Surf Experiences at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

From surfing and body boarding to stand up paddle boarding, guests of all ages and skill levels will enjoy the opportunity to ride the pristine waves of Southern California's world-famous coast.

A surf experience at the resort includes beach instruction, paddling techniques, ocean awareness and ocean safety. Communicated in a way that will make surfing accessible to everyone, beginners will enjoy the thoroughness of the lessons while experienced surfers will love the personal coaching.

Currently one of the fastest growing water sport in the world, stand up paddle boarding or SUP'ing is extremely popular and gaining recognition as everyone from celebrities to cross-over athletes use SUP to train and stay in shape. With access to the calm waters of Dana Point Harbor, SUP'ing is an amazing way to explore the Southern California shoreline.

Both surfing and SUP lessons include transportation to and from the surf spot, a two-hour private lesson, and the use of a wet suit and surfboard or stand up paddle board. Lessons are available for guests age 12 and up. Surf lessons are $150 per person and stand up paddle lessons are $175 per person.

The Eco-Adventure Center offers a three-hour Beach Bonzai body boarding experience. Guests can enhance their body boarding skills directly below the resort at Salt Creek Beach. The Center's expert naturalists teach participants how waves are created, how to manager rip currents, and what longshore drift is, all while having fun riding the waves on a body board. Beach Bonzai is available for guests age 12 and up and is $90 per person.

The resort also offers a So Cal Surf package that includes overnight accommodations and one, two hour surfing lesson for two people. The experience is available year round with rates starting at $595 per night.

Dana Point has a surfing history to rival anywhere outside Hawaii. Hobie Alter opened the very first retail surf shop in Dana Point in 1954. Surfer Magazine began in Dana Point, and to this day, still calls it home. The Surfer's Journal is also based in Dana Point. Dana Point was also once home to a very special wave. That wave broke at the Dana Point Cove and was known as the “Killer Dana.” The break got its name because it came out of deep water and broke close to the rocks which lined the beach. In the days before leashes, wipeouts were sure to bring at least a few dings - if not worse. Although the waves in Dana Point, especially at Salt Creek Beach, remain some of the best in Southern California, the “Killer Danas” were reduced when a breakwater was installed when the Dana Point Harbor was built in 1966.

Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel sits on a 150-foot bluff with panoramic white-water views of the Pacific Ocean and two-miles of sandy beach.

More information: www.ritzcarlton.com/LagunaSurfing