2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Venice Beach

The best part of this two-hour surf lesson is its clear balance of instruction and practice. You begin on the beach, learn the basics, then spend about an hour in the water with an instructor before using the remaining time to keep trying on your own. That gives first-timers a real chance to stand up, not just hear a quick safety talk and get pushed toward the waves.

I like the soft 8 and 9-foot foam boards, which are large, stable, and suited to beginners. I also like that wetsuits are provided, a welcome detail on a chilly Santa Monica day. The main thing to consider is that this is a shared lesson, not a private session, and you need basic swimming skills plus a moderate level of fitness.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours with a useful water session: Plan on 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, 50 to 60 minutes with an instructor in the water, and extra time to practice.
• Foam boards are supplied: The lesson uses stable 8 and 9-foot boards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in the group class.
• Wetsuits help on cool days: Wetsuits are provided, though you should bring a towel and wear your swimsuit under your clothes.
• Good for first-time surfers: Beginners and lower-intermediate surfers are welcome, with a minimum age of 12.
• Small maximum group: The class can include up to 12 people, so you should expect to share the beach and water time.
• Helpful instructors: Keanu and Thiem are named instructors, and an Argentine instructor has also been praised for patient, friendly teaching.

Starting at 20 Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica

Your session begins at 20 Bicknell Ave in Santa Monica, close to the Venice Beach area. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are spending the day along the coast without a car. The activity returns to this same point at the end.

The meeting process is meant to be simple. You receive confirmation when you book, and the mobile ticket means you do not need to print anything. Still, allow yourself enough time to find the meeting point and get ready. Surf lessons have a fixed start, and arriving late can cut into the beach briefing or equipment fitting.

You should wear your swimsuit under your clothes. One useful detail is that wetsuits may be put on in the parking lot, so a towel makes the change far easier. You may want a change of dry clothes for afterward, too, although the supplied information specifically confirms the value of bringing a towel rather than promising a full changing facility.

This is a practical starting point rather than a sightseeing stop. You are here to get organized, meet the instructor, and reach the beach with the right equipment. The attraction is the lesson itself, not a long orientation at the meeting point.

The first 20 to 30 minutes on the beach

The class opens with about 20 to 30 minutes of instruction on the sand. This is where you learn the basic body position, how to lie on the board, and how to move into a standing position. The precise teaching sequence can vary by instructor, but the beach session gives you a chance to rehearse before you have waves and water to manage.

That preparation matters. Surfing asks you to think about balance, timing, and body position all at once. Repeating the movement on the beach can make the first water attempt less confusing, especially if you have never stood on a board before.

For a complete beginner, this is also the right place to ask basic questions. The instructors have been praised for clear instruction and patience. Keanu helped two adults in their late forties catch waves on their first surfing experience, while Thiem received similar praise from a first-time surfer and a friend taking a second lesson.

You should not expect to become an independent surfer in 20 minutes. The beach portion is a starting lesson, not a full course. Its value is that it gives you a few simple actions to focus on once you reach the water.

Choosing the right board for a first lesson

The group uses 8 and 9-foot foam-top boards. These are large, buoyant boards designed to make learning easier. The extra length gives you more room to lie down and a steadier platform when you begin to stand.

Fiberglass boards are not permitted in the group lesson for safety reasons. That may disappoint an experienced surfer hoping to use a smaller, more responsive board, but it is a sensible rule for a mixed beginner group. Foam boards are more forgiving when people are still learning how to control their equipment.

The board choice also tells you who this lesson is for. If you are new to surfing, or have only tried it once or twice, the equipment should match your needs. If you already surf comfortably on smaller boards, you may find the foam board basic, but the lesson is aimed at beginner to intermediate ability rather than advanced technique.

The boards are provided as part of the session. You do not need to bring your own surfboard, and the lesson is built around the supplied equipment.

About 50 to 60 minutes in the water

The main teaching portion lasts about 50 to 60 minutes in the water with the instructors. This is the part that turns the beach practice into a real surf lesson. You work on catching waves, finding the right moment to stand, and staying balanced once the board begins to move.

The goal is not simply to paddle around. The instructors are there to help with timing and positioning. That personal guidance can make a large difference to a beginner. One of the strongest practical details from the experience is that Keanu helped first-time surfers catch waves at the right time. For someone learning, that timing is often the hardest part.

You should expect some attempts that do not work. Falling is part of the lesson, and success may mean standing briefly rather than riding a long distance. The experience has particular value if you measure it by progress: getting into the correct position, catching a small wave, or standing for the first time.

The water session is long enough to give you repeated tries, but it is not an all-day coaching program. You will be sharing the session with other participants, and the instructor’s attention will move around the group. A private lesson would be more suitable if you want constant one-to-one coaching or have a specific surfing goal.

The remaining practice time

After the formal instruction, you have time to keep practicing with the provided board. The exact split depends on how the lesson runs, but the full experience lasts about two hours. This extra time is important because surfing is learned through repetition.

