Surfing in LA feels instant, if you get coaching. This private 2-hour lesson at a world-famous shoreline pairs you with a certified instructor who teaches the pop-up, ocean basics, and safety at your pace. I love that it works for first-timers and for people who already surf, since the coaching can match your level. I also like that the setup is handled for you—wetsuit and surfboard included. The one real consideration: you need basic swimming ability, and the session can be moved or canceled if surf and weather conditions don’t cooperate.

You start at Santa Monica, then you head to the sand or straight to the water depending on your comfort level. Afterward, you’ll rinse off at an outdoor public shower and have time to soak up the mood around Venice Beach—the eccentric locals are part of the fun. Just pack the basics and come ready to be in the sun and salt.

Key things you should know before you go

• A truly private 2-hour lesson: solo coaching or with a friend, not a crowded group format
• Sand practice first when needed: learn the pop-up mechanics before you paddle out
• Coaching tailored to your level: beginner-friendly and also useful for intermediate surfers
• Boards and wetsuits included: 8- and 9-foot surfboards plus wetsuits are provided
• Belongings handled for you: items are stored in a locked surf school van
• Venice Beach energy after class: a classic LA stop where people actually hang out

Meeting at Santa Monica: your van, your wetsuit, your start time

This lesson begins in Santa Monica, at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (34.0048827, -118.4907467). You’ll meet on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave. Look for the white Ford E-250 van or a Blue Surf School Bus—the instructor will be there.

Once you arrive, you get outfitted before you hit the beach. That means wetsuit and surfboard setup happens with your instructor in the lead, so you’re not wasting time figuring out gear while the tide does its thing. You also get a place for your belongings: the surf school stores them in a locked van, which is a big stress reducer.

Plan to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. Even if you’re only out for a couple hours, Southern California sun is no joke, especially with salt spray.

The sand lesson: learning the pop-up and reading the ocean

The best part of a private lesson is that you don’t have to guess what to do next. If you’re new to surfing, you may start with an extended training session on the sand. If you’re already comfortable with board control, you might head into the water sooner. Either way, your instructor’s job is to get you stable, safe, and ready to actually catch waves.

On land, you’ll cover the core mechanics—especially the pop up. That’s the move that turns you from lying on the board to standing with control. You’ll also get instruction on ocean basics, which matters more than people think. Surfing isn’t just athletic; it’s physics and positioning. When you understand what the water is doing, you stop fighting it as much.

Safety is taught as part of the land session too. You’ll get the “how not to get hurt” basics that help you navigate the lineup with more confidence. For me, that’s the real win of doing it with a pro: you’re not only chasing your first ride, you’re learning the rules that keep the session enjoyable for you and everyone around you.

In the water: private pacing, real coaching, and the lineup skills that matter

After the land instruction, you move into the ocean for the remainder of the 2 hours. This is where the private format pays off fast. Your instructor can adjust what you’re doing while you’re doing it—stance, paddling timing, where you’re sitting on the board, and when to try standing.

Because you’re riding on provided 8- and 9-foot boards, you’ll have more stability than you would on a shorter board. In general, longer boards make it easier to balance while you’re learning the pop up and finding the right wave. If you’re intermediate, you’ll likely benefit from using that board to clean up technique instead of constantly battling balance.

You also need basic swimming ability. The lesson isn’t for total non-swimmers, and that makes sense. You’ll be in the water actively enough that you should feel comfortable moving with the conditions around you.

This is a “learn at your own pace” style experience. If you’re brand new, your instructor can slow things down and repeat the setup. If you’ve surfed before, you can still work on the fundamentals—often that’s where the biggest improvements come from.

Where you’ll actually surf: Venice Beach, Santa Monica, or Redondo/Torrance

You’ll meet in Santa Monica, but the actual beach location can vary. Depending on conditions, the lesson may happen at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo/Torrance Beach. That flexibility is useful. It means the operator can pick where the surf and setup make sense on the day you book.

If you end up at Venice Beach, that’s a special kind of LA moment. After the lesson, you can hang around with the local scene that makes Venice feel distinctly different from more polished beach neighborhoods. Even if you’re just watching, it helps you understand why people keep coming back.

