i wasn’t getting up right so James gave me a remedial lesson and I got up! James and Logan would ride in and help us get back out. The lesson ended up being about 3 hours because James wanted to make sure we got it and had several runs.
James went well beyond our expectations.
Do it!

My boyfriend and I were on a vacation to Santa Barbara from Houston and the surfing lesson with James was the highlight of our trip. He brought the wetsuits that fitted us perfectly and the perfect boards to catch the small waves. He’s genuine and honest. He told us the waves were small and if we wanted to cancel the session he’s totally fine (even though he had already lugged the equipments to the beach). We decided to go ahead and was able to ride a few waves and had a fantastic time. I would highly recommend his service to everyone. He’s a great teacher and passionate about surfing and teaching. If you are visiting SB or Venture, don’t miss out on taking a surf lesson with him.

James is an excellent teacher with a high EQ. He is able to tailor his approach and teaching style to the experience and confidence level of his students. We had a great day with James and his assistant Lucas.

So I took surfing lesson (and tried surfing) for the first time with James yesterday and it was epic! I’ve always wanted to learn but yet I was so worried due to the lack of experience in the ocean. With James, there is nothing to worry about! He’s so chill and patient. He knows the ocean so well and makes sure you are having a positive experience. He went over the basic stuff and helped me get used to the ocean, definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, which is awesome! Also, he cancelled my lesson the other day and asked if we could switch to a different day due to the change in tides (or whatever it was) that day that might not be suitable for a first-​timer like me. One important thing I learned from him: It doesn’t matter how good of a swimmer you are or even if you have never been in the ocean (like me), you can still make surfing happen and it’s all about the process! Kudos to you, sir!

Our family took surf lessons from Pike over spring break 2014. He was patient, kind and fun with our autistic son. When our son had had enough the lesson continued with the rest of the family without skipping a beat. Everyone in the family caught multiple waves and we all had a great time. He even had great recommendations for things to do in Santa Barbara.

Pike is the perfect surf instructor. Incredibly nice guy, steeped in surf history, knowledgable about muscles & stretching, patient as heck and always positive. I’ve tried instructors in many places but Pike’s the one I keep coming back to.

James is a great person. I’m new to skateboarding and I was at the skatepark going down ramps and skating around while was giving lessons to a group of little grom skaters. After his lesson he introduced himself and helped me out for a solid hour «just because». He said that while he gave lessons he also gives back. He was patient and helped me quite a bit. He convinced me to loosen my trucks (new skaters usually hesitate to do so because tightened trucks make one more stable). WIth time I have gradually loosened them and it has made a substantial difference. Thank you James I appreciate you and I am sure I will take a lesson in the future! I’ve improved a lot since then.

Pike and Logan were great! My boyfriend bought me and his two kids (ages 11 and 15) a group surf lesson. We all had a blast! Pike and Logan took the time to explain everything thoroughly and gave us all individual attention. We all successfully got up in the boards and surfed multiple times. Pike was generous with his time, made us all feel really comfortable. We all agreed, we’d definitely recommend Pike and Logan.

James was fantastic especially for two Idahoan land lovers. He came to the cruise port to pick us up and take us out on the waves. I was worried my wife would struggle with all the paddling but James just put his foot on her board and swam her out to catch her first wave. Before long she was catching one after another on her first trip. It was my second time so James helped me learn how to quickly turn my board around and when to stand. We both had a blast. By the end of the two hours James was towing me out to catch the waves. James was professional and helpful and would be great for a family and beginners. We’ll definitely use him again if we’re ever down Santa Barbara way.

James is patient, kind, knowledgeable, responsible, and an all around phenomenal surf instructor. If you’re going to be visiting Santa Barbara, a surfing lesson from James Pike should be number one on your to-​do list!

My boyfriend and I went for surf lessons with James and we had a great time!
First we booked by calling his number. He was friendly over the phone, answered all of our questions, and gave us good directions on where to meet him. He kept in contact via text and let us know that the time we chose to surf had bad tides so we needed to push it back 1.5 hours. Turns out the tide shifts each day so if you are planning surfing far in advance, prepare to be flexible with your time of day!
Then we had the lesson on a Sunday. We practiced on the beach and then went out one by one to the ocean. Neither of us had surfed before and James was very generous with towing us out to catch waves when our arms were tired (which was a lot, haha). On the second round, we went out together. Even though it was just the two of us, I think we went over time because James wanted to make sure we each got a lot of waves.
Afterwards, he gave us suggestions on places to eat and hang out in Santa Barbara and we chatted for a bit. He is a really cool guy and I’m glad we got to hang out and learn to surf with him.
Great day for a very reasonable price. I want to go surfing again! With this as the intro lesson, I would feel comfortable renting a board and wetsuit on my own (though I know I would need to practice a lot). Thanks James!

