SURF LESSONS IN LOS ANGELES
The 15 best surf lessons in Los Angeles you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and how much standing up you should expect. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
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.”
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.
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…”
Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Blvd in Venice for a two-hour beginner lesson led by coaches such as Alex and David. You’ll learn board control, safety, and wave timing in a group of up to 10, with a strong chance of catching a small wave before heading back.
“Alex was a fantastic instructor! I took my niece who is 8 and he was able to break down surfing into easy and fun steps for adults and children and then made sure we caught waves and had fun doing it. I’d recommend this for anyone!”
Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Boulevard for a two-hour kids surf lesson in Venice Beach. A professional coach, including instructors such as Diego or Alex, teaches ocean basics, board skills, and wave riding. Your wetsuit and surfboard are provided, and the lesson returns to the meeting point.
“I bring my 8 years old daughter to learn surf.She had lots of fun, Alex is an amazing surf instructor.”
Meet Wavehuggers at 1 Pier Ave for a two-hour private surf lesson in Hermosa Beach. Your CPR-certified instructor teaches beach footwork, water safety, wave awareness, etiquette, paddling, and technique, with coaching tailored to your level. Boards and wetsuits are included.
“Instructor Ms. Sabina was very friendly and although it was our first time to surf, we really enjoyed to surf since the instructor assisted us to take off and stand on the board.”
Join Offshore Vibes Surf School for a 90-minute Santa Monica surf lesson limited to four people. You’ll spend 30 minutes learning waves, tides, safety, and the pop-up before one hour in the water. Wetsuit and board are included, and your surf spot may vary by skill level.
Meet your English-speaking instructor at Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, or Redondo Beach for a two-hour private lesson. You’ll learn ocean safety, paddling, and the pop-up before practicing with a board and full wetsuit included. Lessons run from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
“Chad, our instructor was super nice and patient. he explained everything very well and even our 8 year old boy managed to surf some good waves.”
Meet Sunrise Surf Academy at 3311 Ocean Front Walk for a 90-minute private lesson shaped around your ability. Your instructor, including coach Conor when assigned, provides a land lesson, wetsuit, board, and direct in-water coaching. Rinse off afterward, with optional surf photos or videos.
“My son and nephew had an amazing surf lesson! The instructor was fantastic—friendly, patient, and gave clear, easy-to-follow instructions. They not only learned a lot but also had an absolute blast out on the water. This experience truly made their day memorable. Highly recommend!”
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