Forget dinner and a movie. The greatest date ever is taking a surf lesson with Club Ed in Santa Cruz. Ed Guzman (or one of his super-patient surf instructors) will greet you on the beach and set you up with a wetsuit and soft surfboard (included in the price of a lesson.) The two-hour lesson includes fundamentals, etiquette, paddling and proper standing techniques.
After a dry run on land, you'll head out to Cowells, a beginner's spot in front of the Dream Inn. With its mellow roller waves, the surf resembles Waikiki Beach, only the water's a smidge colder. (Not that you'll notice once you're ensconced inside your toasty wetsuit.)
The best news? Club Ed guarantees you catch a wave during your lesson, or it's free.
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Soon you'll be catching “party waves” with your significant other (and about a zillion other neophytes, but hey, who's counting?)
After you get out of the water, take a quick shower in the parking lot and head to Hula Grill in downtown Santa Cruz for a celebratory mai tai. Now that's what I'm talking about!
