Private Surfing Lesson Santa Monica: Learn to Surf in 2 Hours

Stand up on your first waves with one-on-one instruction in the water.

A private 2-hour surfing lesson on Santa Monica Beach with Aqua Surf School, where you get one-on-one coaching tailored to your level and all equipment included. The lesson starts with ocean safety and technique on the sand, then moves into the water for extended hands-on practice. Most beginners stand up and ride waves during their first session. Intermediate surfers refine their technique with extra time in the water. Your instructor speaks English, Spanish, or German.

The experience

You start on the sand with your instructor covering ocean safety, surf etiquette, wave selection, and the fundamentals of paddling and standing up on the board. This foundation takes the guesswork out of what happens next. Then you head into the water for the real work: your instructor positions you for waves, watches your pop-up technique, and gives real-time feedback as you catch more rides and build confidence. The 2-hour window means you spend most of your time actually in the water practicing, not sitting on the beach.

Aqua Surf School has been teaching on this stretch of coast for over 20 years, so the instructors know the Santa Monica breaks, the conditions that work best for beginners, and how to spot the right waves for your level. All equipment is provided (surfboard and wetsuit), so you show up ready to learn. The one-on-one format means the lesson stays focused on what you need, whether that's building confidence, refining your technique, or simply catching more waves than you would in a group setting.

What’s included

• All surfing equipment including surfboard and wetsuit.
• one-on-one coaching from an experienced instructor.
• ocean safety and surf etiquette instruction.
• real-time feedback on your technique and wave selection.

Before you book

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (4 to 94 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and German

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Aqua Surf School

Is this one for you?Two hours fits a morning or afternoon slot without eating your whole day, leaving time to explore Santa Monica before or after. This works if you want focused, personalized instruction rather than learning alongside other beginners in a group class.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

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.

Can I take a surfing lesson if I've never been on a board before?

Yes. Most beginners stand up and ride waves during their first session with Aqua Surf School. The lesson starts with fundamentals on the sand and progresses into the water at your own pace, with your instructor giving real-time feedback to help you improve.

What's included in the lesson, and do I need to bring anything?

All surfing equipment is included: surfboard and wetsuit. You just need to show up in swimwear and be ready to get in the water. Public transportation options are available near Santa Monica Beach if you're traveling without a car.

How much time do I actually spend in the water versus on the beach?

After the initial instruction on the sand, you spend the majority of the 2-hour lesson in the water practicing with your instructor. The extended time in the water lets beginners practice more rides and gives intermediate surfers room to refine their technique.