LOS ANGELES SURF TRIPS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 11 los angeles surf trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you paddle out.
Meet your English-speaking instructor at 20 Bicknell Ave, suit up, and learn the basics on Venice Beach. You’ll practice pop-ups and safety on sand, then spend about 40 minutes with your instructor in the water. Boards, wetsuits, storage, and an outdoor rinse are included.
“Great experience! Must have for people, that would like to try something new. Good explanation from the guide. I recommend.”
Starting at Mother’s Beach, you’ll learn basic paddling and safety skills before heading through Marina del Rey’s main channel by single or double kayak or paddleboard. Guides such as Walker and Tristan point out sea lions, birds, boats, and other marine life during this relaxed two-hour outing.
“Had a great time on the water. Tristan was an excellent tour guide. Thanks for the memories.”
Meet Kapowui Surf Lessons near 2701 Barnard Way for a private 1.5-hour beginner lesson. Your instructor covers safety, surf etiquette, board handling, and the pop-up on the beach, then coaches you in the water. Liam and Alex have both taught young first-timers in past sessions.
“Overall amazing experience all around. The guys were all super nice and very experienced surfers. They taught us well and we were riding waves in no time. If you are in the area and want to try surfing definitely check them out. We had never surfed before but they made it so easy.”
Spend two hours learning to surf near Santa Monica and Venice Beach with Fun Surf LA. You’ll practice on sand, then work with an instructor in the water using an 8 or 9-foot foam board. Small groups of up to four make this a friendly choice for beginners aged 12 and older.
“My three teenage boys did these lessons and had an absolute blast. One of him said it was his favorite thing he’s ever done—and that’s high praise coming from a teenager!”
Meet at Kapowui Surf Lessons on the Venice-Santa Monica border for a two-hour beginner lesson. You’ll learn ocean safety, surf etiquette, board basics, and the pop-up on the beach before heading into the water with your instructor. Equipment is included.
“Dale was excellent - he was very patient and supportive while trying to learn the ins and outs of surfing!”
Spend about two hours learning to surf near Venice Beach with a 30-minute land lesson followed by guided practice in the water. Boards and wetsuits are included, and instructors such as Alex, Alexi, Martin, Felipe, and Diego focus on safety, simple technique, and helping beginners catch a first wave.
“It was excellent. I was taught by Diego, who had a lot of experience and broke down things in a way that made it very easy to understand. I managed to catch a few waves, which was very cool. Highly recommended.”
Meet your English- or Spanish-speaking instructor near Santa Monica for a private two-hour surf lesson. You’ll get an 8- or 9-foot board, wetsuit, safety training, beach practice, and time in the water. Lessons may also meet at Venice, Redondo, or Torrance Beach.
Start at sandy Mother’s Beach for a two-hour guided kayak or SUP trip through Marina del Rey. Guides such as Walker, Josh, Tyler, and Tanya teach basic technique, point out boats and wildlife, and often lead you to sea lions. Groups max out at seven.
“My husband and I had such an amazing time on this excursion! It ended up being just us two on the tour and we were so thankful that Walker still look us out! It was such an amazing experience and Walker was so knowledgeable about the Marina and the wildlife that we were seeing! We got to see a lot of seals up close and personal and had a great day out on the water! After the tour was over Walker gave us some suggestions on places to visit while in California and some tips on places to travel the next time we’re in town! I highly recommend this tour…”
Meet at 20 Bicknell Ave for a two-hour private surf lesson near Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Your instructor adjusts the session to your ability, teaches on the beach and in the water, and supplies the board and wetsuit. Ages seven and up are welcome.
“Jorge was fabulous! He was able to work with two young kids, 18 & 8 and they both had a great time, lots of attention to them in a private session and the two kids did great!”
Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Blvd for a two-hour Venice Beach lesson. You’ll spend 30 minutes learning surf safety on land, then practice in the water with an instructor, using a board and wetsuit supplied for the session.
“My two daughters had a great experience. Paul was super patient and a great instructor. Would absolutely recommend.”
Meet the Badass Surf School team by the blue VW bus at Santa Monica Beach for a private two-hour beginner lesson. Jake, Jeff, or another instructor starts with beach safety, paddling, wave timing, and pop-ups, then coaches you in the water as you work toward riding waves to shore.
“Jake and his staff were amazing! We couldn't think of any better way to be Californian than to have the kids surf. We are from Florida - and it was the kids first visit to the west coast. While I had researched different surf schools prior to our trip, we opted for flexibility in our schedule and didn't book anything prior to our arrival. We saw BASS set up on the beach for their summer camp. And even though we met Jake at about 3pm, after having taught a whole day of camp, he put in full effort to teach my kiddos how to surf for over 2 hours...at the…”
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