Los Angeles: Private Surfing Lesson

The best thing about this experience is the private instruction. You are not folded into a large class, so your instructor can spend time on your pop-up, balance, and comfort in the water. First-timers get patient coaching, while intermediate surfers can focus on cleaner technique and better confidence.

I like the included board and wetsuit, plus the practical safety lesson before you enter the water. I also like the choice of beaches, from the people-watching circus of Venice to Santa Monica and Redondo or Torrance. The main consideration is that surfing depends on the ocean, so poor conditions can force a change or cancellation.

Key points for your surf day

• Two hours of one-on-one coaching: Book for one person or bring one friend, with the lesson adjusted to your ability.
• Three possible beach areas: Meet at the Santa Monica location, while the lesson may take place at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo or Torrance Beach.
• Boards and wetsuits included: You receive an 8 or 9-foot surfboard and a wetsuit before heading to the sand.
• Safety comes before the waves: Your instructor covers the pop-up, ocean basics, and key safety rules before the water session.
• Useful for beginners and intermediates: You can start with an extended sand session or head toward the lineup sooner if your skills allow.
• A convenient urban beach setting: You can rinse off at an outdoor public shower, and your belongings are stored in a locked surf school van.

Why a private surf lesson works well in Los Angeles

Surfing looks simple from the beach. Lie down, paddle, stand up, ride toward shore. In practice, those few steps take timing, balance, and a good sense of what the water is doing.

That is where a private lesson earns its price. At $99 per person, you are paying for a two-hour session with a certified instructor who can watch your movements closely. You do not have to match the pace of a full class, and you can spend more time on the part that gives you trouble.

For a first-timer, that may mean repeating the pop-up on the sand until it feels less awkward. For an intermediate surfer, it may mean working on balance, positioning, or comfort in the water. The activity is offered for one or two people, so you can take the lesson alone or share the experience with a friend.

The high rating of 4.8 from 75 ratings fits the strongest part of the experience: the teaching. The comments provided are brief, but they consistently describe the session as enjoyable and effective. One German-speaking participant specifically praised the instructor for teaching, guiding, and motivating them throughout the class. That is useful praise because a surf lesson depends as much on clear coaching as on the waves.

Meeting at the Santa Monica surf school

The stated meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, California 90401. The coordinates are 34.0048827, -118.4907467.

Once you enter the parking lot, turn right. Look for a white Ford E-250 van or a blue surf school bus on the right side near Bicknell Avenue. Your instructor meets you there.

This meeting point matters because busy beach areas can be confusing, especially if you are carrying a board or trying to find a lesson among several surf schools. Save the address and coordinates before leaving your hotel. You should also plan to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

The experience includes secure storage for your belongings in the locked surf school van. That lets you focus on the lesson instead of keeping your phone and wallet beside you on the sand. Still, I would bring only what you need for the beach.

The activity information gives a one-day validity, but the actual surf lesson lasts two hours. Check the available start times when booking, since the exact schedule can vary.

Choosing between Venice, Santa Monica, and Redondo

The lesson can meet you at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo or Torrance Beach. The Santa Monica address is the clearly stated meeting location, so confirm the exact beach and meeting instructions before your session.

Venice Beach is the most colorful choice. Its boardwalk is famous for eccentric local characters, people-watching, and the distinctly theatrical side of Los Angeles beach culture. If you want more than a lesson, Venice gives you an easy place to spend time before or after surfing.

Santa Monica offers a classic Southern California beach setting. It is a practical choice if you are already visiting the pier and central beach area. The Bicknell Avenue meeting point also makes Santa Monica the simplest location to plan around.

Redondo or Torrance Beach may suit you if you prefer a different part of the coast. The available details do not promise a different type of wave or a quieter session there, so choose based on your location and the confirmed meeting instructions rather than assuming one beach is always better.

The important point is that this is not a sightseeing bus ride between beaches. You are coming for coaching in the water. The beach choice affects the setting and your day’s logistics, while your instructor’s guidance remains the main value.

Getting fitted with a board and wetsuit

Before heading to the beach, you are outfitted with a wetsuit and surfboard. The included boards are 8 and 9 feet long.

Those longer boards are well suited to learning because they offer more stability than a short performance board. You still have to balance and paddle, but the board gives you a more forgiving platform for the first attempts. Beginners should appreciate this extra stability, while intermediate surfers may find the lesson useful for working on fundamentals without worrying about advanced equipment.

The wetsuit is also practical. Southern California sunshine can make the beach feel warm, but the ocean may still feel cool. Having the suit supplied means you do not need to pack or rent one separately.

You should bring your own swimwear to wear under it, along with a towel for afterward. Sunscreen and water are also listed as essentials. An outdoor public shower is available after the lesson, so you can rinse off before moving on with your day.

Sand training, pop-ups, and ocean safety

Your lesson begins with instruction suited to your level. You might spend extra time on the sand if you are new to surfing, or you may move toward the water more quickly if you already have experience.

The sand session covers how to pop up on the board. This is the quick movement from lying down to standing that defines the first real hurdle in surfing. It looks easy when an experienced surfer does it. Practicing the sequence on land gives you a chance to understand the motion before waves and balance make everything harder.

