Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I schedule a private lesson or 1 hour kids private surf lesson for more than one person?
A. When scheduling a private surf lesson or a kids private surf lesson for more than one person in our on-line schedule, just reserve and pay for one person (Quantity 1) and bring as many of your friends as you like. Make sure to put the total number of people you expect to be joining the lesson in the "Number of Participants" field. This will ensure that we have the correct number of boards and instructors reserved for your lesson. When you arrive at the 2 Mile Surf Shop you can pay for your rental gear and the additional participants that join the lesson.

Q. Do I have to call or email the surf shop to reserve equipment for my surf lesson.
A. No, if you have scheduled a space in our beginner group class or a private lesson for 1 person your equipment will be waiting for you at the surf shop. If you have scheduled a private surf lesson and you plan to have more than 1 participant, make sure to put the total number of people you expect to be joining the lesson in the "Number of Participants" field when scheduling online. This will ensure that we have the correct number of boards and instructors reserved for your lesson.

Q. Whats included in the surf lesson rental package and how much does it cost?
A. The surf lesson rental package includes a surfboard of your choice for three hours, a 4/3 mm wetsuit, and boots, all for $30. This is a $15 discount off the regular rental price of $45.

Q. Do I need to be a good swimmer to learn to surf?
A. You must know how to swim to join one of our surf lessons, but you do not need to be an "Olympic" swimmer. If you can make it down the lane of a pool with a formal stroke you will probably be fine. We are usually in shallow water, touching the bottom, and you are attached to your board with a leash so there is not much swimming required.

Q. How do I purchase a Gift Certificate or a lesson package?
A. To purchase a gift certificate or lesson package, please call the 2 Mile Surf Shop at (415) 868-0264 or email me at nick@surfbolinas.com . If you are purchasing a gift certificate, we will need the address to send it to. If you are purchasing a lesson package, you can schedule all of the lessons now or receive a certificate good for one year and schedule them whenever you like.

Q. How do I schedule a lesson with a Gift Certificate?
A. To schedule a lesson with a gift certificate, please go to our on-line schedule and find the lesson time you would like to book. Then just call us at the 2 Mile Surf Shop at (415) 868 0264 or send me an email at nick@surfbolinas.com and we can book the lesson for you. You cannot book the lesson your self on-line with a gift certificate. When you contact us, we will need the lesson date and time that you would like to book, the gift certificate number and the date it was purchased.

Q. What should I wear under my wetsuit?
A. Most people who own their wetsuits don't wear anything under them. Wetsuits fit so tightly that there isn't room for most types of shorts. Some women like to wear swimsuits (without metal underwire) because it makes it easier to change with a towel next to the car. Some men wear Speedos under their suits. If you're renting a wetsuit, you may want to put something on under it. If you don't have a Speedo, any short running shorts or short trunks will do fine. Some people also like to wear rash guards under their suits. Rash guards stops water flow in the suit and may keep you a little warmer. They are available to buy at the 2 Mile Surf Shop.

Q. Is winter an ok time to learn to surf?
A. Although Northern California winters can be full of large swells, extreme tides and stormy conditions, there are still many good beginner days in Bolinas.

Q. What if it's raining on the day of my surf lesson?
A. Since you get wet anyway when you're surfing, it is not likely that your surf lesson will be canceled due to rain. Surfing in the rain can actually be fun, and there's not a better outfit on a rainy day than a wetsuit.
Bolinas Surf Lessons only postpones lessons in the event of severe weather conditions such as heavy southerly wind. If this situation arises, you will be contacted the night before your lesson to reschedule. If you would like to cancel or reschedule your lesson for any reason, including rain, you must give us at least 48 hours notice to avoid penalty.

Q. Will I be cold if I try surfing in the winter? And how cold does it get?
A. Most people are surprised by how warm they feel in the winter with a good wetsuit and boots. The water temperature doesn't change much from summer to winter. The average summer water temp is about 56-58 degrees, whereas the average winter water temp is about 53-55 degrees. The coldest it gets is about 48 degrees and that's almost always in the spring when the NW winds are the strongest. The water temperatures are usually warmest in July or August, after a long stretch of high overcast skies and glassy conditions. Summer water temps can reach 60 degrees.

Q. What thickness wetsuit should I rent or buy?
A. If you're renting, always ask for a 4/3 mm suit. Most people who only own one wetsuit own a 4/3mm, which means the suit is 4mm thick in the chest and legs and 3mm thick in the arms. In a 4/3, you will be hot on the warmest summer days and a little cool on the colder spring days. Many people wear a hood with their suits in the winter. A hood helps prevent heat from escaping from your head and keeps your ears toasty warm . I have a 4/3 that I wear in the summer and a hooded 5/3 with a hood that I wear in the winter. Hoods are available for rent from the 2 Mile Surf Shop.

Q. Is there anything I can do to prepare for surfing?
A. Yes. Lie on the ground as if you were lying on a surfboard and try to jump to your feet, keeping your hands on the ground. You want your front foot to land in between your hands. Push-ups are good to build strength, and yoga is good for flexibility and body awareness.

Q. I want to learn to surf, but I'm afraid of sharks.
A. Although there are great white sharks in Northern California waters, it is very unlikely that you will ever see one, let alone be bitten by one. There is less than one great white attack per year on a surfer in all of the US, and almost all of the surfers who have been bitten have survived. You're three times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark and worldwide more people are killed by falling coconuts than shark attacks. If you drive on the freeway, you should be far more concerned by the fact that there are nearly 40,000 fatal car accidents per year in California alone.

Q. Can I surf with contact lenses?
A. Yes, I use contacts every time I surf. I would have a hard time catching waves without them. I only lose my contacts when I open my eyes under water.

Q. The salt burns my eyes. Should I were swim goggles?
A. Salt water shouldn't burn your eyes because it is very similar to tears. It is probably the sunscreen or makeup that is creating the irritation. Goggles are not a good idea because they tend to fog up or get washed off in the surf. However, if your goggles are prescription and you don't have contacts, they may be worth a try

If you have any other questions pleases feel free to email me any time: nick@surfbolinas.com.