Surfing/SUP

It’s known as a sport for the soul, and when you paddle out in Santa Barbara, you’ll quickly see why. The surfing in Santa Barbara allows for some of the best in California, with something for every skill level.

If you’re just getting your feet wet, so to speak, it’s easy to find surf lessons or rent a board. Once you’re geared up, head to the inviting beginner surf breaks south of town, or up the bravery level with a visit to Gaviota or Jalama.

An alternative to surfing, is stand up paddleboarding, or SUP. It can be done anywhere there is water and Santa Barbara is no exception. Its curvy coastline offers respite from northwest winds. For the experienced standup paddler, enjoy an exciting downwinder that ends right in Santa Barbara Harbor. There’s nothing quite like paddling with a carefree pod of coastal bottlenose dolphins, the only sounds being the slice of your paddle through the water and one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet briefly coming up for air, breaking the surface of the water.

Surfing & SUP in Santa Barbara


Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Experience an unforgettable adventure in Santa Barbara with the city's premier outfitter, providing exciting experiences to thousands of visitors yearly. CHANNEL ISLANDS TOURS Sea Cave Kayaking Tour at Channel Islands National ParkExplore Channel…


Santa Barbara Surf School

Santa Barbara Surf School has been one of the top surf schools in Santa Barbara for two decades. Their instructors have extensive knowledge of the waves in the area to help ensure that your surf lesson will be a memorable experience. They'll…


Cal Coast Adventures

If you’re looking for a rental or tour of Santa Barbara or just something fun to do, you’ve found the right place! Cal Coast Adventures offers 10 different types of bike tours from electric bike tours of the city to leisurely mountain…


Paddle Sports Center

Kayak and SUP Rentals and Tours - Ocean Fun Since '91 Santa Barbara's Only 90 minute rental and best "All-Day" rates! Explore the Santa Barbara Waterfront and get to paddle with Sea Lions and Dolphins! Paddle Sports Center is your gateway to ocean…



Santa Barbara Sailing Center/Double Dolphin Cruises

California’s premier destination for on-the-water fun. If you're looking for a little adventure, we offer kayak & stand up paddle board rentals, tours & instruction. Learn to sail, charter a sailboat with a captain, rent a variety of…


Surf Happens Premier Surf School

Surf Happens is Santa Barbara’s premier surf school – this is our profession and our passion. We are a community-based business dedicated to sharing the spirit of Aloha and the lifestyle of surfing with people of all ages and…


Additional Experiences


Surf's Up!
Popular SB Surfing Breaks
Long before it was a world-recognized sport, surfing was a cornerstone of Santa Barbara culture.
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