Santa Monica Surfing Lesson: Learn from Certified Instructors

Your instructor teaches on land first, then stays in the water coaching you through every wave.

A private two-hour surfing lesson in Santa Monica held at Venice Beach, where a certified instructor tailors the session to your skill level, from complete beginner to advanced, teaching you on land before taking you into the water. Wetsuits and surfboards are provided. The minimum age is seven years old.

The experience

The lesson starts on the sand. Your instructor walks you through the fundamentals: how to position yourself on the board, how to paddle, how to read the water. If you've never surfed before, this land session is where you build confidence with the equipment itself before the ocean enters the picture. If you're already experienced, your instructor skips the basics and takes you straight to the lineup, staying in the water beside you to coach your technique and watch your safety throughout.

The two-hour session runs the full arc (land work, then water time), and the instructor adjusts the pace and focus based on what you bring to it. Beginners get detailed instruction and the chance to feel stable on the board before paddling out. Intermediate and advanced surfers work on positioning, wave selection, and technique with real-time feedback from someone who knows the Venice Beach break. All wetsuits and boards are supplied. You show up ready to learn.

Venice Beach is one of California's most recognizable surf spots, and the lessons happen in a quieter section of it. The water temperature and conditions vary by season, but the instruction adapts to what's happening on the day you book. Your instructor is certified and has taught surfers worldwide, so the lesson is built around your comfort and safety, not a fixed script.

What’s included

• Two-hour private instruction with a certified instructor.
• wetsuit.
• surfboard.
• on-land and in-water coaching tailored to your skill level.

Before you book

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

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Fun Surf LA

Is this one for you?Book this lesson if you're learning to surf for the first time or want to improve your technique with focused attention from an instructor who stays in the water with you the entire session.

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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 private lesson and a group class?

Private lessons give you one instructor's full attention for the entire two hours, with the session designed around your specific skill level and goals. The instructor paces the land work and water time to match what you need to learn.

Do I need to know how to swim to take a surfing lesson?

The lesson is suitable for all skill levels starting at age seven, and the instructor assesses your comfort in the water during the land session. The instructor stays with you in the water throughout the lesson.

What happens if I've never surfed before?

First-timers spend time on the beach learning board positioning, paddling, and how to stand up before entering the water. Your instructor makes sure you're comfortable with the surfboard and the basics before taking you out.

Is Venice Beach where the lesson takes place?

Yes, the lessons are held at Venice Beach in a section that works well for instruction. It's one of California's most well-known beaches and offers consistent conditions for learning.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Bring nothing: wetsuits and surfboards are included. Wear something you don't mind getting wet, and bring a towel if you have one. The instructor provides everything else.