One practical thing to keep in mind: the day is driven by real water conditions. If surf and weather aren’t safe or workable, your lesson may be rescheduled or canceled, and you’ll be contacted the day before if that happens.

Cost and value: what $99 buys you (and why it can be worth it)

At $99 per person for a 1-day experience, the value comes down to what’s included and how much coaching you get. You’re not paying extra for a board or wetsuit. You’re also getting a professional certified instructor focused on your learning in real time for the full lesson window.

In plain terms, a private lesson like this is expensive compared to group classes—but it’s also more efficient. You don’t have to wait your turn, and you don’t have to interpret vague tips while you’re already exhausted in the water. In a short 2-hour window, that direct coaching can mean you stand more, fall smarter, and learn faster.

Also, if you book for 1 or 2 people, the math can look better. Sharing the experience with a friend can make the lesson feel more relaxed, while you still keep the private format. That’s a great option if one person is new and the other is comfortable, because both can get corrections that actually fit them.

The main reason someone might feel it’s “not worth it” is the time limit. Surfing progress happens, but mastery takes repetition. Two hours can give you safety and momentum—just don’t expect a complete transformation into an expert surfer in a single session.

After the waves: shower rinse and a smart way to keep the day easy

When the class ends, you don’t just get dumped back on the beach. You’ll follow the instructor to an outdoor public shower so you can rinse off. That matters because you’ll leave with salt and sand in the places you don’t want it.

Then you can shape the rest of your day however you like. If your lesson leaves you close to the Venice Beach area, it’s a fun place to decompress. Venice has that mix of beach life and oddball creativity, and it’s part of the experience here. You can watch the ocean, grab a snack, and keep the day moving without rushing.

My advice: keep your next plans flexible. You’ll likely be tired in a good way—legs, shoulders, and core do a lot of work when you’re learning to paddle, balance, and stand.

Who should book this surf lesson (and who should skip it)

This lesson is built for people who want a guided, customized surf session instead of figuring it out solo. It fits well if you’ve always wanted to learn and you want direct coaching from the start. It also works if you’re an intermediate surfer who needs a technique reset—because land instruction plus in-water corrections can tighten your fundamentals quickly.

The limits are straightforward. It’s not suitable for children under 7, and you need basic swimming skills. If you’re uncomfortable in open water, you’ll have a harder time learning and staying safe.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes experiences with a clear structure—meet, gear up, learn, practice, rinse off—this one is easy to enjoy. It’s also a strong choice if you value privacy. A smaller group means you get more attention and less waiting.

Should you book this private LA surf lesson?

I’d book it if you want real instruction in a short time and you don’t want to waste your first surf day struggling without guidance. The combination of private coaching, included board and wetsuit, and a lesson that teaches both mechanics (like the pop up) and safety makes the price feel more reasonable. Add the possibility of surfing in or near Venice Beach, and you get more than just a class—you get a proper slice of LA beach culture.

I’d hesitate if you’re not comfortable swimming or if you’re only interested in surfing as a casual watch-from-the-sand activity. Also, because surf conditions can change, there’s always a small weather-and-water uncertainty with any ocean activity.

If your goal is: learn faster, feel safer, and enjoy the ocean with support, this is a solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The experience is listed as 1 day, with a private lesson that lasts about 2 hours.

Where do we meet?

You meet at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (34.0048827, -118.4907467). You’ll meet on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave.

Is it private or small group?

It’s private, and it can also be booked as a small group.

Can I book it for just one person or two people?

Yes. It can be booked for 1 or 2 people.

What is included with the lesson?

Surfboards (8 & 9 foot) and wetsuits are included.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

No surfboard or wetsuit is needed, since those are provided. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming ability is required to participate.

What beaches could the lesson be on?

The lesson meets at famous LA beaches such as Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo/Torrance Beach.

Is there an age limit?

It’s not suitable for children under 7 years.

What happens if conditions are bad?

The activity might be rescheduled or canceled based on surf and weather conditions, and you’ll be contacted the day before if that happens.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks English and Spanish.

If you want, tell me your surfing level (true beginner, can stand up, or intermediate) and what month you’re going. I’ll help you plan what to expect and how to set yourself up for the smoothest first session.