First time on a surfboard can flip your whole day. This 2-hour group lesson mixes short beach coaching with plenty of time riding, using 8- and 9-foot foam boards made for beginners. I love that the instructors stay engaged during the action, with 50–60 minutes in the water plus extra practice time once you understand the basics.

I also like the setup for real first-timers: wetsuits are provided, meet-up is easy, and the class stays small (max 12). The main thing to consider is that it’s a group experience, so you’re sharing attention and time with other riders, and you’ll need basic swimming skills and a willingness to get in the chilly ocean.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Notice

• Beach coaching first (20–30 minutes): learn timing and stance before you paddle out
• Instructors in the water (50–60 minutes): hands-on help while you try to catch waves
• Foam board rules: 8- and 9-foot foam boards only, fiberglass boards not allowed
• You get practice time: after the instruction blocks, you keep riding with the boards provided
• Small group size: up to 12 people, so it doesn’t feel like a giant crowd
• Real-world first-timer support: guides like Keanu and Thiem have helped brand-new surfers get up

What You Get in 2 Hours on the Santa Monica Coast

This is built to be simple and effective. You’ll be in the session for about 2 hours, with a mix of structured instruction and open practice.

It goes like this: you start with 20–30 minutes of training on the beach, then you spend 50–60 minutes in the water with the instructors. After that, the remaining time is yours to practice, play, and get more comfortable on the surfboard.

That rhythm matters. The beach time helps you avoid common first-day mistakes. The in-water time helps you feel what the lesson is aiming for. And the practice time is where the fear usually drops and the fun starts.

Meeting Point Setup at 20 Bicknell Ave (What to Do First)

Your lesson starts at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. This “back where you started” format is good for sanity, especially if you’re not traveling with a lot of extra time.

Plan to arrive ready to move. You’ll be going into beach setup mode quickly, and you’ll likely want to save your energy for the water. One practical tip that shows up in past sessions: wear your swimsuit under your clothes so wetsuit changes are faster.

Also, bring a towel. People who have done this kind of water session know why: you’ll want something dry and warm the moment you’re done.

Beach Training (20–30 Minutes): Learn the Basics Fast

The first block is on land, where you get coaching before you paddle out. Expect instruction focused on the fundamentals that help you stand up and stay balanced.

This portion is short on purpose. It isn’t a long lecture. It’s the kind of coaching that helps you:

• understand how to hold position on the board
• get your timing closer to what waves require
• practice basic body mechanics before the ocean adds chaos

For a beginner-intermediate group, this is the right order. If you start straight in the water without the beach basics, it’s easy to waste time doing the same wrong thing over and over.

And because this lesson is capped at 12 people, the instructor team can still keep an eye on what you’re doing rather than shouting over a massive group.

Instructors in the Water (50–60 Minutes): The Part You’ll Feel

Next comes the action: 50–60 minutes in the water with the instructors. This is where the lesson earns its value.

Why? Because surfing is hard to figure out from shore. You can watch someone surf all day, but when you’re on the board, the ocean is moving, and your balance changes every second. Having an instructor in the water helps you adjust while it’s happening.

I like that this isn’t only “watch and hope.” In past sessions, guides have been praised by name—Keanu for helping brand-new surfers catch waves, and Thiem for being helpful and straightforward when first-timers were learning to stand.

That hands-on coaching is especially useful if you’re new, or if you’ve tried before but never really connected your paddle timing to the wave.

Practice Time on Foam Boards: Why 8- and 9-Foot Matters

After the main instruction blocks, you get extra time to practice with the surfboards provided. For this group lesson, the boards are 8- and 9-foot foam top boards.

Foam boards aren’t just a detail. They’re a reason beginners stand up more often. Foam provides a more stable, beginner-friendly platform compared with harder boards, and it’s part of the safety approach here.

There’s also a safety rule worth noting: fiberglass boards aren’t allowed for group lessons. That means the equipment is selected with beginners in mind, not just what’s available.

