Testimonials

Testimonials

See what some of our clients have said


Scottie at Hang Zen was an awesome teacher. Super positive and easy going, it made learning one of the hardest sports I've ever done way more fun. First time out and within minutes I was catching waves. It was a great time, and I highly recommend.     
Michael S.   July 12, 2024

   via: Google

I took a lesson from Scott at Hang Zen Surf School in February, 2023. I am an intermediate surfer and taken lessons from a few different instructors. Scott was the best instructor that I have had. In addition to providing insight on the mechanics of surfing, things like popping up and paddling, Scott worked with me on building wave catching knowledge. Reading the wave as it comes toward you, being in the right position and paddling at the right time, not too soon, but not too late. I was able to catch the best rides of my life during the lesson, partly because of the waves, and partly because Scott coached me on to them. He also shared his thoughts on how to get along with the other surfers and the surf culture in general. The lesson helped my surfing and I'm pretty sure I'll be thinking about what Scott taught me every time I go out surfing for a while.     
Ed W.   March 5, 2023

Rocky River, OH    via: Yelp

"I've wanted to try surfing all my life with my wife. I couldn't have imagined a better teacher. Thanks Scott."     
Gary Packard (60 years young)   July 4, 2021

Fort Worth, TX    via:

Scott and his crew helped me improve my wave catching/choosing abilities, technique as well as providing with me some in depth knowledge on surfing. For anyone trying to improve their surfing or anyone learning from scratch, this surf school is an exceptional place. The level of experience and welcoming environment here are hard to beat.     
Arturo M.   Nov. 27, 2020

New York, NY    via: Yelp

Although I had virtually no surfing experience, Scott and his team allowed me to have a fantastic time and to catch quite a few waves. I highly recommend!     
Olive S.   Nov. 27, 2020

Manhattan, New York, NY    via: Yelp

Scott and his crew were amazing. They were extremely professional and you could really see they knew their craft. They made us all feel safe and comfortable even though the waves were a little bigger than they were expected for the day. I really liked their teacher to student ratio and willingness to adjust to your skill level. For me this was a big plus, because I am not a surfer and this was truly my first real surf experience. I enjoyed the Hang Zen Experience and would recommend them to anyone. If you are looking for skilled surfers and you want a exciting surf experience go with these guys.     
Eric A.   Nov. 19, 2020

La Costa, La Costa, CA    via: Yelp

I was nervous to get in the water, but took a lesson yesterday with Scott & had so much fun! He's a natural with kids, but I would recommend his school to people of all ages looking to learn or improve upon their existing skills, he'll get you up in no time! I left feeling confidant and excited to to surf again.     
Kristy C.   July 18, 2020

San Francisco, CA    via: Yelp

amazing!!!! best surf school ever!!!     
Haylee C.   July 18, 2020

San Francisco, CA    via: Yelp

It's not easy to find a surf instructor who is 100% invested in transmitting to you this life-long skill. I have been surfing with Scott for almost 3 years and knew I had picked the right teacher on day one when he took me out to catch real waves as a total beginner. I have been a loyal student ever since. His knowledge of the sport is solid gold and his love for it is infectious. Not to mention he treats his students like family. Thanks Scott.     
Megan Z.   Dec. 23, 2019

Otterbein, Baltimore, MD    via: Yelp

"I'd never surfed before and Scott had me standing up in thirty minutes. Thanks a lot! It was fun."     
Barry Johnson (44 years young)   July 4, 2019

Bloomington, IN    via:

I had a fantastic experience with Scott and his crew at Hang Zen on a recent family vacation to Encinitas. I've surfed previously but I was looking for a great introductory lesson for 7 other family members that had never surfed before. Scott came highly recommended as someone who would be great for a large group, and as someone with the experience and passion to ensure a great first time out for everyone. He didn't disappoint. He came prepared with 3 other instructors as promised, as well as the proper sized boards and wetsuits for everyone. After a short introduction to the sport on the beach they spent the rest of the session with us in the water, making sure everyone got adequate time in the surf, and catering to everyone's level and abilities (including taking me and my brother-in-law to the outside break). If I lived in the San Diego area I would definitely be contacting Scott for follow up lessons, and I hope to have the chance to work with him again in the future. Thank you Scott and team!     
Jonathan G.   June 24, 2018

Toronto, Canada    via: Yelp

Hang Zen Surf School is the best! Scott is dedicated and patient. He has been giving my 14 year old son lessons for a year. The improvement and knowledge that my son has gained is amazing. Scott is personable and an all-around great person. He and his staff will take the time to tailor to your needs. Definitely recommend.     
Cheryl D.   May 16, 2018

