2-Hour Private Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

Catch your first real wave. This two-hour private surf lesson gives you one-on-one coaching at Venice Beach, with time for detailed land instruction and water practice. I like the personal teaching plan, which adjusts to your ability, and the fact that surfboards and wetsuits are included. The remote beach setting may also feel calmer than learning in a large class.

The $99 price is fair for a private lesson with equipment, especially if you are new to surfing or have struggled to improve alone. Jonathan receives especially warm praise for being patient, clear, and helpful. The main thing to consider is physical effort: you need a moderate fitness level, and conditions can lead to a cancellation or date change.

Key points to know before booking

• Private coaching for two hours: Only your group participates, so the instructor can focus on your balance, paddling, pop-up, and wave timing.
• Land instruction comes first: You receive detailed guidance before entering the water, which helps make the first attempts less confusing.
• Lessons suit beginners through advanced surfers: The program changes according to your skills and goals.
• A quiet section of Venice Beach: The lesson takes place at a more remote part of the beach, away from the feel of a crowded group class.
• Equipment is included: Surfboards and wetsuits are provided, while photos cost extra if you want them.
• Jonathan earns strong praise: His patience helped one student catch waves after two years of struggling on a short board, and he also worked well with a parent and child.

Why a private lesson can change your surfing

Surfing looks simple from shore. Paddle, stand, ride. In practice, several small movements have to happen in the right order, and a crowded group lesson may not leave much time to correct each one.

A private class gives you a better chance to identify the one or two habits holding you back. You may be leaning too far forward, placing your feet poorly, looking down during the pop-up, or choosing waves that do not match your ability. A coach can watch those details and respond right away.

That matters even more if you have already tried to teach yourself. One student arrived after two years of limited success on a six-foot short board. After one session with Jonathan, the student reported finally catching waves with a better technique and more enjoyment. You should not expect one class to turn you into an expert, but this is a useful example of how direct correction can save time and frustration.

The private format also works well for families. A parent and son took a class together, and the instructor was patient with both of them. The parent managed to surf several waves, which suggests the lesson can be rewarding even if only one person in the group has a strong surfing goal.

Meeting at 20 Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica

The listed meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, California 90401. The activity begins and ends there, so you return to the same point after the two-hour lesson.

The title refers to Venice Beach, while the meeting address is in Santa Monica. That is an important detail to check before you set out. The lesson is described as taking place at a remote part of Venice Beach, but you should rely on the booking confirmation for the exact meeting instructions and timing.

Because the class includes both land and water work, arrive ready for physical activity rather than treating it as a quick beach introduction. You will need enough energy for instruction, carrying or handling a board, paddling, standing, and repeated attempts in the water.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the mobile ticket makes it easy to keep the reservation on your phone.

The first stage: learning on land

The lesson begins with detailed land instruction. This is not wasted time. For a beginner, practicing the basic sequence on the sand gives you a chance to understand the movements before waves and water make everything harder.

Your instructor can explain how to position yourself on the board, how to place your hands, and how to move from lying down to standing. You can also work on stance and balance without having to think about paddling at the same time.

This part of the lesson should be especially useful if you have never surfed. The private setting means you can ask questions without feeling that you are holding up a group. If you have surfed before, the land session can instead focus on specific problems, such as getting to your feet more cleanly or improving your starting position.

You should pay close attention here. The water portion goes better when you remember the sequence from land. A rushed pop-up or poor foot placement can send you straight back into the water, so clear preparation has real value.

Moving from practice into the water

After the land lesson, you work with the instructor in the water for the rest of the session. The coach remains involved throughout the class, helping you apply the movements and make adjustments as you go.

For a first-time surfer, the early goal is not to ride the biggest wave. It is to learn how the board responds, how to paddle into a wave, and how to stand with control. Your instructor can help match the practice to your current ability rather than pushing you into a task that is too difficult.

If you already surf, the water time can focus on improvement. The description allows the instructor to shape the program around personal skills and abilities, so you can use the lesson to address a particular weakness instead of repeating basic material you already know.

The value of private coaching is clearest during these attempts. In a large class, an instructor may not see every mistake. Here, the coach can watch your timing and give immediate advice. That does not guarantee perfect waves, since surfing depends on conditions and personal effort, but it makes each attempt more useful.

The strongest praise for Jonathan centers on patience and practical help. He helped one student correct long-running problems, and he made a parent and child feel comfortable while they learned together. Another student praised the communication from Fun Surf LA and said Jonathan made the experience enjoyable enough to repeat.

A remote part of Venice Beach

The lesson takes place at a more remote part of Venice Beach. That detail may appeal to you if you prefer a quieter setting while learning something new.

A less crowded section can make it easier to focus on the instructor and your own movement. You may feel less self-conscious during the early attempts, when falling is part of the process. It can also make the class feel more personal than a lesson conducted in a busy group area.

