About the Owner:
Coming from the busy city life of San Francisco and San Jose,
my parents came across a quiet but active beach town nestled in Santa Cruz called Capitola. In 1996 they decided to call Capitola home. Meanwhile, I was just learning how to take my first steps in this new world. My parents were not surfers at this time but they were water people. Little did they know they would raise two fish. My older sister who would swim competitively at a high level and would be comfortable in any type of water. And then there is me, who would become so connected with the ocean that I couldn’t imagine living away from its presence.
Many childhood days were spent in the ocean playing in the different waves that Capitola Beach provides. I recall my Dad spinning me around on a boogie board while I would pretend to surf and pushing me into waves on his longboard which felt like a boat. I got to watch my mom learn how to surf at the age of 41 and progress enough to surf in the local contest, Women On Waves. Although slalom water skiing is her thing, my Mom still surfs to this day and still remains my hero for showing me that it is never too late to learn something new. I have many memories of my sister having the most influence on me when it came to the ocean and other water activities. She led by example by being fearless and calm when situations got intense. My sister and I have plenty of water stories to tell.
At about 7 years old,
I started teaching myself how to stand up on a boogie board. I did this to show my parents that getting a surfboard was the next big step for me to become a surfer. By the time I entered middle school I had a surfboard, boogie board, and a bike to explore the coastline for new waves and to experience the current surf culture of Santa Cruz. There was no looking back with feeling this type of freedom.
I have more recently found myself in other states, countries, lakes, and rivers to surf. I have met many different surf cultures that have reshaped my perspective on what surfing is and what the community around surfing should feel like. Surfing is worldwide and everyone should have access to it. My surf travels along with trying new physical activities have made me a more knowledgeable teacher and surf instructor. Being new at something is scary and having a guide can make all the difference for an enjoyable time. As a surf and SUP instructor I am just a “bridge” or “middleman” for people to experience the ocean and its thrills in a safe way. Most people need one lesson to know whether surfing is for them.
I have worked in the surf industry since 2011 and have been teaching surf lessons on and off since 2016. Right when I was experiencing a career crossroad, I had the opportunity to acquire Capitola Surf and Paddle in April of 2025. Any employee buying the business how much more work could their be… The timing was not ideal but I knew I would regret not taking on the challenge and ownership of Capitola Surf and Paddle. I now get to use my teaching and EMT background to instruct surf and SUP lessons year round. This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made and I am toked I get to continue to share the ocean with people from all around the world. I am truly grateful to be able to still call Santa Cruz home and to teach people how to surf where I learned how to surf.
My goal when teaching lessons is for everyone to have their own unique relationship with the ocean.
The ocean has the capacity to hold all of us. It is a place where everyone is welcome and should feel safe to go. Over the years, the ocean has shown me that it is not just about surfing the best waves, but sharing the priceless feeling of being in the water and surfing with other people no matter their skill.
I hope you join for a lesson or create your own relationship with the ocean at Capitola Beach!
See you in the water,
Neil Sprenkel
Capitola Surf and Paddle
Also known as CSP, we offer private, semi-private, and group surf, SUP and SUP-surf lessons that are personalized to all ages and skill levels. Everything you need is included in each lesson type. We also offer rentals as well as coaching and filming packages. Please feel free to call or text with any questions!
The waters of Capitola are generally calm because of its cove-like setting due to two jetties holding up a barrier. There are many breaks to surf at Capitola, The main breaks being First Jetty and Second Jetty. We only offer surf lessons during certain tides when the waves will be at their best. This makes it ideal for clean waves and a smooth paddle out as well as paddle in. Capitola is generally warm and sunny but the occasional fog bank can roll in so bring warm clothes! The water is temperate, so to enjoy yourself with out the shock of the cold a wetsuit is recommended year round. Capitola Village is famous for its great friend and family-oriented beaches, surf line-up, local shops, and rich cuisine. Keep an eye on local events happening in Capitola Village!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stand up paddle boarding?
SUP involves standing on an oversized surf board and using a single lightweight paddle, ideally somewhat taller than oneself, to glide over water. Either way, it can be as intense or relaxing as you choose to make it. SUP’ing involves balancing on the board which engages all the core muscles, while paddling hits the upper body. And because it’s low impact and relatively easy to master, which has made fans of paddle boarding among every age group.
What if I’ve never paddle boarded before?
No problem! Capitola is a great place to learn; We provide expert instruction and guide you through the experience. We enjoy to introduce beginners to the sport.
How much time will I spend in the water?
We start with 15-20 minute lecture on standard SUP equipment, instructions on SUP’ing and water safety on land. Plan to spend one and a half hours (1-1/2) on the water.
What do I wear? Do I need a wetsuit?
It truely depends on your personal comfort level. The time, weather and temperature of the water can all play a part of your decision.
We recommend just board shorts (shorts suitable for the water) with a long sleeve “water shirt” (a lycra or nylon shirt is great, like a biking shirt or running shirt). This is standard paddling gear, and most are surprised how warm they are when stand up padding. If the weather forcast looks a bit chilly for your class, or you are particularly sensive to cold, you may use one of our wetsuits.
If you are concerned about being cold, we’re happy to provide you with a full suit. However, you will likely will not end up in the water at all, so once you start paddling around in the sun, you’ll likely get warm. Unless you’re very sensitive to cold, a wetsuit is usually NOT required for simple paddling.
Where should I park?
There are a number of parking options in Capitola Village which include all-day lots and metered street parking.
- Metered street parking is available throughout the Village for $1.50 per hour. There is a 2-hour limit on all parking meters in the Village.
- The Pacific Cove parking lot, located on Capitola Avenue behind City Hall, offers unlimited metered parking for $0.50 per hour. Meters run from 8am-8pm daily.
- Free, all-day beach parking is available at the Crossroads Center parking lot on Bay Ave. Visitors can ride a free shuttle from the lot into the Village on weekends and holidays from 10am-8pm.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) or cash as payment.
Do I need to sign anything?
All students are required to sign a standard liability waiver form before we get started.
Testimonials
