The 13 Best Surf Lessons in Los Angeles

1.Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 2 hours · from $69Our pick

Meet your English-speaking instructor at 20 Bicknell Ave, suit up, and learn surfing on Venice Beach. You will spend 30 to 40 minutes practicing on sand, then receive hands-on coaching in the water before practicing on your own. Instructors including Dan, Kat, Nico, Ethan, Melanie, and Axel have helped first-timers stand up on their first lesson.

“Teacher Mico did great, magnificent experience and we all slept well that night!”

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2.Surf Class for Beginners in Venice

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Blvd for a two-hour Venice surf lesson designed for adults ages 18 to 60. You get a board, wetsuit, safety briefing, and hands-on coaching in the water. Instructors such as Alex, Alexi, Felipe, Martin, and Diego focus on helping beginners catch a first wave.

“I was one of two surfers (both beginner) and got plenty of personal lessons from the instructor. The instructor was an experienced surfer from Russia and would get in the water to help us catch the right wave to surf. Highly recommend to anyone in the Venice area looking to try the sport.”

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3.Private Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 75 reviews · 1 day · from $99

Meet your certified English or Spanish-speaking instructor at the Santa Monica surf school, then learn at your own pace in a private 2-hour lesson. You’ll get a wetsuit and 8 or 9-foot board, practice on the sand, work in the water, and rinse off at an outdoor shower.

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4.Private Surf Lesson in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Blvd for a two-hour beginner lesson at Venice Beach. You’ll spend 30 minutes learning surf safety and basic technique on land, then work with an instructor in the water. A surfboard and wetsuit are included, and private lessons are required for non-swimmers, minors, and anyone with a disability.

“Amazing two hour private lesson for my 14 year old daughter. Alex was a phenomenal instructor. Had my daughter surfing in no time.”

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5.2 Day Beginner Surf Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 days (approx.)

Spend two active days learning to surf at a secluded Malibu break, with up to six hours of lessons, boards, wetsuits, meals, and transport included. At night, camp in a private tent on the Malibu Family Wines property. The next day brings coffee, breakfast, a Malibu hike, and cliff jumping into a swimming hole. Confirm the trip is operating before booking.

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6.Family Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Boulevard in Venice for a two-hour family lesson led by professional coach Alex, with David also teaching some sessions. You’ll learn board control, safety, and basic technique in English, then practice catching small waves in a group of no more than 10. Private lessons are required for non-swimmers, children under 18, and some other needs.

“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!”

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7.2 Hour Private Group Surf Lessons in Hermosa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet your instructor at 1 Pier Ave for a two-hour private surf lesson tailored to your skill level. You’ll learn beach footwork, safety, wave awareness, paddling, and board technique before heading into the water with a board and wetsuit included. Instructor Ms. Sabina has helped first-time surfers stand and catch their first wave.

“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.”

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8.Surf Lesson for Kids in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Blvd for a two-hour Venice Beach lesson built for young beginners. A private instructor, including coaches such as Diego or Alex, teaches surf basics, provides the board and wetsuit, and helps your child work toward catching a wave safely.

“Golden surf was great! My 7 year old came for her first ever surf lesson and by the end she was riding the waves and loved it. Everyone was friendly and patient and great for kids to learn.”

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9.Private Surfing Lesson with Equipment Rental

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours · from $149

Meet your private Aqua Surf School instructor at Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, or Redondo Beach for a two-hour lesson. You’ll learn ocean safety, paddling, balance, and the pop-up, then practice on Pacific waves with a surfboard and full wetsuit included. Lessons run from 6:00am to 6:00pm for ages 4 and up.

“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.”

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10.Private Surf Lesson in Venice Beach, CA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Meet Sunrise Surf Academy near Venice Beach for a private 90-minute surf lesson shaped to your ability. You’ll get a fitted wetsuit and board, a focused beach lesson, then direct in-water coaching. The session is family-friendly and beginner-safe, 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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11.Malibu Beach: Surf Tour in a Vintage VW Van

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 6 hours · from $349

Ride from Santa Monica or Venice to Malibu in a vintage VW campervan, stop at Malibu Pier and coastal viewpoints, then surf with a professional instructor. Beginners get help on land and in the water, while non-surfers can use a boogie board or relax by the beach. Lunch, wetsuits, boards, snacks, and drinks are included.

“Absolutely amazing!! 10/10. Best so far! And Jonathan, the tour guide was incredible! And amazing companion and excellent surf instructor.”

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12.Malibu: Surf Lessons for All Levels

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 1h 30m · from $135

Join Always Summer Surf School for a 90-minute Malibu surf lesson built for beginners and intermediate riders. You’ll learn safety and wave mechanics in English with a trained instructor, using an included board and wetsuit. Anthony has taught patient, fun family lessons, and groups are limited to 10 people.

“Ponctuel, pro et bon encadrement ! Leçon fun et plaisante !”

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13.2-Hour Private Surf Lesson in Manhattan Beach

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet your CPR-certified instructor at Manhattan Beach Pier for a private two-hour lesson. Your wetsuit and surfboard are included. You’ll begin with beach instruction on footwork, then head into the water for help paddling, catching waves, and improving your technique. Lessons are offered in English and suit beginners through more experienced surfers.

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