2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Venice Beach

Catch your first wave in Santa Monica. This two-hour group lesson offers a friendly way to try surfing, with beach instruction, time in the water, and a foam board suited to beginners. I like the clear split between 20 to 30 minutes of shore training and roughly 50 to 60 minutes with an instructor in the water. I also like that wetsuits and boards are provided, which keeps the cost at a reasonable $69 per person.

The main thing to consider is the group format. You may share instruction with up to 11 other participants, so the experience will not feel as tailored as a private lesson. You also need basic swimming skills, moderate physical fitness, and patience for the inevitable learning curve. Still, the instructors have helped complete beginners, including adults in their 40s and a 12-year-old first-timer, get upright on the board.

Key points at a glance

• Meet at 20 Bicknell Avenue: The stated meeting point is in Santa Monica, even though the experience is often described as a Venice Beach surf lesson.
• Two hours in three stages: Expect 20 to 30 minutes on the sand, 50 to 60 minutes of guided water time, then extra practice with the provided board.
• Foam boards only: Eight-foot and nine-foot foam-top boards are used for safety and stability. Fiberglass boards are not permitted in the group class.
• Beginner-friendly coaching: The lesson suits beginner to intermediate students, and instructors such as Keanu and Thiem have helped first-time surfers stand up.
• Wetsuits are provided: This matters on cooler Santa Monica days. Bring a towel and wear your swimsuit under your clothes.
• Smallest age is 12: The maximum group size is 12 people, and the activity requires basic swimming ability.

What the $69 lesson really includes

At $69, this is priced as an accessible introduction rather than a full surf-school program. Your fee covers the lesson, instructor time, wetsuit use, and a foam surfboard for the session. That saves you the trouble and expense of renting equipment separately, then trying to learn from scattered advice on the sand.

I see the value in the structure. Surfing is difficult to understand from a quick verbal explanation, especially when you are also watching the waves, handling a large board, and trying not to lose your balance. The lesson gives you a short classroom-style start, hands-on help in the water, and extra time to repeat the skills.

The price is especially fair if you have never surfed before and want to find out if you enjoy it without buying a long course. It is less compelling if you already surf comfortably and mainly want board rental. This is still a coached lesson, and part of your two hours is devoted to instruction rather than free surfing.

The maximum group size is 12. That is not a one-to-one session, but it is small enough to keep the class manageable. Your exact experience will depend on how many people book your date. One chilly-weather session had only two participants, which effectively made it feel like a private lesson. You cannot count on that, but it shows how the group setup may vary.

Meeting at 20 Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica

Your start and finish point is 20 Bicknell Avenue, Santa Monica, California. Pay attention to that address when planning your day, since the experience name refers to Venice Beach while the stated meeting point is in Santa Monica. Do not simply head to a random stretch of Venice Beach and expect to find the class.

The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are not using a car. Confirmation arrives when you book, so keep those details available on your phone. The ticket is mobile, another small convenience when you are moving around the beach with wet clothing and equipment.

The practical routine appears simple. You meet the instructor, get fitted for a wetsuit, receive your board, and prepare for the shore lesson. One useful tip is to wear your swimsuit under your regular clothes. A participant specifically noted that the wetsuit was put on in the parking lot, so a towel and easy-to-change clothing will make the start less awkward.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. The supplied information does not promise showers, lockers, or changing rooms, so I would avoid assuming those services are available. Bring only what you need and plan for a basic beach-style change afterward.

The first 20 to 30 minutes on the sand

The lesson starts with land-based training. This portion lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, giving you time to learn the basic movements before dealing with waves and cold water.

For a first-timer, this is important. You need to know how to position yourself on the foam board, where to place your hands, and how to move from lying down to standing. The beach also gives the instructor a chance to explain timing and safety before you are surrounded by moving water.

I would treat this part as active preparation, not a warm-up to ignore. Surfing rewards quick, simple movements. If you rush through the explanation, you may spend your water time repeating basic mistakes. Listen closely, ask questions, and practice the standing motion carefully.

The lesson is intended for beginner to intermediate ability. That range makes sense for a shared class, since some people may be standing for the first time while others have already tried surfing. Beginners should not feel embarrassed, but you should expect the instructor to balance several skill levels at once.

Fifty to 60 minutes with the instructor in the water

The central part of the class takes place in the water, with approximately 50 to 60 minutes of instructor guidance. This is where the lesson earns its price. You get help reading the right moment to catch a wave, positioning the board, and trying the stand-up motion under real conditions.

Several participants credited the instruction with helping them catch waves, including two adults who had never surfed before. Keanu received particular praise for helping first-timers stand at the right moment. That detail matters because timing is often the hardest part for a new surfer. You can perform the movement correctly and still miss the wave if you start too soon or too late.

Thiem also worked with first-time and second-time surfers during a colder session. Both participants managed to get up on their boards, even though their skill levels differed. That suggests the coaching is not limited to young, highly athletic beginners.

