Hermosa Beach Surf Lessons with CPR-Certified Instructors

Your instructor stays in the water with you the whole time, not watching from the beach.

A two-hour private surf lesson at Hermosa Beach with a CPR-certified, highly-trained instructor who teaches beginners through advanced surfers. You start with footwork drills on the beach, then move into the water where your instructor coaches you through paddling, catching waves and improving your technique. Wetsuits and surfboards are provided.

The experience

Wavehuggers runs this lesson as part of a mission to teach surfing alongside ocean conservation. The instructor meets you at the beach with wetsuits and boards already in hand, so you skip the gear hunt and start learning right away. Your lesson is tailored to your ability and comfort level (whether you've never stood on a board or you're working on your pop-up), and the instructor keeps safety as the top priority throughout.

The two hours break into two parts. On the beach, you'll learn basic footwork and positioning before you ever touch the water. Once you're ready, the instructor paddles out with you, helping you position for waves, timing your strokes and offering real-time feedback on your technique as you catch them. The instructor is there every step of the way, not coaching from shore.

Surfing demands a moderate level of physical fitness, and it's a genuine workout: paddling, popping up, balancing and reading the ocean all at once. The lesson works for ages two and up, though younger children will get more from it as they grow. Service animals are welcome on the beach.

What’s included

• Wetsuit.
• surfboard.
• two-hour instruction from a CPR-certified instructor.
• coaching on surfing safety, etiquette, technique, tides and ocean conditions.

Options for this experience

6 options

Surfing lesson for one personUp to 1 per booking · Guide in English · 18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:30Catch the waves of the Pacific Ocean! Cover surf safety, etiquette, technique, tides, and ocean conditions. Length: 2 hours

Surfing lesson for a group of twoUp to 2 per booking · Guide in English · 18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:30Catch the waves of the Pacific Ocean! Cover surf safety, etiquette, technique, tides, and ocean conditions. Length: 2 hours

Surfing lesson for a group of threeUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English · 18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:30Catch the waves of the Pacific Ocean! Cover surf safety, etiquette, technique, tides, and ocean conditions. Length: 2 hours

See 3 more options

Surfing lesson for a group of fourUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:30Catch the waves of the Pacific Ocean! Cover surf safety, etiquette, technique, tides, and ocean conditions. Length: 2 hours

Surfing lesson for a group of fiveUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English · 18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:30Catch the waves of the Pacific Ocean! Cover surf safety, etiquette, technique, tides, and ocean conditions. Length: 2 hours

Surfing lesson for a group of sixUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:30Catch the waves of the Pacific Ocean! Cover surf safety, etiquette, technique, tides, and ocean conditions. Length: 2 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Wavehuggers

Is this one for you?Book the group size matching your party so your instructor tailors teaching to your group alone, rather than mixing with other learners.

Traveler reviews

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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. No refund if you cancel.

What do I need to bring to a surf lesson at Hermosa Beach?

Bring a towel and a change of clothes. Wetsuits and surfboards are provided, and the instructor meets you at the beach with both. You'll want to wear something easy to change out of since you'll be wet.

Will the instructor stay in the water with me or watch from the beach?

The instructor stays in the water with you the entire lesson, paddling alongside, helping you catch waves and coaching your technique in real time. You're not working alone.

Can I take a lesson if I've never surfed before?

Yes. The lesson is designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers alike. The instructor tailors everything to your skill level and comfort, starting with footwork on the beach before moving into the water.

How long does a surf lesson take?

The lesson runs two hours from start to finish, including the beach instruction and your time in the water catching waves.

What is the minimum age for a surf lesson?

Children as young as two can participate, though they'll get more from the lesson as they develop coordination and strength. Infants and very small children can come along in a stroller or pram if you want to watch.