Surfing in L.A. is easier with coaching.

This private 2-hour lesson in Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach (also Redondo Beach) gives you a focused way to learn the ocean basics without getting lost in the lineup. I like that you’re in the water on a plan, not just on vibes. The other thing I really like is the steady, step-by-step approach to safety and technique, from sand practice to catching waves.

One thing to think about: getting there is on you. You’ll handle transportation and any beach parking, plus you’ll want to come ready with the right swimwear under the wetsuit.

Key Things You’ll Notice

• True one-on-one attention with a dedicated instructor, with no mixing with other students
• Equipment included: surfboard (6ft–9ft), full wetsuit, and a surfboard leash
• Sand-to-ocean progression so you learn timing and balance before you paddle out
• Coach feedback after each wave to help you improve fast
• Family-friendly structure for kids (age 4+) and adults, including whole-family bookings
• A proper send-off with tips like how to throw a shaka at the end

Private Surf Lesson Setup in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach

L.A. surf lessons can go two ways: either you get thrown into the water with minimal help, or you get a real plan. This one is built for the second option. You meet your instructor at the beach, get fitted with the gear, and move through the basics in a clear order: sand work first, then paddling and wave riding in the Pacific.

What I think you’ll appreciate most is how personal it feels. It’s not a group class where you wait your turn. It’s designed as a private lesson, with students not mixed with others. That matters for safety, especially when you’re learning how to approach the water, manage your board, and get your body into the right position quickly.

Also, the lesson is flexible in scheduling. You can pick a start time between 6:00am and 6:00pm, so you’re not locked into just one awkward window.

Where You’ll Learn

The instruction happens at Santa Monica Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. Which one you choose can change the feel of the day—Santa Monica has a lively boardwalk energy, while Manhattan Beach and Redondo tend to feel more straightforward and surfer-focused. The core lesson stays the same: you learn fundamentals and get time in the water.

What You Get: Surfboard and Wetsuit Rental That Actually Fits Learning

The biggest “budget surprise” in surf lessons is usually gear. Here, you don’t have that problem because surf equipment is included. You’ll get a surfboard and a full wetsuit sized for you, plus a leash so you can surf with more control.

Surfboard and Wetsuit Basics

Included gear includes:

• Surfboards in a 6ft to 9ft range
• Full-body wetsuits in multiple sizes
• Thicker wetsuits in non-summer months
• A surfboard leash

That wetsuit detail is quietly important. Cold water makes everything harder: your hands get less dexterous, your timing changes, and you tire faster. A properly fitted full suit helps you focus on learning instead of fighting the temperature.

Regular Swimwear Under the Wetsuit

They’ll give you the full wetsuit, but you’re still expected to bring swimwear to wear underneath. Plan for it like you would for any water activity: something comfortable, not something you hate when it gets wet. Bring a towel too—when you finish, you’ll want to warm up quickly and reset.

Meeting Your Instructor: How the Lesson Starts Without Chaos

The meeting point can vary based on which option you book, so don’t assume there’s one magic corner of the beach. When you arrive, look for your instructor and your group setup.

From there, the process is straightforward:

1. You get fitted with your wetsuit and surfboard.
2. You settle into the basics on sand.
3. You head out into the water and put those basics to work.

I like this order because sand practice is where your brain learns the shape of the movement. When you’re first starting, your body doesn’t automatically know what to do with paddling, popping up, and balance. Doing it on sand first helps you get it right before the ocean adds speed, waves, and timing.

English Coaching, Plus Support for Beginners

Instruction is provided in English, and the lesson is suitable for ages 4 and up. If you’re bringing kids, you’ll probably value how clearly the instructor guides each step. The coaching style comes through in real examples too—an instructor named Chad has been described as patient and well-explained, even with an 8-year-old who managed to catch some good waves.

Sand Practice: The Unsexy Part That Makes You Better Fast

The sand portion is where you build a foundation you can actually use. You’ll learn basic surfing movements before you spend energy wrestling with waves.

Here’s what you can expect to work on:

• How to approach the board and get into the right position
• Pop-up mechanics (getting from paddling posture to standing)
• Balance and stance while the board is moving
• How to ride toward the shore, not just fall off dramatically

The point of sand practice isn’t to be fancy. It’s to build muscle memory for the steps that matter most. On the beach, your instructor can correct your posture fast without the pressure of water dynamics.

A Small Humor Moment

Surf instructors deal with a lot of wobbling. You’ll probably be a little clumsy at first. That’s normal. The good sign is that your instructor can break the movement down into small adjustments you can try right away.

Ocean Safety and Paddling: Learning How to Respect the Water

Once you’re in the Pacific, the instructor shifts you from movement practice to real ocean awareness. You’ll cover how to safely approach the ocean, including how to paddle out and how not to panic when a wave pattern changes.

They’ll also teach the basics of:

• Paddling effectively so you can get into position
• How to time the pop-up so it matches what the board is doing
• Balance as you transition into riding

You’ll learn how to get your body set before the wave arrives, which is a huge deal for first-timers. Most people don’t struggle because they don’t want to surf—they struggle because they’re trying to learn everything at the same time: wave timing, board control, and movement mechanics. With a coach feeding you the right focus, it becomes manageable.