You should keep your expectations modest. The goal is not polished technique after one class. A successful first stand, even a brief one, can be the highlight of the session. You may also spend plenty of time falling, resetting, and trying again. That is normal for this sport, not a sign that the lesson has gone badly.

The instructors are described as patient, clear, helpful, and encouraging. One instructor from Argentina was remembered for being patient, cheerful, and good at explaining. Since instructors can vary by date, I would not book solely around a particular guide unless the company confirms who will teach your session.

Foam boards, wetsuits, and the beginner setup

Group students use eight-foot and nine-foot foam-top boards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in the group lesson because of safety concerns. That choice favors stability and reduces the risk of a hard board causing injury during the early falls that come with learning.

A foam board may not feel as quick or refined as a fiberglass board, but that is not the point here. You need a forgiving platform that helps you balance and gives you a fair chance to stand. The larger size is useful for beginners who are still learning how to position their weight.

Wetsuits are provided. This is a meaningful part of the value, especially when the air or water feels chilly. A properly fitting suit helps you stay warm during the long stretches spent waiting, paddling, and getting back on the board.

Fit can vary from person to person, so allow enough time to get comfortable before entering the water. Bring a towel. Wear swimwear beneath your clothes. Those two tips are simple, but they can make the start and finish far easier.

Who should book this class

This session makes the most sense for adults and children aged 12 or older who want a first or early surfing experience. It suits you if you like active outings, do not mind getting wet, and are happy to learn in a shared setting.

The age minimum is 12, so younger children cannot join this particular group class. A 12-year-old beginner has successfully taken the lesson with very good instruction, but every child is different. Your child should be comfortable in the water, able to follow directions, and physically ready to handle a board and repeated attempts.

Basic swimming skills are required. You do not need to be an advanced swimmer, but this is not a dry-land activity. Moderate physical fitness is also expected. You will paddle, push up, stand, fall, and climb back onto the board several times.

I would choose the class for a first surf lesson, a low-pressure activity with a friend, or a family outing with an older child. A private lesson is the better choice if you want constant personal attention, have a particular technique to work on, or dislike sharing water time with other students.

What the group format feels like

A group class brings energy and can make early falls feel less serious. You see other beginners trying the same movements, and the shared setting may help you relax. It also keeps the price below what you would pay for a private session.

The tradeoff is attention. The instructor must divide time among up to 12 participants, so you may need to wait for a turn or repeat a skill without immediate correction. Conditions in the water can also affect how much practice each person gets.

Do not assume the class will always be full. The stated maximum is 12, but the actual number can be smaller. If demand is low or the weather is unappealing, you could end up with a much more personal lesson. That is a pleasant possibility, not a guarantee.

The class combines beginner and intermediate levels, so the pace may not be perfect for everyone. If you have surfed only once or twice, that mix may work well. If you are already confident, you may find the basic instruction slow.

Weather, cancellations, and choosing your date

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached, with the option of a different date or experience.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off uses local time.

This policy makes it wise to avoid scheduling the lesson too tightly against a flight, train, or other fixed plan. Surfing depends on conditions, and the operator may need to change the date. If you have flexibility, a weather-related change is easier to handle.

The experience is listed as available from March 1, 2024, and instruction is offered in English. Service animals are allowed. Those details may matter when you are building a full Santa Monica day around the class.

Small details that make the day easier

I would arrive ready to change into the wetsuit rather than wearing complicated layers. A swimsuit under your clothes is the most practical choice. Pack a towel and keep your phone protected from water.

Bring a patient attitude. You may stand quickly, or you may need many attempts. One of the strongest rewards is that first moment upright on the board, even if it lasts only a few seconds.

The lesson provides equipment, but the supplied information does not say that personal items can be stored securely. Keep valuables to a minimum. You should also expect a wet, physical activity rather than a scenic beach outing where you remain dry.

Should you book the Santa Monica surf lesson?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced introduction with equipment, wetsuit use, and real instructor help included. The strongest reasons are the practical two-hour format, the stable foam boards, and the repeated success of complete beginners getting up on a wave.

Think twice if you need private coaching, have limited swimming ability, or want a relaxed activity with little physical effort. The group may be full, the water may feel cold, and surfing involves plenty of falling before the good moment arrives.

For a first attempt, I would choose this class over trying to teach yourself from the beach. At $69, it gives you a clear start, guided water time, and enough practice to decide if you want to surf again. Bring a towel, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, meet at the Santa Monica address, and let the first standing wave be the goal.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson meet?

The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA.

How long does the surf lesson last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours.

How much does the group lesson cost?

The price is $69 per person.

What ages can join?

The minimum age is 12 years old.

What equipment is provided?

The class provides eight-foot and nine-foot foam-top surfboards. Wetsuits are also provided according to the practical session information.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required, along with a moderate level of physical fitness.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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