Carlsbad, CA    via: Yelp

My wife and I had a two hour surf lesson and had the best time possible! It was our first time surfing, and the instructors were caring, fun, encouraging, and excellent teachers. They gave us the confidence that we could excel, and made us feel great about our improvements. They got us to stand up on the board and surf the waves within the first half hour! To demonstrate their caring nature, after the lesson we couldn't find our car keys, and they said they would not leave us until we found them. They then gave us a gatorade as we were waiting for our car to be towed. We just had an amazing time surfing!!!     
Dov L.   Aug. 14, 2016

West Hempstead, NY    via: Yelp

Scott and nick were great instructors!! Very nice down to earth guys. First time for me (over 60) and loved it. My grandson (8.5) is a natural, so he was surfing every wave. Would love to do this again, we were in a great surfing area. This is a perfect something to do when in northern San Diego area, 2 hour session and reasonable price and I do recommend one on one to get the most out of your attempt at surfing. Thanks guys and hope to see you again and last a little longer.     
Joan K.   Aug. 3, 2016

Huntington Beach, CA    via: Yelp

With the resort recommendation, we booked my 16 year old daughter lessons with Scott. He was very attentive and fun. Scott had her surfing in minutes, as he enthusiastically cheered. It was so natural. My daughter was able to get a lot of info quickly and felt safe about it to challenge herself. Scott challanged her at the right pace. She cannot stop talking about it. We have great pictures to take back east. Memorable . She took to it . It was a pleasure to meet you. She has the bug now wants to get back out there Thank you!     
Peter R.   July 20, 2016

Coram, NY    via: Yelp

My 11 year old twins took lessons from Chris and Erik, and they were GREAT! They had my kids on the board within minutes, and my kids really loved them. Agree with other reviews re: how attentive and fun the instructors are with the kids. Also wanted to say how absolutely wonderful Scott is. He took time to talk to me about the lessons, and really knows how to work with kids. I HIGHLY recommend Hang Zen. My kids can't wait to return next year! Thanks, Scott, Chris and Erik!     
Jessica G.   Aug. 22, 2015

Manhattan, NY    via: Yelp

Scott and the guys at Hang Zen are great teachers and even better people. From never surfing before to up on a board in minutes laughing the whole way to shore. I'd recommend them to anyone for any occasion. They have a great thing going on. I wish you guys all the best and thank you again.     
Colin J.   July 18, 2014

Denver, CO    via: Yelp

My husband and I took lessons from Scott & Nick in February 2014. This was our first attempt to surf and they were both so patient with us. After an intro on paddling and jumping up, they took us right out in waves (no messing around in the white wash) and got right to it! We were quickly out there with all the real surfers catching some waves. They gave us some great advice that allowed my husband to go out on his own with confidence. Scott is a phenomenal teacher and seems to have a real passion for what he does.     
Rachel C.   March 18, 2014

Carlsbad, San Diego, CA    via: Yelp

"If you want to take surf lessons in Encinitas you can't get more soulfully organic than Scotty Hamrick. I just got off the water with him. From the structure of the reef below us, to the intricate action of the waves we rode, and on up to a study of the clouds above us, spending time on the water with Scotty is always more than just a surf lesson. He greets everyone like they're already a lifelong friend. Today I took a solo lesson, but I first met Scotty in 2011 when he and his crew took out 30 ski industry pros as part of our annual national convention in La Costa. Everyone raved about the two-hour surf camp, and it was as easy as showing up in the parking lot. Scotty and his crew are full-on pros, and took care of all the rest, even including tips on where to eat and drink afterward. Big props to Hang Zen Surf School...see you soon Scotty! Stoked. Aloha."     
Troy H.   May 5, 2013

Denver, CO    via: Yelp

"@HangZenSurf the best surf instructor on the [] planet!!! Thanks for years of work with my kids and being a great friend!!!"     
Dana White (MMA Fighting Legend)   Dec. 20, 2011

Las Vegas, NV    via: Twitter

Amazing!!!! The guys are great. My 6 year old took his first lesson last weekend and he loved it. He was scared to even get on the board and by the end he was standing up. OK, it was only for 1 second but he did it. We can't wait to take our next lesson.     
Janette B.   July 20, 2011

Las Vegas, NV    via: Yelp

"Just Fantastic! Took my wife and two kids, 10 and 7, surfing for the morning with Scott and his crew last week. He had the kids up on the boards in minutes. Very attentive instructors, vigilant and fun with the kids. Would HIGHLY recommend Hang Zen (also known as La Costa Surf School or www.lcsurf.com). Really made our vacation one to remember. Thanks Scott!"     
Shaun S.   April 28, 2010

Orinda, CA    via: Yelp