Cold waves. Big confidence.

This private surf lesson in Santa Monica is a focused, hands-on way to learn surfing, with coaching that follows your ability level from the beach into the water. I like that it’s truly one-on-one in a private setting, and that the instructor stays with you the whole 2 hours instead of tossing you into the surf and hoping for the best. A possible drawback: you’ll want to plan for cold conditions and confirm the exact meeting spot ahead of time.

I also like how flexible the lesson is for different levels. You can be a total beginner or have some experience, and the instructor adjusts the plan based on your skills, with training on land and in the water for the entire session. Plus, gear is handled for you with surfboards and wetsuits included, which makes the value easier to feel in a city where rentals and instruction can add up fast.

One more consideration: there’s no photo package included, so if you want keepsakes, you’ll need to rely on your own camera. Also, since this experience depends on good weather, plan to stay flexible if the ocean doesn’t cooperate.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private, your group only: expect personalized attention rather than shared instruction
• All skill levels welcome: from first-timer to more experienced surfers
• Kids start at age 7: family-friendly with instructors who handle nervous moments
• Included gear: surfboard and wetsuit are part of the price
• Cold-water reality: multiple reviews call out chilly sessions, with instructors helping you stay warm
• No photos included: bring your own device if you want images

Why Santa Monica Private Surf Lessons Work Better Than “Just Show Up”

Surf lessons in big groups can feel like a carousel: a quick demo, then you wait while someone else gets time in the water. Here, you avoid that. This is a private class, so the instructor can watch your stance, timing, and balance in real time, then coach what you actually need.

I also like the pacing. The lesson runs about 2 hours, and it isn’t a half lesson on the sand with the “real surfing” happening later without you. Instead, you get time practicing on land and then time applying it in the water, which is what turns theory into wave skills.

One more reason I think this setup clicks: it helps reduce fear. A bunch of the positive lessons in the feedback highlight nerves and confidence building. When your instructor is nearby and attentive, you learn faster and enjoy it more.

Meet at 20 Bicknell Ave, Then Get Ready to Move

Your session starts at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, and it ends back at the same meeting point. That simple loop matters, because parking and walking can be a hassle in this area, especially if you’re showing up with kids or trying to keep the timing tight.

Gear is included: surfboards and wetsuits. That takes a chunk of decision-making off your plate, and it also keeps you from starting the lesson stressed about whether you grabbed the right equipment.

Still, one thing to watch: there’s at least one bad-experience story tied to confusion about the address. I’d treat this as a reminder to confirm the exact location in your booking details before you go and arrive a little early so you are not hunting around with wet hair and cold hands.

The 2-Hour Lesson Flow: Beach Coaching to Real Wave Time

Even though every lesson adapts to your level, the rhythm is consistent: you get coaching on land, then you move into the water, and you stay in the action for the full session.

On the sand, expect movement coaching—how to position yourself, how to pop up, and how to shift your weight so you’re not fighting the board. One review mentions starting with movement coaching on the beach before heading out, and that matches how instructors typically teach beginners: get the body mechanics before the ocean adds chaos.

Then comes the in-water part. Multiple reviews emphasize that instructors work with you while you’re surfing, not just before you go in. If you’re a parent, this is a big deal. One family review notes an instructor staying with the kids while they were surfing, which is exactly the kind of reassurance you want when you’re learning something physical and sometimes intimidating.

Conditions can be rough, but good coaching still shows. One review mentions rough conditions yet the surfer was still able to pop up a few times—proof that the instructor’s job is to help you work with what the ocean gives you, not just teach an ideal version of surfing.

Instructors Who Balance Safety, Patience, and Good Vibes

The standout theme across the feedback is that instructors are patient and highly present. Names pop up again and again, and you can see a pattern: the best sessions are the ones where your instructor makes you feel safe while still pushing you to try.

For example:

• Cat gets praise for being a wonderful instructor for a teenager, with clear guidance throughout
• Pepe is praised for strong beach coaching and then a smooth move into surfing
• Jonathan and Johnathan show up repeatedly for being fun, patient, and professional, including with kids in cold conditions
• Eden is mentioned for supportive, encouraging teaching that helped a nervous beginner feel confident
• Alex, Alexei, Alejandro, and Nick are described as patient and attentive, with an emphasis on building confidence quickly
• Yew is called out for making first-time surfing fun and educational
• Anto is praised for giving the right amount of instruction and spending most of the time helping catch waves
• Matias is praised for being thorough and staying with kids as they surf

That’s a lot of names, but the takeaway is simple: the quality isn’t just about knowing surfing theory. It’s about how an instructor manages your energy, nerves, and progress.

