Learning to surf gets easier with one coach. This 2-hour private lesson in the Venice Beach area focuses on what you personally need, starting on land before you ever hit the water. I especially like the clear structure (land skills first, then waves) and the fact that you get full-time coaching instead of sharing attention with a bigger group.

The one catch: photos are not included, so if you want keepsakes, plan to handle pictures yourself. Also, the experience depends on good surf weather, so you’ll want flexibility.

Because it’s private, it fits both total beginners and more experienced surfers who want correction. You’ll meet near Santa Monica at 20 Bicknell Ave (then return there), and you should be in moderate physical shape. The minimum age is 7, and the lesson is offered in English.

Key Things I’d Bet On Before You Book

• Private coaching for all skill levels, from first timer to advanced
• Land lesson first, so you build balance and technique before taking waves
• Instructor stays with you the whole time, in and out of the water
• Board and wetsuit included, which simplifies packing and planning
• Remote part of Venice Beach, designed for a calmer practice vibe
• English-speaking instruction with mobile ticket convenience

Why a Private Venice Beach Surf Lesson Works Better Than Guessing

Surf lessons are often judged by how many waves you catch. This one is judged by something smarter: how fast your coach can spot what’s holding you back.

In a private format, you’re not waiting your turn. You get immediate feedback on your stance, timing, and how you handle that moment right before you stand. That matters because surfing errors tend to repeat. Fix the habit early, and you keep your session moving instead of re-learning the same lesson five times.

I also like the mix of confidence and correction. A good coach doesn’t just tell you what to do. They help you understand why your body is doing the wrong thing at that exact moment. You’ll feel that during the land part, and then again once you’re actually popping up on the water.

Meeting at 20 Bicknell Ave (Santa Monica) and Getting Set Up

The lesson starts and ends at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. That’s useful because it gives you a straightforward plan: show up, meet your instructor, and return to the same spot when you’re done. You won’t be hunting for a separate shuttle stop or guessing where your group disperses.

The session runs about 2 hours, and your instructor guides you both on land and in the water for the full duration. That’s a big deal. Time gaps are where beginners get frustrated and intermediate surfers lose focus. Here, the coach keeps the momentum.

You’ll also get what you need to surf without extra stops for rentals: a surfboard and a wetsuit are included. If you’ve ever shown up to the beach and spent half your morning figuring out gear, you’ll appreciate how this removes friction.

The 60-90 Minutes of Land Coaching That Saves You

The best surfing progress often feels unglamorous. It’s stance. It’s balance. It’s learning how your weight should travel before you ever think about riding.

This lesson is built around detailed land instruction before the water. That means you’re practicing the fundamentals safely on dry sand first: how to position yourself on the board, how to start paddling, and how to make the move to stand with better control. Then you transfer that feeling to the ocean.

Land coaching is also where you learn faster if you’re frustrated or stuck. One surfer described how self-teaching on a short board took years and didn’t quite click—until the right coaching finally made the real approach make sense. That same idea applies broadly: the right cues can change everything, especially if you’ve been repeating the same technique for a long time.

A practical tip for you: wear something you can move in. You’ll likely be doing repetitive body positioning and quick practice movements on shore. If you arrive in heavy, restrictive clothes, you’ll feel it right away.

Hitting the Water: What Your Coach Will Focus On

Once you’re ready, you move into the water with your instructor. For a private class, the coach can watch closely and adjust your technique in real time. That’s especially important because small timing mistakes can wipe out your takeoff.

Coaching in the water tends to focus on a few core things:

• How you paddle efficiently so you’re not burning energy
• When you’re turning toward the right wave line
• How you shift weight to stand while the board is moving
• How you handle the moment after you stand (stability and control)

The goal isn’t just to catch a wave. It’s to catch the right kind of wave in the right way for your level, then repeat it with better form. For beginners, that usually means learning to feel the board and keep moving. For more experienced surfers, it can mean refining things like drop-in mechanics and timing so you’re catching waves more safely and consistently.

You should expect your instructor to keep adjusting for your ability—not using a one-size-fits-all plan. The lesson is explicitly based on personal skills and abilities, which is exactly what you want in a one-on-one setting.

Board, Wetsuit, and What You Should Bring

Included items are straightforward: surfboards and wetsuits. That takes away two common travel headaches—finding a rental shop and guessing the right wetsuit thickness.

Since photos are not included, I recommend you think about your own documentation plan. If you care about action shots, bring a waterproof phone case or a compact camera solution you trust in wet conditions.

