2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica: Learn in the Ocean

You spend most of the lesson actually surfing, not watching.

A 2-hour group surf lesson in Santa Monica combines beach instruction with an hour in the ocean alongside your instructors, then time to practice on your own. The lesson uses foam-top surfboards and wetsuits for all participants. Groups stay under six people, and you'll be paired with other students at the same level. Minimum age is 12, and basic swimming ability is required.

The experience

The lesson starts on the sand with 20–40 minutes of technique work before you paddle out. Your instructors cover the fundamentals (how to position yourself on the board, how to read the water, how to pop up), so when you get in the ocean you know what to do. Then you spend roughly an hour in the water with the instructors watching and guiding you through actual waves. The remaining time is yours to keep practicing and building confidence on the boards we provide.

Foam-top surfboards and wetsuits come with the lesson, and the boards are sized for stability rather than speed, which matters when you're learning. Groups max out at six people, so you're not competing for attention or space in the water. The school bases out of Venice Beach and takes swimmers and near-swimmers alike: basic swimming skills are the only prerequisite, and the instructors adjust the session to match whether you're completely new or already know how to stand on a board.

What’s included

• Foam-top surfboard.
• wetsuit.
• 20–40 minutes of on-beach instruction.
• approximately one hour in the water with live instructors in English.
• remaining time to practice independently.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Fun Surf LA

Is this one for you?This is a shared lesson, so you're in the water with other beginners at your level and one instructor managing the group: ideal if you want to learn fundamentals affordably and don't mind practicing alongside other students. If you prefer one-on-one attention or want a private session timed to your schedule, a private lesson is the better fit.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between a group lesson and a private one?

Group lessons keep you under six people and cost less. Private lessons give you one-on-one instruction tailored entirely to your pace and goals.

Do I need to know how to swim before I show up?

Basic swimming ability is required, since you'll be in the ocean for most of the lesson and need to be comfortable in the water.

What kind of surfboards do you use for beginners?

Group lessons use 8- and 9-foot foam-top boards, which are more stable and forgiving than fiberglass boards when you're learning to balance and catch waves.

How much of the 2 hours is actually in the water?

You spend 20–40 minutes on the beach learning technique, then roughly an hour in the ocean with instructors, leaving the rest of the time to practice on your own.

What's included in the lesson price?

Wetsuits and surfboards are included. You bring nothing but yourself and basic swimming confidence.