If you’re booking with kids, pay attention to the patience angle. Several reviews specifically mention patience with children and handling small emergencies calmly, like one story involving a nosebleed that was managed well during the session. That kind of steadiness matters.

Venice Beach Scenery and What You’ll Actually See While Learning

This lesson takes place in the Venice Beach / Santa Monica surf zone area, and that matters because you’re not just learning a sport—you’re learning in one of LA’s most iconic coastal settings. You’ll feel the difference between practicing in a calm, controlled environment and practicing with real ocean texture, wind, and the visual stimulus of a famous beachfront.

Here’s what I think you’ll appreciate about the setting:

• You get LA at eye level: waves, boardwalk energy, and the classic beach vibe
• It feels real, not simulated: you learn to read conditions because you’re right there
• It’s a great introduction for visitors: you leave with a story that’s clearly tied to this specific place

Also, one surfer noted they didn’t see water pollution readings until after the lesson. If water quality matters to you, I’d treat it as a check-you-can-make type of situation: look up what’s posted for the day and ask questions if anything concerns you. Surfing is fun, but you’re the one responsible for your comfort level.

Value Check: What $125 Per Person Buys You in Santa Monica

At $125 per person for about 2 hours, the value comes down to one key point: you’re not paying for generic instruction. You’re paying for time with an instructor in a private format, plus the included board and wetsuit.

In a place like Santa Monica, the real cost in lessons is rarely just the gear. It’s the coaching time—watching you, correcting your technique, and helping you get into waves safely. With private sessions, you also avoid the waiting time that often happens when multiple beginners share one instructor.

Is it pricey? Sure, it is. But if you’re the type who wants results and a real learning curve, private coaching tends to be the most efficient route. For families, it can also be a smart trade: one session that helps everyone progress instead of taking multiple frustrating attempts in a less guided setup.

Only you can decide if this is worth it for your group, but here’s the practical rule I use: if you’re paying for gear rentals anyway, and you want quality coaching instead of trial-and-error, then the price starts to make sense fast.

Weather, Cold Water, and How to Stay Comfortable

This is an outdoor activity, and it requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because surfing depends on wind, swell, and safety conditions more than most activities do.

Cold is also a recurring theme in the feedback. Reviews call out chilly sessions, and at least one instructor helped by having surfers double up on wetsuits for extra warmth. That’s exactly what you want to hear: that the instructor adapts to the reality of the day, not just the ideal plan.

So plan for cold hands, cold spray, and the need to warm up afterward. If you’re coming from LA sightseeing, build in a little buffer so you’re not running late with your hair still wet and your body still in museum mode.

Who Should Book This Private Lesson (and Who Might Not)

This private surf lesson fits best if you want personal attention and you’re learning in a friendly, guided way.

It’s especially good for:

• Beginners who need technique coaching and confidence building
• Parents with kids 7+ who want close instructor attention in the water
• Teens and adults who might feel nervous and want patient coaching
• Couples or friends who want one instructor to focus on both people in your group

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a cheaper, shared group experience
• You only care about a quick taste and you don’t want coaching time on land
• You’re expecting an included photo package (photos are not included)

If your biggest priority is learning to actually stand up and ride with guidance, this private format is a strong match.

Should You Book This Private Surf Lesson in Santa Monica?

If you’re deciding whether to book, here’s my honest take: book it if you want a clear learning path in a famous surfing setting, with gear handled and coaching tailored to your level.

The big reasons to feel good about your decision:

• Personal attention throughout the full lesson
• Clear evidence of patience and encouragement from instructors named across many sessions
• Included surfboards and wetsuits, which makes the lesson feel practical, not just fun
• A format that works for both beginners and more experienced surfers

If you’re on the fence, the main reasons to pause are simple: you may want photos more than you want hands-on instruction, and you’ll need to be flexible about weather and cold conditions.

Bottom line: for most first-timers and families, this is a smart, efficient way to learn the basics of surfing in Santa Monica. And when it clicks, you won’t just remember LA—you’ll remember how it felt to ride.

FAQ

How long is the private surf lesson?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA.

What is included in the price?

Surfboards and wetsuits are included.

What ages can participate?

Children and adults age seven and above can join.

Is this a private lesson or shared with other people?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

Are photos included?

No, photos are not included.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount you paid is not refunded.