For what to bring beyond that, keep it practical:

• Sunglasses or a strap option (saltwater + sand is rough on loose eyewear)
• A small towel for after
• Water and a snack, especially if you’re coming straight from sightseeing
• A dry change of clothes in a bag you can keep closed

Also, plan your timing around how long it takes to get in and out of the wetsuit. If your schedule is tight, you’ll enjoy the lesson more if you give yourself a little buffer after.

The Instructor Factor: Jonathan’s Patient, Hands-On Style

A strong instructor can turn a frustrating session into a fun one fast. In this program, you get an instructor who blends patience with practical instruction—especially noticeable for first-timers.

One parent took the class with their son and found the coach very patient while guiding them into learning to surf. Another surfer described big progress on a short board after struggling for a long time, saying the coach helped correct technique in a way that finally made catching waves enjoyable.

That combination—calm teaching plus specific corrections—is what you’re really buying with private instruction. It’s not only about surfing. It’s about learning how to listen to cues while your body is doing something new and slightly chaotic.

Remote Part of Venice Beach: Why Location Matters

This lesson takes place at a more remote part of Venice Beach. You might wonder why that matters. Here’s the real-world reason: if the area is less crowded, you typically get smoother practice and fewer interruptions.

Even when the waves cooperate, a busy shoreline can add friction. You spend time waiting for space, dodging boards, or dealing with constant movement around your group. A quieter practice setup helps you focus on the lesson plan—land skills first, then water practice—without feeling like you’re constantly managing the environment.

You’re still in the Venice/Santa Monica stretch, so you’ll get the energy of Southern California beach life. But you’ll likely feel like the session belongs to you, not the other way around.

Price and Value: Is $99 for 2 Hours a Good Deal?

At $99 per person for about 2 hours, you’re paying for something most budget surfers don’t get: one coach with your attention for the full session.

If you compare private lessons to group-based instruction, the private cost usually feels higher—but the value can be better. Why? Because learning time is concentrated. You’re not sharing feedback, and you’re less likely to waste minutes trying to figure out what you should be doing next.

Also, the lesson includes board + wetsuit, so you’re not paying separately for the two most expensive practical rentals. That makes the price feel more realistic for travelers who want a clean, simple plan.

One more value point: the session is designed for all levels. If you already know basics and just want correction, private coaching can be the fastest way to fix a specific issue. If you’re brand new, land instruction helps you avoid the common beginner trap of spending the whole session flailing and getting discouraged.

Weather, Timing, and What Good Planning Looks Like

This activity requires good weather. That’s normal for surfing, but it still matters for your vacation schedule.

Here’s how to plan smartly:

• Pick a date with some flexibility, not a hard deadline day.
• If you’re combining this with sightseeing, keep your morning or afternoon open so you can adjust if conditions are not right.
• Bring a moderate-fitness mindset. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should expect paddling and movement.

When the ocean is working, private instruction shines because you can apply the coach’s cues right away. When conditions are poor, the session can’t really do its job, so it may be rescheduled.

Who This Private Lesson Fits Best

This is a great fit if any of these are true:

• You want one-on-one feedback instead of hoping you copy what you see
• You’re a beginner who benefits from step-by-step land drills
• You’re intermediate or advanced and want technique correction, not just more time in the water
• You’re traveling with a child age 7+ and want patient, structured guidance

It also works well if you’re the type who learns best with direct coaching while you practice, right there in the moment.

You might choose another option instead if:

• You’re only looking for a casual beach outing and don’t care about technique
• You want a session that includes photos as a built-in extra
• You’re traveling with very limited flexibility around weather

Should You Book This Private Venice Beach Surf Lesson?

If you want better results without guesswork, I’d book it. Private coaching + land instruction + included gear is a solid combo, especially when you’re paying for focused attention rather than just time near the water.

Book it confidently if you’re a beginner who wants a clear path, or if you’re someone who has tried to self-teach and wants the technique corrected. The only reason to hesitate is if you need built-in photo coverage, or if your schedule can’t handle weather-related changes.

FAQ

How long is the private surfing lesson?

The lesson lasts about 2 hours.

Is this a private tour/activity?

Yes. It’s a private experience, and only your group participates.

Where is the meeting point in the Santa Monica area?

You’ll start at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the lesson?

A surfboard and a wetsuit are included.

What’s the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 7 years old.

Is the lesson taught in English?

Yes, instruction is offered in English.

Are photos included?

No, photos are not included.

What’s the cancellation rule if the session needs to be canceled?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.