Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica: Learn to Ride Waves

Learn to surf in Santa Monica with equipment and instruction included

A 90-minute group surf lesson in Santa Monica where you meet at the beach parking lot, get fitted with a surfboard and wetsuit, and learn the fundamentals of riding waves from a certified instructor. Children from age 4 are welcome. The lesson covers everything needed to catch your first waves, with instructors available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

The experience

You meet at the truck in the beach parking lot where the instructor fits you with a surfboard, wetsuit and leash. From there it's a short walk to the water for a beach lesson that covers the basics of paddling, positioning and popping up on the board. The instructor keeps groups small enough that everyone gets equal attention and stays safe in the water.

The lesson runs 90 minutes total, which gives you time to practice the fundamentals and actually ride some waves instead of just drilling technique on the sand. Certified instructors teach in English, Spanish or Portuguese, so language is not a barrier. The whole point is to share the surf culture and what each wave brings, not to turn you into an expert in one session, but to get you comfortable enough to keep going on your own.

What’s included

• Surfboard, wetsuit and leash for each participant.
• certified instruction from a professional guide.
• beach lesson covering paddling, positioning and wave-riding basics.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (4 to 5 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by OffShore Vibes surf

Is this one for you?Small groups mean you get individual attention from the instructor and stay safe in the water, which matters when you're learning something new in the ocean. If you're coming with family or friends, this format keeps everyone together while the instructor watches the whole group.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (4 to 5 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and a towel. The lesson includes the surfboard, wetsuit and leash, so you don't need to rent or buy gear separately. Arrive in clothes you can change out of easily at the parking lot.

How long does the whole experience take?

The lesson itself is 90 minutes, which includes the time to get wetsuits and boards at the truck, walk to the beach, and practice in the water. Plan for a bit extra to change and gather your things afterward.

What if I've never surfed before?

The lesson is designed for beginners and covers everything you need to know to catch waves, from paddling technique to how to stand up on the board. The instructor teaches the fundamentals on the beach first, then takes you into the water to practice.