You may still be working on the basics when the instructor steps back. That is not a flaw. Once you have received the main safety and technique guidance, the best use of the remaining time is to repeat the movements and build comfort on the board.

The group format has both good and less-good sides here. It keeps the price at $69 per person and lets you learn alongside other people at a similar level. On the other hand, you will not have uninterrupted coaching. On a quiet day, the group may be very small. One session had only two participants because of chilly weather, creating something close to a private lesson, but you should not book expecting that result.

What the wetsuit and weather mean

Wetsuits are provided, and that can make a major difference in comfort. The Pacific water and air can feel cool, even when the sun is out. A properly fitting wetsuit lets you focus more on the lesson and less on the temperature.

A good fit matters. One participant specifically noted that the wetsuit fit well and kept them warm. You should still bring a towel and wear your swimsuit beneath your clothes. That advice makes the changing process easier, particularly since the wetsuit may be put on in the parking lot.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The lesson also requires a minimum number of participants, so a low booking level can lead to a rescheduled session or refund.

These rules are worth considering before you build a tightly packed day around the lesson. The coast is not fully predictable, and surfing conditions affect safety as well as enjoyment.

Is $69 a fair price?

At $69 per person, the value depends on what you want from the session. For a first-time surfer, the price includes two hours of activity, beach instruction, water coaching, a foam board, and a wetsuit. You also avoid the cost and trouble of arranging equipment yourself.

The strongest value comes from the coaching. If you simply rented a board, you would have to work out positioning and wave timing alone. Here, an instructor can help you make better attempts during the limited time you have at the beach.

The group size keeps the cost reasonable, but it also explains the limit on individual attention. With up to 12 participants, you should not expect a private coach standing beside you for every wave. If you want a tailored lesson, the company offers private lessons, though the price for those is not provided here.

For a visitor adding one active coastal experience to a Santa Monica stay, $69 is a fair entry price. It is especially reasonable if you stand up even once and leave with a better sense of how surfing works. It is less suitable if you already have solid surfing skills and need advanced board work.

Who will get the most from this lesson?

This session suits beginners, older children, adults, and lower-intermediate surfers who want a friendly refresher. The minimum age is 12, so it can work for a parent and teenager, provided the young participant meets the swimming and fitness requirements.

You need basic swimming skills. You do not need to be an athlete, but the activity requires moderate physical fitness. You will be in the water, handling a board, paddling, standing, and getting back on after falls.

The lesson also suits people who want a first taste of surfing without committing to a multi-day course. It gives you enough instruction to try the sport properly, while the two-hour length leaves room for other Santa Monica plans.

It is not the best choice for someone seeking a private, highly technical session. It may also be a poor match if you are uncomfortable swimming or have limited physical ability. The group structure is part of the deal, so choose a private lesson if personal attention is your top priority.

The instructors make a real difference

The strongest praise centers on the teaching. Keanu is specifically credited with helping two complete beginners catch waves at the right time. Thiem is described as helpful and calm, and an Argentine instructor is remembered for being patient, cheerful, and good at explaining the movements.

Those details matter more than a polished beach setting. A surf lesson can become frustrating if instructions are rushed or unclear. Patient guidance gives you a better chance of understanding what to do before the next wave arrives.

Instructor assignments can change, so you should not assume a particular teacher will lead your session. Still, the named examples give you a useful sense of the teaching style to expect: clear directions, encouragement, and hands-on help with timing.

The first time you stand on a surfboard can be a small but memorable milestone. This lesson is built around helping you reach that moment, while keeping the process safe enough for a mixed group.

Practical details that affect your day

The activity is offered in English. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation arrives at booking. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

The tour ends back at 20 Bicknell Ave. That makes planning easier because you do not need to arrange a separate pickup at the beach. You can continue your Santa Monica or Venice Beach plans afterward, but you should allow time to dry off and change.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time.

The weather and minimum-participant rules protect the practical side of the experience, though they can affect your plans. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum number is not reached, you receive another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Santa Monica surf lesson?

I would book this if you are at least 12, can swim, and want a genuine first try at surfing without paying for a private coach. The lesson gives you beach preparation, substantial time in the water, equipment, and enough free practice to make the $69 price reasonable.

I would also book it for a family pair or two friends who want an active coastal memory. The chance to stand for the first time, even briefly, is the kind of simple success that can make a short lesson worthwhile.

I would choose another option if you need advanced instruction, dislike sharing coaching time, or cannot handle cool water and moderate physical effort. Bring a towel, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, arrive ready to change quickly, and leave room in your schedule in case weather affects the session.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson begin?

The lesson begins at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, California 90401.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at 20 Bicknell Ave.

How long does the surf lesson last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours.

How much does the group lesson cost?

The listed price is $69 per person.

What age do you need to be?

The minimum age is 12 years old.

Do I need swimming experience?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required.

What surfboards are used?

The group lesson uses 8 and 9-foot foam-top surfboards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in the group class for safety reasons.

Are wetsuits provided?

Yes. Wetsuits are provided for the lesson.

How many people can join the group?

The activity has a maximum of 12 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.