Though The Beach Boys popularized surfing, many of their hits fell out of favor when Brian Wilson admitted that songs like "Surfer Girl," "Surfin'," and "Surfin' Safari" were about flipping through TV channels. Get back to surfing's roots with today's Groupon: for $50, you get a two-hour introductory group surf lesson and an optional all-day board rental from Performance Surf Lessons in Mill Valley (a $150 value).

With more than 15 years of instructional experience under his board, professional surfer Ty Shapiro expertly guides aspiring surfers through the fundamentals of wave catching and riding. Before each two-hour introductory lesson, wavejockeys-in-training gather in groups of about 20 at Proof Lab before trekking to Bolinas beach to work on fundamental boardside balancing. After the lesson, newly minted surfers can strike out on their own for the briny deep and, like aquatic collectors, catch waves for the rest of the day, until 6 p.m.

Performance Surf suggests that guests bring their own sunscreen, towels, water, and snacks, as well as a sweatshirt, pants, and mer-person repellant. Group lessons begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and should be scheduled 72 hours in advance. Board rental must be requested when making the lesson appointment.