2-Hour Private Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

The best part of this private surfing lesson is the one-to-one attention. You are not trying to copy a coach while a large class moves on without you. Your instructor can focus on your stance, paddling, timing, and wave choices, then adjust the lesson to your actual ability. I also like that the class begins on land, where you can sort out the basic movements before handling a board in the water.

I especially like the included board and wetsuit, since you do not need to arrange basic equipment separately. I also like the flexible teaching level: complete beginners can start with the fundamentals, while experienced surfers can use the session to fix habits that have held them back. The main consideration is physical effort. You need a moderate fitness level, and surf conditions depend on good weather.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Private coaching: Only your group takes part, so the instructor can tailor the session to your skills.
• Two hours in total: Expect instruction on land and in the water for the full lesson.
• Jonathan may be your instructor: He is described as patient, fun, and especially helpful with technique and confidence.
• Boards and wetsuits are included: You can arrive without arranging the basic surf gear yourself.
• Ages 7 and older: The lesson works for children, parents, first-timers, and advanced surfers.
• Meet in Santa Monica: The starting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, with the activity ending back there.

What This Venice Beach Surf Lesson Really Offers

This is not simply a board rental with a quick safety talk. Fun Surf LA provides a private two-hour lesson, with coaching both on shore and in the water. That format matters because surfing has two separate challenges: learning the body movements and then using them while a moving wave changes your timing.

You begin with instruction on land. This gives you a chance to work through the basic positions before you are balancing on a board. The exact content changes with your ability, but the goal is clear: help you understand what to do before you try to do it under pressure.

Once you move into the water, the instructor stays involved for the rest of the class. You are not left to guess whether your feet are in the right place or why a wave passed underneath you. The lesson is adjusted to your personal skills, which is far more useful than forcing every participant through the same routine.

The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave in Santa Monica, and the activity returns there at the end. The supplied details describe the lesson as taking place at a quieter or more remote part of Venice Beach. That may appeal to you if you prefer a less crowded setting for your first attempts, though the exact beach conditions can change with weather and surf.

Why Private Coaching Can Change Your Progress

Surfing is a sport where small errors matter. A foot placed too far forward can make you fall. A late paddle can leave you behind the wave. Standing too quickly can throw off your balance. In a group lesson, an instructor may not have time to identify every one of those problems.

A private coach can watch your particular habits. That makes this lesson useful even if you have tried surfing before. One participant had spent two years teaching himself on a six-foot shortboard with little progress, then used a single session to correct several basic problems and catch waves with better technique.

That detail also points to an important practical issue: the shortest board is not always the easiest board for learning. The experience information does not promise a particular board size or style, so you should let the instructor match the equipment and teaching approach to your ability. The included board removes one decision, while the private format gives you room to ask why a certain technique is being used.

If you are already comfortable standing and catching small waves, tell the coach what you want to improve. You may need help with takeoffs, turning, positioning, or confidence rather than a full beginner lesson. The program is based on your ability, so a clear conversation at the start can help the two hours work harder for you.

The Land Lesson Comes First for Good Reason

New surfers often want to get straight into the water. That is understandable, but a few minutes on land can save a lot of confusion. You can learn the basic stance and movement without waves pushing the board around, and you have a chance to ask questions before the physical work begins.

The land portion also helps families. A parent and child can hear the same instructions before practicing. One family booking included a father and son, with the coach patiently helping both of them. The parent managed to catch several waves, which suggests the lesson is not aimed only at athletic children or young adults.

The minimum age is 7. That makes the class suitable for a family activity, but every child is different. You should consider your child’s comfort with water, balance, and physical exertion before booking. The stated requirement is a moderate fitness level, so this is active instruction rather than a passive beach outing.

The land session is also where a good instructor can make surfing feel less mysterious. You learn the sequence instead of receiving a general command to stand up. Since the lesson is private, you can repeat a movement or ask for another explanation without worrying about holding up a class.

Moving Into the Water With a Coach

The water portion is where the lesson earns its price. You use the skills from the shore while the instructor helps you apply them to actual waves. The coach works with you throughout the session, rather than disappearing after the initial demonstration.

You should expect effort. Paddling, climbing onto the board, pushing up, and repeatedly trying again can be tiring. The moderate fitness recommendation is worth taking seriously, especially if you are planning this after a long day of sightseeing or other physical activities.

The reward is that you get repeated chances to practice. A private lesson allows the instructor to spend time on your attempts instead of dividing attention among a full group. If you fall, you can receive a correction. If you catch a wave, you can work on repeating what went right.

Good weather is required for the activity. That is normal for a surf lesson, but it means your schedule needs some flexibility. If poor weather cancels the class, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Surf conditions are part of the experience, so the most convenient date on paper may not be the most useful one in practice.