Catching Waves: Feedback After Each Ride

Catching your first real wave is one of those moments that makes the whole day feel like it clicked. This lesson is structured to give you repeated practice, not just one lucky try.

Your instructor will coach you while you’re learning to:

• Ride waves all the way to the sandy shore
• Adjust your balance as you move along the board
• Recover after a wipeout without turning it into a morale problem

Then comes the part that often separates a “fun activity” from actual improvement: after each wave, you get tips and feedback. It’s the fastest way to correct what’s happening right now—your stance, your timing, your paddling angle, or where you’re looking.

If you’re learning with kids, this kind of coaching rhythm is especially helpful. It turns the session into a series of short wins instead of one long struggle.

The Shaka Finish

To wrap up, you’ll get a fun extra: ask your instructor how to throw a shaka and spread the stoke. It’s not just a silly tradition. It’s a cue that the lesson has reached the end, and you’re walking away with confidence and a bit of local energy.

Who This Fits Best: Kids, Adults, and Families

This is a private group lesson, which means it can work well for different learning styles and different ages.

It’s suitable for:

• Kids 4 and up
• Adults
• Whole families booking together

Group size is up to 1–6 students, and they mention a minimum ratio depending on the setup. In plain terms: it’s meant to stay personal.

If you’re traveling with kids, this setup is a strong choice because kids usually need clear, patient instruction and quick feedback. The coaching style described for families is gentle and structured, which keeps the energy positive even if the first attempts aren’t smooth.

If you’re an adult beginner, you’ll still benefit because the instructor can focus on what you personally need—timing, balance, or how to manage your fear of the ocean for the first time.

Not Suitable Under Age 4

If you have a younger child, this one isn’t the right fit. The lesson is not suitable for children under 4.

Price and Value: Is $149 Worth It for Two Hours?

At $149 per person for a 2-hour private session, the price might look steep if you’re comparing it to group lessons. But value here comes from a few specific things you’d otherwise pay for or wait for:

• A dedicated instructor
• A private setup that doesn’t mix you with other students
• Equipment included: board, wetsuit, leash

You also get feedback after each wave, which is hard to replicate in a shared group where the instructor must split attention. When you’re learning a physical skill like surfing, having someone watch and correct you in real time is where the money starts making sense.

You should also factor in the included gear. Surfboard and wetsuit rentals alone can add up, and here they’re part of the deal. If you’re already planning to visit the beach anyway, this lesson becomes a way to turn “watching surfers” into actually learning the basics.

The only downside on value is practical logistics: you handle transportation and possible parking. If you’re far from the beaches, that’s something to budget for, because the base price doesn’t include getting you there.

What to Bring for a Smooth Lesson Day

You want to show up ready, because you’ll likely start with gear fitting and move quickly into practice.

Bring:

• Hat
• Swimwear (to wear under the wetsuit)
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water

You’ll be outside, you’ll likely be in the sun even when it’s cool, and you’ll be working your muscles in salt air. Water matters for energy and recovery.

Also, smoking isn’t allowed. Keep it simple: arrive clean, dressed for water, and ready to learn.

Quick “Feel Ready” Checklist

If you do three things before you go, your experience gets better:

• Pack sunscreen and a towel so you don’t scramble after
• Wear comfortable swimwear you won’t mind getting wet
• Bring water so you don’t feel wiped out after the surf work

Lesson Timing: Sunrise-to-Sunset Flexibility

The lesson runs from 6:00am to 6:00pm every day. That’s more than a scheduling detail. Timing can affect your comfort and your energy level.

Earlier in the day can feel cooler and calmer, while later can be warmer, though you might deal with different beach rhythms. Since you can choose, you can line it up with family plans or your own body clock.

If you’re traveling with kids, the ability to pick a time that matches their energy often matters as much as the ocean itself.

Should You Book This Private Surf Lesson?

If you want actual instruction and not just a beach activity, I’d book it. The biggest reasons are the private, dedicated coaching and the fact that equipment is included. You’ll learn the basics of approaching the ocean, paddling, pop-up movement, balance, and riding waves to the sandy shore—then you get feedback after each wave. That combination is what turns a first surf day into a real skill-building session.

Book this especially if:

• You’re a beginner (adult or kid) who wants clear step-by-step teaching
• You care about safety and a personal experience rather than a mixed group
• You don’t want the hassle of arranging wetsuit and board rentals

Skip it (or plan something else) if:

• Your logistics are hard—because transportation and parking are on you
• You’re bringing a child under 4

If you want a surf lesson that feels like someone is genuinely steering your day toward progress, this is a smart, straightforward choice.

FAQ

Where are the surf lessons taught?

Lessons are taught at Santa Monica Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach.

How long is the private surfing lesson?

The duration is 2 hours.

Is this lesson private or shared with other students?

It’s a private group lesson. Students are never mixed with other students, and you have a dedicated instructor.

What surfing equipment is included?

Equipment included is a surfboard (sizes 6ft–9ft), a full wetsuit (with thicker options in non-summer months), and a surfboard leash.

What should I bring to the lesson?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. You’ll wear your swimwear underneath the provided wetsuit.

What age is this suitable for?

It’s suitable for ages 4 and up and is not suitable for children under 4.

When do lessons run?

Lessons are available every day from 6:00am to 6:00pm.