Complaint Review: Tony Silvagni Surf School

 Seems to me more like the op is b*hurt because they wanted something for free that they knew ahead of time was not included. We moved to CB this past summer and heard from several people about Tony. For my son's birthday we bought him a surf board so I called about getting him a lesson. Tony himself answered the phone and told me to meet him at the shop to get a gift certificate. He was way friendlier than I could imagine. We were also looking for a skateboard for my daughter becaise it was her birthday too but left and went to cb surf shop to look there, they had nothing we liked so we went back to Tonys and caught his mom as they were leaving. Tony drove back over AGAIN and showed me the boards on his phone, we picked one and they went out of their way to go into wilmington to pick the board up and bring it back to the island and meet me AGAIN to make sure my daughter got it in time for her birthday. It is not a monopoly. We have cb surf, pleasure island rentals, CB surf lessons and a few others that offer lessons and rentals. Oh, and his t shirts and hoodies are priced good as well.

 I am currently staying in Carolina Beach with my sons. We have had the exact opposite experience. Before we came, Tony was very helpful on email. His attitude and fast responses helped convince me that Carolina Beach was going to be a good destination. The first day we were here, we had our first lesson. It was the first time on a board for all three of us. We had 2 instructors for the three of us. They charged us a group rate, even though I essentially got a private lesson while the other instructor taught my boys. Today we had our second lesson. I cancelled for myself at the last minute because I'm sun burned. They had no problem with it. As a result, they had 2 instructors for my 2 boy. They charged for a group rate anyway. Moreover, the owner supervised and jumped in to give each of them personal instructions when he saw something from shore that the in-water instructors couldn't see. I expect to do another lesson before the week is out. My kids are having a great time, mostly because of the positive, friendly attitudes of Tony and his team. I've also seen two other surfing schools as I walked through town. I can't disagree with the original poster about his experience; I simply wasn't there. But his statement that Tony has a local monopoly is simply not true. I hope everyone has as awesome of a time learning to surf as we have had. With love, Wm

I met Tony this weekend for the first time, and he is about as warm and welcoming as one could ask for.  i was asking for advice and he was eager to provide including no pressure to participate with his school or pushing his gear.  I enjoyed talking with him and from my brief experience, I would say he is a great guy and is making a business of what he loves.  I'm not sure what is wrong with that.  The terms are clear, in my opinion very fair, and it is a business.  I hope he is doing splendidly well.

We've been going to Tony Silvagni's Surf School since last year and have had nothing but positive experiences. Tony runs a professional, safe, clean, and ethical family-run business. I would never consider it to be a "monopoly" in any sense- there are several other surf schools in the Carolina Beach and Wilmington areas. Tony was raised in neighboring Kure Beach, and he is a bit of a local hero. He is a nationally ranked longboarder (the first ever from NC), and competes Internationally. I don't think that in any way constitutes a "monopoly"- he is just locally known, admired, and loved. And you get what you pay for. Tony runs a tight ship, and oversees his surf school operations as much as humanly possible. If anything isn't 100%, he fixes the problem. If a consumer in any way has a problem with Tony and/or one of his Instructors, he is extremely approachable, honest, and genuine. He wants to do the right thing! We've been going to see Tony and his Surf School for over a year- and although he needs to run a business to pay the bills, he is in no way solely driven by profit. He does a lot of charity work- and is truly committed to sharing his love for surfing with everyone- especially children. My daughter is disabled and cannot swim, and yet Tony has taken her out surfing time and time again. Sometimes we just show up to the beach with no appointment, and he will always make time for my daughter. I have to force him to take money from us- often hiding it in his backpack, or giving it to his Mother or office manager. He's a true professional, and I'm really surprised that there is a complaint out there. I really urge the consumer to talk with Tony- I promise you he will make it right.

My daughters took 2 group lessons with Tony Silvagni's Surf School in July. They said it was the most fun they have had this summer!! In fact, they begged for a repeat trip to Carolina Beach for more surfing lessons.

My kids are military kids. Their father has returned from Afghanistan earlier this year. I state that because of the previous report about Tony Silvagni Surf Scool is not military friendly. We have only experienced excellent, friendly and professional service. They have bent over backwards to accommodate us! Their surfing instructors are young, patient, fun, helpful, drug-free kids.

We returned this weekend (Labor Day) and the girls took lessons from Micah. They were able to surf really well with his guidance. We have signed up again for lessons. We have consistently been pleased with Tony Silvagni's Surf School. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning to surf or want to improve their surfing skills.