The instructor also explains basic ocean conditions and ends the land training with safety. That order is important. You want to know how to handle the board, where to position yourself, and what to watch for before you begin catching waves.

I especially like that safety is described as the final and most important part of the land lesson. A private class should not simply push you into the water and hope you figure things out. You need clear instructions first, especially if this is your first time handling a surfboard in the ocean.

Basic swimming ability is required. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you must be able to manage yourself in the water. Children under seven cannot join.

The ocean session at your own pace

After the sand work, you spend the remaining lesson time in the ocean with your instructor. The exact amount of time on the water depends on how much preparation you need.

That flexible structure is one of the strongest reasons to choose private instruction. A beginner may need more reminders about positioning, paddling, and standing. An intermediate surfer may need less explanation and more chances to practice. Your instructor can adjust instead of stopping the whole class for one person.

You should expect active coaching rather than a passive equipment rental. The point is not simply to receive a board and try your luck. The instructor helps you become more comfortable on the board and in the water, then guides your attempts.

The provided ratings are strongest on this teaching element. The feedback describes the instructor as someone who gave direction and encouragement, not merely equipment. That distinction matters. Surfing can be frustrating during the first hour, and useful motivation can keep you trying after an awkward fall.

The lesson is not a guarantee that you will master surfing in one visit. Ocean conditions, your fitness, and your starting level all affect what you accomplish. A realistic goal is to learn the basic sequence, understand safety, and get a proper introduction to standing and riding.

What the $99 price includes

The $99 price includes the two-hour private lesson, surfboard, and wetsuit. For one person, that is a fair price if you value personal coaching and do not already own the equipment.

The value is clearer when you compare it with the alternatives. A large group class may cost less per person, but you may receive less direct attention. Renting a board on your own may also cost less, but rental equipment does not teach you how to use it safely or improve your technique.

For two people, confirm how the price is applied when booking. The activity can be booked for one or two participants, but the supplied details list the price as $99 per person.

There are also practical savings built in. You do not need to arrange a separate board or wetsuit rental, and your belongings can stay in the locked van during the session. The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and reserve now, pay later booking can help if your Los Angeles schedule is still shifting.

The price does not remove the main risk: ocean conditions can affect the session. The activity may be rescheduled or canceled because of surf and weather, with contact expected the day before if that happens.

Who should book this lesson

This is best for an adult or older child who wants focused instruction and has basic swimming ability. It is also a good fit for a pair of friends who want to learn together without joining a large class.

Beginners get the clearest benefit. You can start with the basics, ask questions without feeling rushed, and repeat the pop-up until the movement makes sense. The instructor can also give more time to water comfort and safety.

Intermediate surfers can use the session differently. Instead of spending the whole class learning how to stand, you can work on specific weak points. The supplied details do not promise advanced coaching in competition technique, so think of this as personalized improvement rather than elite training.

The lesson is not suitable for children under seven. It is also not right for anyone who cannot swim at a basic level.

English and Spanish instruction is available. If language is important to your comfort in the water, request the language you need when arranging the activity.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear under the wetsuit and bring a towel for the outdoor shower afterward. Sunscreen and water are essential, especially under the Southern California sun.

Keep your arrival simple. Go to 20 Bicknell Avenue, enter the parking lot, turn right, and look for the white Ford van or blue surf school bus. Having the coordinates saved can help if you are unfamiliar with Santa Monica.

Do not schedule an important event immediately after the lesson. Surfing is physical, and you may need time to change, rinse off, and collect your belongings. The outdoor shower is useful, but it is a public beach facility rather than a private changing room.

Also keep your day flexible. The possibility of a weather or surf change is not a minor footnote for an ocean activity. Check your messages the day before and be ready for a revised plan.

Should you book this private Los Angeles surf lesson?

I would book this if you want a real introduction to surfing rather than a board rental, and if personal coaching matters to you. The $99 price is reasonable for two hours with a certified instructor, a board, wetsuit, safety training, and a private format.

Choose it especially if you are a first-timer, if you learn better with direct feedback, or if you and a friend want a shared lesson at your own pace. Venice adds a memorable people-watching stop, while Santa Monica keeps the meeting point straightforward.

Skip it if you cannot swim, need a guaranteed schedule, or want a full-day surf camp with repeated sessions. For everyone else, this is a practical way to give surfing a fair try on a famous Los Angeles beach without having to figure out the equipment and ocean rules alone.

FAQ

How long is the private surf lesson?

The surf lesson lasts two hours. The activity is valid for one day, with available start times shown during booking.

How much does the lesson cost?

The listed price is $99 per person.

Can I book the lesson for two people?

Yes. The lesson can be booked for one or two people, and private or small-group options are available.

Where is the meeting point?

The stated meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, California 90401. In the parking lot, turn right and look for a white Ford E-250 van or blue surf school bus on the right side near Bicknell Avenue.

Which beaches can be used for the lesson?

The lesson may take place at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo or Torrance Beach. Confirm the exact beach and meeting details when booking.

Are the surfboard and wetsuit included?

Yes. Surfboards measuring 8 and 9 feet and wetsuits are included.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming ability is required to participate.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Can the lesson be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The activity may be rescheduled or canceled because of surf and weather conditions. You will be contacted the day before if this happens. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.