Gene and Astro teach surfing lessons on South Padre Island daily year round at Isla Blanca Beach Park by the jetty. This is where the best waves are! Lessons are one hour long, and safe for all ages or abilities. Swimming skills are not required, lessons are taught in shallow water with safe soft surfboards.
Text or call for reservations 956-772-7272
Surfboard rentals are available daily! We only use and rent safe soft surfboards. Many students rent boards after their lesson to continue surfing, its best way to fully enjoy your day here on vacation! Or if you've surfed before and just want a surfboard rental I carry all sizes. Delivery and pickup also available.
Text or call for reservations 956-772-7272
Learn to surf with Gene Gore, Texas most experienced Waterman, Surf Instructor, Hawaiian Lifeguard and Ocean Safety Expert, and Astro the Surfing Dog! South Padre Surf Company is simply a surf school for 30 years, not a retail store. I love to share a lifetime of ocean knowledge with you, to create your new love of surfing, the ocean, health and the outdoors.
Come watch SpaceX launch the biggest most powerful rocket in the world right here on South Padre Island!!
Starship launches draw a huge worldwide audience, and the best place to watch is right where we surf!
Visit SpaceX Starbase city and see Starship up close while you are here on South Padre Island!
South Padre Surf Company is simply owner and instructor Gene Gore, and his new Surf Dog Astro. He chose not to become a commercial retail outlet with hired instructors. Instead, his deep love for sharing his passion for the ocean personally with each and every person. Your lesson will be taught by the best there is! He is Texas most experienced surf instructor, ocean lifeguard, ocean safety expert and professional level surfer, a fully dedicated waterman. Gene grew up on the beaches of Texas as a lifetime dedicated surfer, ocean lifeguard, and became a City and County of Honolulu Hawaii Ocean Safety Officer joining the elite professionals that save lives in the most dangerous surf in the world. He has dedicated his life to surfing, lifesaving, building surfboards and public service, yet one of his greatest thrills is still seeing someone ride their first wave and introducing people of all ages to the ocean and helping them overcome their fears with his knowledge and experience.
Gene has accumulated an extensive and unique history of accomplishments in his field while pursuing his passion for surf. He worked for the Hawaii Water Patrol, trained in heavy surf rescue with jetski/rescue sled, 3 time winner of paddleboard races on the North Shore of Oahu and several U.S. National Surfing Championship Paddle races, along with the Harpoon Barry Bay to Gulf Paddle Race, twice selected to the 6 man Hawaiian World Lifeguard Team, former Texas State longboard champion and Allstar team member, 6 time U.S. Lifesaving Association National Competitor with numerous medals in paddle racing, paddleboard rescue, and 2 mile beach run, winner of the Diamondhead Biathlon, Galveston Beach Patrol Senior Lifeguard and Marine Rescue RHI pilot and Jr. Lifeguard Instructor, and Corpus Christi and Port Aransas Beach Patrol Lifeguard. Gene has saved hundreds of lives, in both documented and undocumented surf rescues. He has assisted and treated countless injured beach patrons and performed CPR in many real life incidents, as well serving 8 Years as a Licensed Texas Emergency Medical Technician and volunteer ambulance/fireman.
He has competed in over 100 surfing competitions both amateur and professional in France, Spain, Mexico, California, Florida, New Jersey, Hawaii, Australia and more. Gene has designed and shaped around a thousand custom surfboards, starting shaping and designing boards as a teen. He was competition director and judge for the Texas Gulf Surfing Association. Gene has taught over 75,000 private and group surfing lessons, through Galveston College and G.C. Kid's Camp, Moody Hospitality Institute, San Luis Resort, Surfside Surf Camp, SpaceX and South Padre Surf Co. He authored the first book on surfing in Texas "Surfing the Texas Gulf Coast". He competed in the ILSA World Lifeguard Championships in Italy with a team of elite guards from Galveston where he captured 4 medals and was the top ranked American competitor! He also competed on Team Hawaii in several world and nationalcompetitions.
Gene is the founder of the South Texas Surfrider Foundation, a coastal environmental group. In 2004 Gene paddled the entire length of the Texas Gulf Coast, 404 miles in 19 days, as a fundraiser for Surfrider Foundation's coastal education program, receiving the prestigious National Recognition Award. Gene was instrumental in founding the South Padre Island Fire Department Beach Patrol and worked as a surf rescue technician and trainer, after many years of pursuing an Island lifesaving program. He also laid the groundwork for the Cameron County Beach Patrol to begin. Gene works with the National Weather Service in developing new coastal marine forecasts, rip current guidance packages, and coastal hazard and warning advisories for public safety during tropical storms and hurricanes. He continually assists and rescues swimmers on a regular basis here on South Padre Island.
Gene has recently instructed both the City and County junior lifeguards surfing lessons. Gene received a United States Coast Guard Certificate of Appreciation for assisting the Coast Guard in numerous rescues and for his lifetime commitment to public service and ocean safety.
Born October 27, 2023, Astro is a purebred English Creme Golden Retriever. Come surf with Astro the South Padre Surf Dog! He is already surfing with me and by himself on little waves, and will be surfing with you soon!! Astro is Archer's nephew, and is certain to bring the smiles just like uncle Archer did! He is super fun and rascally you'll love him! He likes to dig in the sand too so help him out!
Uncle Archer. 8 years of surfing daily and bringing immeasurable joy to thousands. He absolutely loved surfing! He would drag the board out by himself by the leash and hop on by himself, or just jump on your board and ride with you. He loved people, loved dolphins, loved surfing! His nephew Astro is ready to fill Archers awesome paw prints!
I founded South Padre Surf Company over 20 years ago to share my lifelong dedication to surfing, lifeguarding and the ocean. I am a master level instructor, professional level surfer, world class ocean safety expert, and surfboard designer. I've taught over 75,000 students in the past few decades. Come learn from the best in one easy lesson on the safe beginner friendly waves here on South Padre Island!
My goal is to provide a safe, easy and fun surfing lesson experience for guests of all ages and abilities to South Padre Island, while teaching respect, knowledge and appreciation of the ocean and beach, with zero-environmental impact. My safety first approach ensures that all people, regardless of your abilities or disabilities, are welcome to give surfing a try. My enthusiasm will make you want to come back for the adventure year after year! .
Your safety is the No. 1 concern. All surfing lessons are held in shallow water that you can stand up in. Safe soft surfboards with soft rubber fins and leashes are used for all lessons. Gene is a highly experienced world class ocean lifeguard and ocean safety expert with hundreds of rescues, you couldn't be in better hands! It is a privilege and an honor to take you or your child into the ocean, and I take the responsibility seriously.
I look forward to the opportunity to give you the experience of your life! When you come for a surfing lesson with South Padre Surf Company, you become part of the surfing family. I hope to make sure your surfing lesson is a memory you will cherish forever!
You're here to have fun! Surfing is an extreme adventure, one that many people add to their "bucket lists." When you surf with me, I'll help you accomplish that goal. I'll never pressure you or your child to do something beyond your comfort zone, it's all about having fun at your comfort level!