What Jonathan’s Teaching Style May Mean for You

Jonathan is specifically praised for being patient, fun, and helpful. One surfer credited him with finally learning to drop in and catch waves properly after years of limited success. Another parent said Jonathan helped both him and his son, while a separate participant appreciated his friendly approach and smooth communication.

Those details matter because a surf lesson can feel intimidating when you are learning in public. A patient instructor helps you keep trying after a few falls. A fun tone can make the session feel like an activity rather than a test, while clear correction keeps it from becoming simple play in the water.

You should not assume Jonathan will be your instructor unless the provider confirms it. His name is the clearest guide detail available, and his reported approach gives you a useful idea of the teaching style associated with Fun Surf LA. If a particular instructor matters to you, ask before booking.

The communication before the lesson is also described as good. That is useful for a weather-dependent activity, since clear messages about meeting arrangements and any changes can make the day easier. The booking confirmation is issued at the time of purchase.

Boards, Wetsuits, and What You Pay For

The price is $99 per person. That includes the two-hour private lesson, surfboard, and wetsuit. Photos are not included, so you should not expect a professional picture package or automatic action shots.

At first glance, $99 may seem high compared with joining a large class or renting a board on your own. The value is in the coaching time. You are paying for a private instructor who works with your group, plus the equipment needed to take part. If you are a complete beginner, that personal attention can help you avoid spending several unproductive sessions repeating the same mistake.

The value is also stronger for two people who want to learn together. Group discounts are available, although the exact discount is not specified. You should check the final price for your group before booking. A parent and child, two friends, or a couple may prefer sharing a private lesson rather than joining strangers.

For an advanced surfer, the value depends on your goal. If you only want casual time on a board, a rental may cost less. If you want a coach to examine your technique and help correct a stubborn habit, a private session can make better use of two hours.

Because a wetsuit and board are supplied, you do not have to bring those basic items. The available information does not specify other personal items, facilities, or changing arrangements, so check the provider’s instructions before you go and avoid assuming that extras are included.

Who Will Get the Most From Two Hours

This lesson is best for you if you want personal instruction and do not want to work through the basics alone. Complete beginners receive a clear starting point, and the land lesson makes the first water attempts less confusing.

It also suits a parent and child who want to share an active outing. The minimum age is 7, and the private structure allows the lesson to account for different comfort levels within one group. One person may stand quickly while another needs more time, without either being forced to match a larger class.

You may also benefit if you have already tried surfing and feel stuck. The surfer who struggled with a shortboard for two years is a useful example. A coach can spot the difference between a lack of effort and a technical problem, then give you a practical adjustment.

This is less suitable if you want a relaxed beach day with almost no physical exertion. It is also not ideal for a rigid itinerary with no room for a weather change. The activity lasts about two hours, but you should allow extra time around the meeting point and remain flexible if conditions are poor.

Planning the Day at Santa Monica

Start at 20 Bicknell Ave in Santa Monica. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes the outing simpler to fit into a day based in Santa Monica or Venice Beach.

The experience is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity is private, meaning only your group participates. It is often booked about 21 days ahead, so you should reserve early if your beach time falls on a specific date.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancelling within 24 hours or making a late change means you will not receive a refund. Since poor weather can also affect the lesson, avoid scheduling it as the one fixed activity that cannot move.

The activity has a five out of five rating from nine reviews, with praise centered on instruction, patience, communication, and the ability to catch waves. That is a small sample, so I would treat it as encouraging rather than a guarantee. Still, the praise is specific, especially about Jonathan’s coaching and the progress made during a single session.

Should You Book This Surf Lesson?

Book it if you want to learn in a private setting, need equipment included, or have tried surfing alone without making much progress. The two-hour format gives you enough time for land instruction and water practice, while the coach can adjust the lesson to your ability.

I would especially recommend it for first-timers, families with children age 7 or older, and surfers who need help fixing technique. The main drawbacks are the $99 price, the physical effort, the lack of included photos, and the need for good weather.

If those points fit your plans, this is a practical way to turn beach time into a real lesson rather than another attempt at guessing what to do. Book at least a few weeks ahead when possible, keep your schedule flexible, and tell the instructor what you most want to improve.

FAQ

Where does the surfing lesson meet?

The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, California 90401. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the private surfing lesson last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours. Instruction takes place both on land and in the water during that time.

Is the lesson private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity, and the instructor adjusts the program to your skills and abilities.

What equipment is included?

Surfboards and wetsuits are included. Photos are not included.

What ages can take part?

The minimum age is 7 years old. The lesson is suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced surfers.

Is the lesson available for beginners?

Yes. The private class is designed for all skill levels, including people who have never surfed before.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

The activity requires good weather. If it is cancelled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.