The tradeoff is that the remote setting may require you to follow meeting instructions carefully. The supplied information does not give a separate beach address, so do not assume that the listed Santa Monica meeting point is the exact place where you should independently walk into the water. Use the confirmation details provided after booking.

The class ends back at the meeting point. That simple arrangement helps keep the day organized, particularly if you are fitting the lesson into a wider visit to Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

What the $99 price includes

The cost is $99 per person. For two hours of private instruction, this is a reasonable price if you want personal attention rather than a basic group introduction.

You also receive a surfboard and wetsuit. Those inclusions matter because renting equipment separately can add cost and effort, especially if you do not already have suitable gear. Having the board and wetsuit arranged also lets you focus on learning instead of working out what equipment to bring.

The value is strongest for three types of people:

• You are a complete beginner and want a clear start.
• You have tried surfing alone and keep repeating the same mistakes.
• You and a companion want instruction tailored to your different abilities.

Group discounts are available, though the exact discount is not stated. Ask about the current group rate if more than one person plans to take part.

Photos are not included. That is a small but useful distinction. If you want pictures of your first successful wave, confirm the photo options and cost before booking. The lesson itself includes instruction, board, and wetsuit, but not a photo package.

Who will get the most from this class

The minimum age is seven, making the lesson suitable for children who meet that age requirement and can manage the physical demands. A private instructor can be particularly helpful for a child who needs extra patience or a slower pace.

Families should remember that a private lesson does not remove the need for adult judgment. The stated guidance calls for a moderate level of physical fitness, so you should consider the age, confidence, and stamina of everyone taking part.

Beginners are the clearest match. You get land instruction, water coaching, equipment, and a lesson shaped around your starting point. The class can also suit an intermediate or advanced surfer who wants focused feedback, but you should tell the instructor what you hope to improve.

This is less suitable if you only want a relaxed beach activity with little exertion. Surfing requires repeated movement and concentration. You may fall often, and success depends partly on the day’s conditions and your own effort.

Timing, conditions, and cancellation rules

The class lasts about two hours. That is long enough to include preparation, land practice, water work, and corrections without turning the session into an all-day commitment.

It is booked an average of 21 days in advance, so you should plan ahead if your Santa Monica schedule is fixed. The mobile ticket and booking confirmation make the reservation easy to keep available on your phone.

Good weather is required. If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund. This is sensible for a water activity, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your plans.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses local time, so check the clock carefully if you are booking from another time zone.

How the lesson compares with learning alone

A board and a beach can look like all you need. In reality, learning alone often leaves you unsure about what to fix. You may know that you are falling, but not understand why.

The private lesson gives you a clear structure. You practice on land, try the movement in the water, receive feedback, and adjust. That sequence helps you make better use of your two hours.

It also reduces the guesswork around equipment and technique. The included board and wetsuit let you arrive without building the lesson around a separate rental plan. You still need to put in the effort, but you do not have to solve every problem by trial and error.

The limitation is that two hours remains a short introduction. You may make progress quickly, but surfing is a skill that improves with continued practice. Think of this as a focused starting point or a useful correction session, not a complete education in the sport.

Practical advice for getting value from the session

Tell the instructor your experience level as clearly as possible. If you are new, say so. If you have practiced before, explain what has been difficult. A student who had been struggling on a short board made major progress after receiving direct help, so honest information about your past attempts can guide the lesson.

Listen closely during the land portion. The movements taught there will matter once you reach the water. Try to remember the sequence instead of rushing to stand before the board is ready.

If you are booking for a family, explain each person’s ability. The instructor can then divide attention in a useful way while keeping the experience comfortable for both participants.

Keep your schedule flexible around weather. A backup date is better than forcing a water lesson in poor conditions, and the cancellation terms give you protection when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead.

Finally, do not measure the class only by the number of waves you ride. Better balance, a cleaner pop-up, or a clearer sense of timing can be valuable progress even if the waves are modest.

Should you book the Venice Beach private lesson?

I would recommend this class if you want personal coaching, need help correcting basic technique, or are introducing a child or family member to surfing. The private format, included equipment, and two hours of direct guidance give the $99 price solid value.

Jonathan’s patient teaching is a major reason to feel confident, especially if you are nervous or have struggled on your own. The quieter part of Venice Beach may also help you concentrate.

I would pause if you want a no-effort beach outing, need a guaranteed weather-proof activity, or expect to become an accomplished surfer in one session. For everyone else, this is a practical way to start surfing with fewer wrong turns and better support.

FAQ

Where does the surfing lesson meet?

The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the lesson last?

The private lesson lasts approximately two hours.

Is the lesson private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

What equipment is included?

Surfboards and wetsuits are included in the price.

Are photos included?

No. Photos are not included.

What age is required to take part?

The minimum age is seven years old.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.