2 Hour Semi-Private Surf Lesson

"A family that surfs together stays together!" Wise words from Kevin, an incredible surf instructor and person. He and Genevive ("Gen") were the excellent instructors at Jack's that made me look SO good to my in-laws!! My father-in-law is celebrating his 85th birthday in South Carolina. I booked a last-minute semi-private group lesson for six (ages 11, 12, 15, 23, 29 and 54 yrs old). All beginners! Only 2 had ever surfed before. Only 1 had ever stood up on the board. By the end, all had stood up! All learned the basics. All had a great experience as a family. All left encouraged and excited to surf again. I cannot say enough positive things about this entire experience. There is a reason that the reviews RAVE about Jack's Surf Lessons and Rental. OF NOTE: Kevin and Gen were exceptional. They were patient, had great energy, easy to learn from and had remarkable insight. As someone who has worked in education and who has worked with students of all ages (1yr olds to 95 yr olds), I was in wonder at how they deftly handled the dynamics of an extremely diverse group of students. They encouraged those that had just begun. They bolstered the confidence of those that had taken prior lessons. They cheered on everyone and helped them to realize that wiping out is part of the surfing process. They gave wonderful, helpful pointers. My 20-something nieces had an amazing time and have made plans to return home and finally take lessons in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and check out surfing in Costa Rica. One said "[Gen and Kevin said that] they were stoked at how well I did. Well, I was STOKED about them." After watching the lessons, 3 adult family members wanted to sign up for lessons with Jack's. Some had been nervous because of their older age or because they felt less than confident about their swimming skills. Gen and Kevin put everyone (even the spectators) at ease. The South Carolina waters were gentle and predictable. The waves were large enough to paddle into without having to go out that far of a distance. The area felt private enough that no one felt embarrassed or self-conscious. Paige, who helped us at the desk when we checked in, was friendly, smart and helpful. Complications arose with our party and the app/digital system. Paige kept us informed and looked for prompt solutions. I was so impressed that Jack's was concerned about maintaining the 3:1 student teacher ratio and, also, about the safety of its students. Kevin explained this to me, as I was checking in our party. In fact, one kid was very nervous to go without her parent. Two MORE family members wanted to join the lesson because of the wonderful atmosphere that Jack's, its instructors and admin created but safety first! They can take a lesson another time! When we made our reservation, we didn't request the photography option but, nevertheless, Deanna took amazing photographs and videos of our group, which we received links less than 24 hrs after our lesson. My father-in-law took tons of photo and video but, before we received the links, asked me multiple times about taking a look at the professional shots. He said that he knew D had captured some moments that he had missed! Kevin, Gen, Paige and De worked together very well, as a team. I am SO impressed by Jack's and highly recommend Jack's to anyone in the Myrtle Beach or Surfside area!!!! TIPS FOR OTHER VACATIONERS/ PARENTS: Around 11:45am on a Thursday in very late August, there was plentiful free parking "on the street" - consisting of "stalls" like a typical parking lot. Like Jack's mentioned in their confirmation email, there is free street parking and there is also a white parking structure/garage (costs $10), but, luckily, we didn't need to use the latter. Jack's Shack is easily visible. It is right in front of the designated pier. I'm including it in my photos. There's a sign with additional information about rates. There's a shower that students can use when they leave the beach (to rinse off sand). If you're a parent or grandparent that wants to watch the lessons, walk to the left of the pier (facing Jack's Shack and the ocean) and set up on the sand nearby. There are restrooms on the pier and a small shop (where souvenirs, beach equipment (shell scoopy things!) and fishing licenses/equipment/bait are available. Fill out the waiver and forward the confirmation email to everyone in your party (or guardians of minors in your party) to fill out before the lesson. On the Jack's Shack, there is a sign that says that instructors work for tips. If you didn't know or don't bring cash, they send an email and text after the lessons so that you can tip online. I had a wetsuit for one kid but she didn't need it (and didn't want to wear it because her cousins and uncle weren't). The sand can get VERY hot so make sure to have removable foot gear. If you take a 2-hr lesson, the instructors will stop for a hydration/water break so bring a bottle of water or another hydrating liquid. No need for goggles (they will fall off when surfing/wiping out) We did the 12:15 2-hour lesson. The kids were ok even though they didn't eat anything other than breakfast. They were high with excitement and they weren't hangry (!!!) during or after the lesson. Even though we had lunch plans 20min away, they wanted to stay to play in the ocean and, if we could, they definitely would have rented a board and continues to surf after their lesson!