All in all, I thought the experience was pleasant. That said, I'm pretty easy.
+ Very nice, safe, and I was able to catch a couple of waves.
- Completely disorganized. These are surfers, not so much business people.
My instructor was a bit tired from working all day without really having much of a break. I understand that as I was getting tired after paddling just a couple of hours so I don't blame her.
I showed up at 11:30am when my lesson wasn't until 3pm.
The title of the lesson I chose on Viator said the following:
"3pm Semi-Private Lesson 12:00"
Already a little misleading in the title but the actual button I clicked with a time on it said 12:00pm
The start date after reserving said :"Tuesday, December 24, 2019, 12:00 PM". and ALL of the information I received in details said starts at 12:pm.
Other than 3pm in the original title, everything else said noon.
I got there at 11:30am in case there was some extra check-in and was told it was pushed to 12:30pm.
I waited, then was told to sit and listen with the 12:30pm group because I was private. After sitting through some explanation with the group, someone looked at the sheet and I was told I wasn't signed up until 3pm and asked if I could come back. I wondered why someone didn't look at the chart the moment I arrived?
It was now about 1:15pm and now had to come back at 3pm. The two hour class had turned into an all day event. Luckily I did not really have other plans.
My recommendation would be to send a validation of the time with the text message confirmation (I was asked if I received the text. I did, but it did not include a time, only an address and a google maps link that didn't work.)
Ask for everyone's name as they approach and validate it with the scheduled chart immediately.
Once validated, tell them what they have to fill out, what clothing options you have, how long until their session starts, briefing on what will be taught on dry ground, surfing etiquette, based on how many people are in class, how many runs each are likely to get and when they should expect to head back into the beach when done. As an instructor myself in a different capacity, A nice overview of what to expect during the entire class without getting to deep sets the stage and causes less confusion.