Choosing a surf school?

When you are looking for a place to take surfing lessons from there are usually many options available, but how do you choose which ones? While the answer depends a little on your experience level and what you are looking to get out of it there are several common things you can look for.
1. Are their instructors CPR, NSSIA, or First Aid Certified?
While this may not really matter in most cases, it's still a good idea to ask because it shows the instructors are safe and knowledgeable, plus it determines the difference between actual instructors and just some surfer guy.
2. Is it at a surf shop or a through a surf school?
Believe it or not this actually makes a big difference. Even though most surf shops will offer to do lessons, they are not actually the ones teaching. In many cases will do them if you ask, but they are hiring out instructors at a much lower rate than what they are charging you. If you're in a rush and just want to get a quick surf lesson this may not be a bad option, but you have to keep in mind they are in it for the retail not the instruction. So what you get many times is mediocre instruction at a much higher price than what you would pay if you go directly to a surf school.

3. Is the surf school affiliated with any of the large surf shops?
This may not always be the case, but if the surf school is affiliated with any of the really large surf shops or companies, once again its quantity over quality for them.

4. Do they have experience teaching?
Last but not least this is also a big one because teaching and actually being skilled at surfing are two different things. Many people will tell you they can teach surfing, but even if they tell you they have been teaching for awhile, how do you know? Most reputable and experienced surf instructors, will have plenty of pictures, to show you, of their students learning!

So if you're looking for just a quick surf lesson, you can always choose a surf shop or surf school, but if you want high quality teaching take the time to find a private surf instructor. In many cases, you will get top notch instruction at a much better rate and they will even come to you. Some of these smaller schools even guarantee a fun and safe learning experience with your family or friends!

If you are in Cocoa Beach, FL below are two fantastic private surf schools which I took surfing lessons from and I keep coming back every time. The best part is that you don't have to worry about coming to them and you get the same instructor every time so you can really progress your surfing.

Look these up on the web:

The Yoga Surf School, Cocoa Beach, FL
Sandy Beach Surfing in Cape Canaveral, FL