Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara: 2-Hour Intro at Mondo's Beach

Learn to catch waves in two hours with an experienced instructor at Mondo's Beach.

A 2-hour introductory surfing lesson at Mondo's Beach in Santa Barbara teaches you paddling, popping up, balance and surf etiquette with a professional instructor and provided wetsuit and board. The lesson starts on the beach with fundamentals, then moves into the water for hands-on wave practice. Minimum group size is four participants. Single travelers can call to confirm availability or upgrade to a full-day lesson.

The experience

Two hours at Mondo's Beach breaks into a beach foundation and then water time. Your instructor starts on the sand, walking you through board positioning, paddling technique and proper stance before you enter the ocean. The instructors here carry over 25 years of combined experience and focus on the finer points: how to read water, catch waves, balance on the board and respect the lineup. Once in the water, you get pointers on maneuvering waves and the unwritten rules of the break.

The lesson is built for first-timers or anyone who has tried surfing a few times and wants solid pointers. You'll wear a wetsuit fitted to your size and ride a provided board. Bring sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), a full water bottle, a hat with a brim, beach shoes, sunglasses with a strap, a swim suit, a dry change of clothes and a beach towel. Children must be at least 7 years old, comfortable swimming in the ocean and able to duck under waves. You need at least moderate cardiovascular fitness for the lesson to run safely.

The lesson requires a minimum of four participants. If your group falls short, you have the option to upgrade to a full-day lesson (4 hours) for $30 more per person, which runs with just two guests. Single travelers should call the office to check availability before booking.

What’s included

• Professional instructor with over 25 years of combined experience.
• Wetsuit fitted to your size.
• Surfboard for the lesson.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Is this one for you?The 2-hour format fits a morning or afternoon slot without eating your whole day, and the beach-first instruction means you're not thrown into the water cold. You'll need moderate fitness and comfort in the ocean to keep up with the pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

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 exactly do I learn during the 2-hour lesson?

The lesson covers board positioning, paddling techniques and proper stance on the beach, then moves to the water where you practice catching waves, balance and maneuvering. Your instructor also teaches you how to read water and the etiquette of the lineup.

Do I need to bring my own surfboard and wetsuit?

No. A surfboard and a wetsuit fitted to your size are both provided. You bring sunscreen, a water bottle, hat, beach shoes, sunglasses with a strap, swim suit, dry clothes and a beach towel.

What happens if my group doesn't have four people?

The lesson requires a minimum of four participants to run. If your group is smaller, you can upgrade to a full-day lesson (4 hours) for $30 more per person, which operates with just two guests. Single travelers can call the office to check if a departure is available.

Where is Mondo's Beach and how do I get there?

Mondo's Beach is in Santa Barbara. Transportation to the beach is not included, so you'll need to arrange your own way there.