Surf Lesson Santa Monica: Learn in Small Groups on Venice Beach

Two hours: beach training, guided ocean time, then practice with your own board

A 2-hour small group surf lesson on Venice Beach in Santa Monica with a live English-speaking guide, foam surfboards and wetsuits included. The first 20–30 minutes happen on the beach; then you spend roughly an hour in the water with instructors; the remaining time is yours to practice and play. Groups stay at 4 people maximum, combined with other participants, and the lesson suits beginners and intermediate surfers aged 12 and up with basic swimming ability.

The experience

You arrive at Venice Beach and spend the opening half-hour on the sand learning the mechanics: how to paddle, pop up, and find your balance on the board before the ocean enters the picture. The instructor walks through the motions with you on dry land, so when you wade in you already know the sequence. Foam boards are softer than fiberglass and forgiving when you're learning. Wetsuits keep you warm in the water.

Once you're in the ocean, an instructor stays with your group for roughly an hour, working on technique in the shallows and helping you catch waves. You'll be in a group of up to four people, mixed with other participants booking the same time slot. The water time is where the lesson becomes real. You feel what the beach training meant, and the guide adjusts what you're doing based on how you're moving.

After the guided hour, the remaining time is yours. You keep the board and the wetsuit, stay in the water or head back to the beach, and practice what you've learned or just play. No instructor hovering. You set the pace. Venice Beach itself is the backdrop: one of California's most recognizable stretches of sand, with the boardwalk culture and the pier visible from the water, so even the downtime has a sense of place.

What’s included

• Foam surfboard.
• Wetsuit.
• 2-hour instruction with a live English-speaking guide.
• 20–30 minutes of beach training and roughly one hour of guided ocean time.
• remaining time for solo practice.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 85 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 104 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Fun Surf LA

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a beginner or intermediate surfer and want to learn in a small group. Four people maximum means real attention from the instructor without the cost of a private lesson. You'll need basic swimming skills and a moderate level of fitness, and you must be at least 12 years old.

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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 the small group lesson and a private one?

The small group lesson combines you with up to three other participants for a single instructor, keeping the cost lower and the group intimate. Private lessons are available separately if you want one-on-one instruction.

Do I need to know how to swim before I take this lesson?

Yes, basic swimming skills are required. The lesson takes place in the ocean, and you'll be in the water for most of the 2 hours, so comfort in water is essential.

What happens if I've never surfed before?

Beginners are exactly who these lessons are built for. The 20–30 minutes on the beach covers the fundamentals, and the instructor adjusts the ocean time to your level. The foam boards are forgiving, and you're not expected to ride perfect waves. You're learning the motion.

Can I bring my own surfboard?

No, the lesson includes foam surfboards, which are safer for group instruction. Fiberglass boards aren't permitted in group lessons for safety reasons.

Is there parking at Venice Beach?

Public transportation options are available nearby. For parking details, check with the school or the Venice Beach visitor information.