If you’re a total beginner, this board choice is a big deal. Your job is to learn balance and timing without fighting the board the whole time. If you’re already a little comfortable, the extra practice time helps you work on consistency rather than burning all your energy figuring out how not to fall.

Wetsuits, Chilly Days, and What to Bring

Even in Southern California, the water can feel cold once you’re out there. You’ll be glad the lesson includes wetsuits.

People have reported that wetsuits fit well and helped keep them warm, even on chilly days. That’s not luck—it’s the practical difference between a lesson you can enjoy and one you just survive.

Here’s what you should bring:

• a towel
• a swimsuit under your clothes (it speeds up wetsuit changes)
• any basic items you normally need for a beach outing

One helpful detail from prior participants: you put on the wetsuit in the parking lot area. So wear clothes that are easy to change in and out of.

Who This Lesson Works Best For (and When to Go Private)

This group lesson is aimed at beginner-intermediate students, with an age limit of 12+ (minimum age is 12). Basic swimming skills are required, and the listing suggests you should have moderate physical fitness.

That means this isn’t an “anything-goes” experience. You should be comfortable getting wet in the ocean, paddling for short stretches, and being patient with your first attempts.

If you’re 48 and 50 and brand-new, you can still do this, and the coaching can help you get up on the board. That’s a strong sign the instruction is built for beginners—not just confident surfers.

The group format is also why you might choose a different option. If you want slower pacing, more one-on-one corrections, or you’re a very anxious beginner who wants reassurance, a private lesson is available. And in some past sessions, the group size shrank so the experience felt more personal than usual.

Price and Value: Is $69 Worth It?

At $69 per person, you’re paying for time you can’t easily copy on your own: in-water coaching, foam boards, and the structure that keeps you from wasting your session.

Here’s why the price tends to make sense:

• You get two hours total, not just a quick intro.
• You get both beach training and in-water guidance, which is where most beginners struggle.
• You use 8- and 9-foot foam boards, which are designed for learning.
• The group is limited to 12, so you aren’t lost in a crowd.

If you’ve ever tried to learn with a rental and a friend, you know how frustrating that can be. This lesson adds the missing piece: real feedback and correction, timed to when you’re actually riding.

Private lessons usually cost more (that’s just how instruction pricing works), so this group format is a solid pick if you want strong value and don’t need maximum personalization.

Weather Rules and Rescheduling: Don’t Stress, Just Plan

This experience depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if it’s canceled due to poor weather.

That matters because surfing is one of those activities where the day can change fast. The ocean doesn’t care about your schedule, so having a lesson tied to weather is normal.

If you’re booking close to your trip dates, give yourself a little flexibility. If your plans are tight, it’s worth considering travel days that can absorb a reschedule.

Should You Book This Surf Lesson?

Book it if you fit the basics: 12+, comfortable with basic swimming, and you want instruction that helps you stand up rather than just push you into the water.

I’d also book this if you appreciate a lesson that’s structured but still fun. The mix of beach learning, in-water coaching, and then practice time is the difference between a “see the ocean” day and an actual surfing memory.

Skip it (or consider private) if you want total control over pace, or if group learning doesn’t feel comfortable for you. Also, if you’re not ready for cold water time in a wetsuit, you might be happier waiting for warmer conditions.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The group lessons run for about 2 hours total.

What happens during the 2 hours?

You get 20–30 minutes of training on the beach, about 50–60 minutes with instructors in the water, and then additional time to practice and have fun with the provided surfboards.

Where do I meet?

Meet at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What age and swimming ability are required?

The minimum age is 12. You also need basic swimming skills and the listing suggests moderate physical fitness.

What boards are used?

Group lessons use 8- and 9-foot foam top surfboards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed for group lessons.

What if the lesson is canceled due to weather or close to the start time?

The activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

If you want, tell me your age and whether it’s your first time in the water—I can help you decide if a group lesson is the right fit.