Surf Lessons by Tony Gardner
Tony’s vast knowledge and experience on the Oregon coast and in the Pacific Ocean give him a unique ability to forecast and understand the challenges that these waters bring. During your lesson, you’ll have a ton of fun, but you’ll also learn to read the ocean from a true expert of these waters.
Tony has 40+ years of surfing under his belt, competing and surfing all over the world, but has always called Seaside home. As a former lifeguard of Seaside for 25 years, and head lifeguard for 22 years, Tony knows these waters well. His respect for the ocean is unmatched. His experience and expertise of local conditions are always the basis of his lessons and the most important aspect of surfing, getting you in the water safely and having a great time.
When not teaching surfing, Tony is a celebrated visual artist and martial artist here in Seaside, Oregon. He has been teaching and practicing martial arts for over 40 years and has appreciated the connection to surfing: being a discipline of body and mind, dealing with the art of breathing and the essence of human movement.
Certification Information
All instructors have North Oregon coast beach lifeguarding skills, CPR and First Aid Certification.
You Can Expect To Learn
- How to position your body on the surfboard
- Proper paddling techniques to get you on the waves
- The biomechanics of the ‘pop-up’
- The correct surf stance
- How to monitor your breath with movement
You'll Get Familiar With
- How to read waves and timing of the ocean
- The wave line-up and take-off strategies
- Drawing and controlling specific lines on the wave face (straight, angle, and curved)
- How to develop intelligent maneuvers while going down the line
- Frontside and backside approaches
Most importantly, you’ll practice wave/surf etiquette, and beach safety: how to protect yourself after a wipeout, how to read rip currents, how to assess surf conditions and keep it safe by knowing your own limits.
Surf Lessons
Lessons are for ages 6+. Students must be able to swim and not be afraid of the ocean’s waves. You must be able to carry your surfboard and equipment down to the beach where you’ll meet Tony. All lessons are 3 hours. Lessons are offered at 9 AM and 1 PM daily. Contact Tony directly for other arrangements.
Private Surf Lessons
Tony will work with you directly on a one-on-one basis, whether it’s to build a solid surf foundation with training regiments to take home, or focusing on advanced techniques to get you turning and taking off with more confidence in bigger sets. Wherever you’re at, Tony will develop a custom lesson to elevate your surfing.
Semi-Private Surf Lessons
Semi-private lessons are a great option if you’re traveling with a friend, partner, or surf-buddy and looking for more tailored lessons and attention to detail. Your custom semi-private lesson will leave you with the tools to keep enjoying the ocean and gain more skills and confidence in the water.
Group Lessons Surf Lessons
Group Lessons are typically 3+ people. Tony will evaluate each individual’s surf ability and cater the lesson to match the needs of the group. Foundational surf basics are the starting point for these lessons and they are very beginner friendly. Book with 3+ people for a discounted rate!
Day Camps
All Ages Day Camp (1 Day)
All ages and levels are welcome. Whether you have never surfed before or if you just want to take your skills to the next level, they have the instructions for you. The focus of their sessions is on water safety and surfing instruction while having fun.
Adult Day Camp (1-3 Days)
Why let the kids have all the fun? The all age camps are fun, but the adult only surf camps are fun on a whole other level. Learn to surf with good company, with other students your age and ability level. So what if you have never tried to surf before and always dreamed of surfing. A majority of our Adult students are surfing for the first time, or have maybe surfed years ago and want to get back into it. There is no better time or place to start!
What You Need To Bring
- One Beach Towel
- Water (at least 32 ounces)
- Sunscreen (waterproof SPF 30+)
- Clothes to change into after surfing
- Food and snacks (you will get hungry!)
- Backpack or Beach Bag to carry everything
Be advised that you will be surfing in an area not close to any stores or food/water and it's a 20 minute walk to your car (one-way). Be prepared.
Contact Tony Gardner
Website: www.theartofsurfing.org
Booking: www.theartofsurfing.org/lessons
Call: 503-440-5017
Email: tonygardner.theartofsurfing@gmail.com
Instagram: @artofsurfingsurflessons
Here's a video from a student of Tony's recorded at Short Sands during the summer of 2013. This was his first time surfing!
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