Santa Cruz, California

Ride the world-famous waves of Santa Cruz, California on this week-long surfing adventure with your First Descents community! With a coastline that is part marine sanctuary, Santa Cruz offers sunny beach days and pristine wilderness that is perfect for catching waves with the incredible guides at Richard Schmidt Surf School. Your lodge which is nestled next to acres of Redwood forest will be the perfect place to rest, recharge, and refuel with delicious homemade food by our First Descents chefs!

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program!

WHERE: Santa Cruz, CA

WHAT: Surfing

WHEN: October 8 – 13, 2023

COST: Free!

FOOD: Professional chef-prepared meals

AIRPORT: San Jose, CA (SJC)

TRAVEL: Participants are responsible for getting to/from the program. Travel scholarships are available through the registration form.

HEALTH & SAFETY: All Participants are required to fill out a registration form. FD will select participants based on available space on the program. Once selected, participants may be required to get a medical form from their Doctor. FD strongly recommends that all Participants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Read more here.