Where to Book: the 10 Best Santa Monica Surf Lessons

1.1.5-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $140Our pick

Meet Kapowui Surf Lessons at 2701 Barnard Way, near the Santa Monica and Venice border. Your private 90-minute lesson starts with 30 minutes on the sand, then moves into the water with a surfboard, wetsuit, and instructor. Liam and Alex are among the instructors praised for patient, beginner-friendly coaching.

“Great experience. Great staff! Recommend to everyone. Easy to find, parking access, very safe and staff was very knowledgeable.”

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2.Shared 2 Hour Small Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85

Meet Fun Surf LA at 20 Bicknell Avenue for a two-hour beginner to intermediate lesson near Santa Monica and Venice Beach. You’ll practice surf technique on the sand, then work with an instructor in the water using an 8 or 9-foot foam board and wetsuit. Groups are capped at four students, with a minimum age of 12.

“We had a great experience with our instructors. It was a perfect lesson for beginners and they were helpful, supportive and so much fun!”

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3.2-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $145

Spend two hours learning to surf on the border of Venice and Santa Monica. Your instructor supplies the board and wetsuit, then teaches ocean safety, surf etiquette, wave basics, and the pop-up before taking you into the water. Dale is praised for patient, supportive instruction. Group discounts are available.

“Dale was excellent - he was very patient and supportive while trying to learn the ins and outs of surfing!”

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4.Private Surfing Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

Learn to surf near Venice Beach in a private two-hour lesson with Fun Surf LA. Your instructor adjusts the session to your ability, teaching on the sand and in the water. Guides have included John, Alex, Eden, Jonathan, Alejandro, and Nick. Boards and wetsuits are provided for adults and children age seven and up.

“The water was very cold, but John did a great job taking care of us. He had us double up on wetsuits which was very helpful. John was a great instructor and we highly recommend him.”

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5.2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $285

Meet Jake, Jeff, or another Badass Surf School instructor beside the blue VW bus at 2400 Ocean Front Walk. Your two-hour private lesson starts with about 30 minutes of beach instruction on safety, paddling, wave timing, and pop-ups, followed by hands-on practice in the water. It suits first-timers, families, and small groups.

“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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6.2-Hour Private Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Meet Fun Surf LA at 20 Bicknell Ave in Santa Monica for a private two-hour lesson shaped around your ability. Jonathan may guide you through land drills and water practice, with a board and wetsuit included. Beginners, improving surfers, and children age 7 and up can take part.

“Took a class with my son. Our trainer Jonathan was patient and helped us learn surfing. I even surfed a few waves. It was a wonderful experience.”

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7.1.5 Hr. Shared Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $85

Spend 90 minutes with Kapowui Surf Lessons at the Santa Monica and Venice border. Your instructor supplies the wetsuit and board, then teaches board handling, wave basics, ocean safety, etiquette, and the pop-up before guiding you into the water. The sandy bottom suits first-time surfers, and the lesson ends where it begins.

“Even if the gray skies werent on our side my daughter had an amazing time learning how to surf thatnks to her awesome instructor. We will be back again.”

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8.2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $69Best value

You’ll spend two hours learning to surf near Venice Beach, starting with 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction before 50 to 60 minutes in the water with an instructor. Foam boards and wetsuits are provided. Keanu, Thiem, and an Argentine instructor have all been praised for patient, clear coaching. Minimum age is 12.

“It was great for my 12 year old granddaughter She was just learning to surf so a beginner There was very good instruction”

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9.Santa Monica: Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1h 30m

Join Offshore Vibes Surf School for a 90-minute Santa Monica group lesson limited to four people. You’ll spend 30 minutes learning board handling, waves, tides, pop-ups, and water safety on the beach, then one hour catching waves with an instructor. Wetsuit and board are included.

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10.2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $69

Meet Fun Surf LA at 20 Bicknell Ave for a two-hour beginner to intermediate surf lesson. You’ll spend 20 to 30 minutes learning on the beach, 50 to 60 minutes with instructors in the water, then practice on an 8 or 9-foot foam board. Nico is one instructor praised for his relaxed, helpful style.

“Nico was an awesome, down to earth surf instructor. Good value for the lesson. Genuinely recommend this to those wanting to learn.”

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