Surf Lesson for Kids in Venice Beach: Stand Up in 2 Hours

Land instruction, then water time: from surf basics to catching your first wave

A two-hour surf lesson for kids at Venice Beach taught by a professional coach and WSL surfer. The first thirty minutes covers technique and safety on land. The rest happens in the water with your instructor, where you practice standing up and riding waves. Surfboard and wetsuit are provided.

The experience

The lesson starts on the sand with your instructor walking through how to read the water, how your body moves on a board, and the rules that keep you safe. This half-hour foundation means you're not guessing once you're in the ocean. Then you wade out to the part of the beach the school uses (shallow, consistent, and picked for beginners), where your instructor watches you stand up, fall, try again, and catch actual waves. By the end of the two hours, you've ridden waves instead of just thinking about it.

The school keeps the student-to-instructor ratio tight so your coach can see what you're doing and correct it in real time. You get a surfboard and wetsuit for the lesson, so there's nothing to rent separately or figure out beforehand. The technique they teach is built to get you standing fast. Most kids who've never been on a board manage it inside the two hours, even if they're nervous about the water at the start.

What’s included

• Surfboard and wetsuit for the duration of the lesson.
• instruction from a professional surf coach certified and experienced with beginners.
• thirty minutes of land-based technique and safety training.
• water time with your instructor guiding your practice.

Before you book

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

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (6 to 60 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Golden Wave Surf School

Is this one for you?Book a private lesson if you're under 18, don't swim, or have any disabilities: the school requires this so your coach can focus on your needs. If you're arriving without a car, public transit gets you to Venice Beach, and the lesson fits into a free afternoon without travel planning.

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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to know how to swim before I take a surf lesson?

You must book a private lesson if you don't know how to swim. The school requires this so your instructor can give you the attention you need in the water.

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

Surfboard and wetsuit are provided. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car to get to Venice Beach.

How does the lesson work if this is my first time on a surfboard?

The first half hour is spent on land learning technique and safety, so you understand what you're doing before you paddle out. Then your instructor stays with you in the water while you practice standing up and catching waves, which is where most beginners see results fastest.

What if I'm under 18 or have a disability?

You need to book a private lesson. The school requires this arrangement so your instructor can tailor the teaching to your specific needs and keep you safe.