Unilocalers, be warned: this is a long review!
Back in November I went for a surf lesson with James and, halfway through the lesson, I was loving it so much that I asked him if I could also book a second lesson with him the morning after.
James is very professional and fun at the same time. He just makes you get over whatever your fears or limits may be — if you have any, of course :) He is able to strike the perfect balance between making you feel safe and confident, but also trying to gently push you out of your comfort zone, which is something you have to do if you want to catch waves in a freezing ocean populated by all sorts of fun little beasts and plants. Two huge + compared to most instructors: 1) he is 100% committed and focused on helping you improve as much as possible and give you the best feeling ever from the surf. While many other instructors I previously surfed with are focused on their own ability and just interested in showing off and telling you they too surfed at pipeline. 2) James is always out in the water beside you, and surfing with you, not telling you what to do from a distance or catching his own waves.
James’s lessons take place at Mondo’s cove, which is this little, wonderful beach with gentle waves. It is safe and mostly sandy. Local surfers and SUP are very friendly. It is just the perfect place for beginners and improvers.
My two surf lessons with James are probably the best time I spent during my holidays in wonderful California. Out there in the ocean it was just total bliss. Whether you are a complete beginner, or you already surf and want to improve, I totally recommend booking lessons with James. It’s more than worth every penny, and he is very generous with time and advice.
You will see that you will most likely stand up on your first wave, even if it’s you’re first time out there. You will feel that you are immediately progressing, and each wave coming up will be better than the previous one. And you will want to go back. No matter how nervous or unfit you may feel. ‘Cause that’s what happens when you find as good an instructor as James, and when the ocean gives you its very best.
I just wish, now that I’m sitting back in my office in grey and cold northern Europe, that I was closer to that wonderful spot — and could go back sooner. And even if I can’t be there tomorrow, I’m really grateful for what James taught me, the time spent surfing with him, and for the amazing gifts of Mondo’s and mother nature.

Just got back from the beach with James Pike. He has a great outlook and knows how to break you into the history and mechanics of surfing.
I was exhausted but I got up on the board and road a wave solid, pretty hooked.
I had other people cancel on my lessons and flake. He was there early, he takes it seriously, has a lot of boards and gear, and is really passionate about the work he does. He takes his time with you and never added a hint of pressure.
He rocks and its solid money well spent, its worth the cash.

James took on four of us for our first surfing experience. Two middle aged (though we think we are cool) parents and two skeptical teenage girls. 3 out of the 4 were talked into it and not really looking forward to getting crushed by waves and getting humiliated after not being able to stand up on the board. AMAZINGLY, all four of us got up and rode out a wave on OUR FIRST TRY. James is that good and all four of us can’t wait to go out with him again. Also, no one got crushed or even bumped, he teaches you about safety and goes out with you one on one to help every step of the way.
We got so much more than a technical lesson, we got the history of the sport and we all benefitted from his gift of teaching and his obvious love of what he does. He also discounts the second lesson by 50%! It is a very fun experience and I would (and have) recommended Pike Surf School to my friends.

My fiancé and I took a two hour surf lesson and it was AWESOME! We both had a very good time and are really psyched on surfing now.
Pike was not only patient and kind, but professional and a lot of fun. By the end of our lesson today, we were both catching waves and having a great time.
I had 1 previous surf lesson before (on the East Coast) and it pales in comparison to the lesson we had today: we received so much more insight into surfing today, tips, technique and instruction. We are both glad we had the lesson and would highly recommend Pike to tourists and locals alike looking to surf for a bit in the Santa Barbara area.

Pike is a great surf instructor. My sister and I came here for lessons back in August and he was amazing! So patient and encouraging! I loved how easy he made it to learn and he totally loves that people are using his groupon deal. He provided the boards and the wetsuits and is so helpful in getting you suited up for the waves.
I am a so-​so swimmer and was so nervous that I might drown, but it was totally not a problem. He guides you to the waters and helps you ride the waves. It was amazing to surf for the first time. I will definitely come back and take more lessons!

It was a cold and rainy Saturday morning and while we waited on the beach for Pike to arrive (perfectly on-​time!) I thought, holy crap, what have I gotten myself into… Yet it was the best time I’ve had in a long time. Pike spent a great deal of time making sure that we were comfortable with the boards and balance before taking us out into the water. He’s super patient, reassuring, and honestly seems to enjoy introducing people to surfing. He’s also pretty funny!
We had a great time and can’t wait to have family and friends visit so we can have Pike teach them the way of the waves!