2-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica: Learn to Ride Waves

Catch your first wave in two hours, guaranteed

A 2-hour surf lesson in Santa Monica where you learn board and wave dynamics on the beach, then spend the rest of the time in the water with a professional instructor. Kapowui supplies the surfboard, wetsuit and all instruction. The lesson takes place on the sandy bottom between Venice and Santa Monica, designed for beginners. Children from age 6 are welcome, and instructors speak English and Portuguese.

The experience

Your lesson starts on the sand with 30 minutes of instruction covering board design, wave dynamics, ocean safety, surf etiquette and the pop-up technique. The move that gets you standing on the board. The instructor breaks down how the ocean works and what your body needs to do, so when you paddle out you're not guessing. Kapowui's instructors live within blocks of the beach (four of them in surf vans) and surf every day, so they know the conditions and the spot where you'll learn.

The remaining hour and a half is in the water with your instructor in the shallows. The sandy bottom here is forgiving for beginners, and the instructor stays with you the whole time, positioning you on the board and timing your pop-ups with the waves. Kapowui guarantees you'll be riding waves by the end of the lesson, not just paddling, but actually standing and moving across the face of the water. You show up in your swim suit with sunscreen. They provide the surfboard, wetsuit and the focus.

The lesson sits on the border between Venice and Santa Monica, close enough to reach by public transit. Kapowui is a family-run business that's been awarded best surf school in Venice Beach for five years running, and the vibe on the beach reflects that: instructors who chose surfing as a life choice and teach because they want to share it, not because it's a job.

What’s included

• Professional instructor.
• surfboard.
• wetsuit.
• all instruction and activities.
• live guide in English or Portuguese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 90 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 8 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

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.

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by kapowui surf lessons

Is this one for you?The lesson runs two hours straight with 30 minutes on the beach and 90 minutes in the water, so come ready to get wet and tired. That's how you learn to surf. If you prefer a slower pace or want to ease into the water, ask about shorter or split sessions when you book.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (6 to 8 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What do I need to bring to my surf lesson in Santa Monica?

Bring your swim suit, sunscreen and a smile. Kapowui provides the surfboard, wetsuit and all instruction. You just show up ready to get in the water.

How much of the 2-hour lesson is actually in the water?

The first 30 minutes happens on the beach covering technique and safety, then you spend the remaining hour and a half in the water surfing with your instructor.

Is this lesson suitable for someone who has never surfed before?

Yes, the lesson is designed for beginners. The sandy bottom is safe, the instructor stays with you the whole time, and Kapowui guarantees you'll be riding waves by the end.