Private Surfing Lesson in Santa Monica

Catch your first wave in Los Angeles. This private surfing lesson pairs one-on-one coaching with two hours near Santa Monica and Venice Beach, giving beginners a much better chance to learn than they would in a crowded class. I like the personal instruction and the fact that boards and wetsuits are included. I also like that children from age seven can join, making this an easy family activity.

The main drawback is that ocean conditions can change the feel of the lesson. The water may be cold, waves may be rough, and one past participant raised concerns about checking water-quality information before getting in. At $125 per person, this is not a cheap beach activity, but private attention can make the cost worthwhile if learning to stand up and feel safe matters more than finding the lowest price.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours of personal coaching: Your instructor works with your ability on the beach and in the water rather than following one fixed lesson for everyone.
• A real chance to stand up: Several beginners managed to pop up during their first session, sometimes within only a few attempts.
• Good for mixed ages: Children age seven and older, teenagers, adults, and older family members can all take part.
• Boards and wetsuits are included: You do not need to arrange the two main pieces of surfing gear yourself.
• Venice Beach scenery: The setting adds a classic Los Angeles touch, with the Pacific and the famous beach atmosphere around you.
• Strong customer satisfaction: The experience has a 4.9 rating from 47 reviews, with 98 percent of participants recommending it.

Meeting at 20 Bicknell Avenue

Your lesson begins at 20 Bicknell Ave in Santa Monica, California. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the arrangement simple. You are not left figuring out a separate return location after two hours in the water, when you may be tired, wet, and ready for a change of clothes.

Arrive with enough time to find the meeting point and sort out parking. This is worth taking seriously because one past participant went to the wrong address and had trouble reaching the operator. The problem appears to have been an isolated communication failure, but it is a useful warning: check the address in your confirmation carefully before setting off, and do not rely on finding the right spot at the last second.

The lesson is connected with the Venice Beach area, one of Los Angeles’ best-known places to try surfing. Santa Monica and Venice sit next to one another along the coast, so you get the appeal of an iconic Southern California beach day without having to make a separate trip to a distant surf town.

The beach lesson begins on land

The first part of the class takes place on the beach. This is where your instructor explains basic movement and helps you understand how to position yourself on the board before you face the waves.

That dry-land practice matters. Surfing is a quick series of actions: lie down, push up, place your feet, find your balance, and keep your body low enough to stay stable. When you are new, the ocean is a poor classroom for learning the sequence from scratch. A short beach session gives you a chance to hear the instructions and try the motion without also dealing with moving water.

The teaching style can vary by instructor, but the strongest experiences here have involved patient, encouraging coaches. Names praised especially often include John, Jonathan, Alejandro, Alex, Eden, Alexis, Alexei, Jorge, Nick, Anto, and Yew. That range suggests a useful feature of the private format: the instructor can adjust the lesson to the person in front of them.

For children, that adjustment is particularly valuable. Johnathan was praised for patience with kids in cold conditions, while Jorge worked successfully with children aged eight and 18 in one private session. A private class can also help if one person in your group is nervous and another is eager to move ahead.

Into the Pacific with your instructor nearby

After the beach instruction, you move into the water for the main part of the two-hour session. Your coach continues helping you there, rather than sending you off to practice alone after a quick demonstration.

That is the heart of the experience. Your instructor can help you choose a wave, prepare your position, and work through the attempt. Anto was praised for giving the right amount of instruction while spending most of the time helping catch waves. That balance is important. You want enough explanation to understand what you are doing, but not so much talking that your two-hour lesson passes without enough time on the board.

A private class also lets the instructor change the pace. If you pop up quickly, you can work on doing it more consistently. If you struggle to get to your feet, the coach can return to the basic movement and give you another try. One beginner managed to stand on the second attempt, while another group with no prior experience had everyone get upright at least briefly.

That does not mean you are guaranteed a perfect ride. Surfing depends on the day, your balance, and the waves in front of you. One participant faced rough conditions but still managed several pop-ups with good coaching. The sensible goal is to learn the basic motion, catch a few waves if conditions allow, and finish with a better feel for the sport.

Cold water and changing conditions

Southern California may look warm in photographs, but the Pacific can feel cold, especially in winter. Several experiences point this out. One family found the water very cold and was grateful when the instructor provided extra wetsuit help. Another family also described a chilly lesson, while still recommending the class because of the instructor’s patience.

Wetsuits are included, which is a real benefit. You do not have to rent one separately or guess what thickness you need. Still, a wetsuit does not make the water warm, and you should expect the conditions to affect your comfort.

Weather also matters to the operator. The lesson requires suitable weather, and if poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Ocean conditions can also affect how much progress you make, even when the weather is good. Calm, manageable waves are kinder to beginners than rough surf.

One past participant expressed concern about water-pollution readings after the lesson. That comment does not establish a problem with every session, but it is a sensible reminder to check current local beach information if water quality is a concern for you. The operator may cancel for poor weather, but the supplied details do not promise a specific water-quality monitoring service.

Why private instruction changes the value

At $125 per person, the price asks you to pay for attention, not just equipment or access to the beach. A group class may cost less per person, but you could spend more time waiting for an instructor to reach you. Here, the coach works with only your party, and the lesson plan is based on personal skill and ability.

That makes the price easier to justify for a first-timer who feels nervous. Eden was praised for helping a hesitant participant feel supported, while Alejandro was credited with making a beginner feel safe and confident. Nick received especially warm praise for helping an 18-year-old student lose his fear quickly and feel comfortable attempting waves.

The value is also good for families with mixed ages. A parent can book for children and adults without putting everyone into a rigid beginner group. One family included participants aged 12, 21, and 49. Another session involved teenagers. The minimum age is seven, so this is a practical choice for a family seeking one shared activity rather than separate plans for children and adults.

Group discounts are available, though the supplied details do not state the discount amount. If several people in your party want to surf, check the final price before booking. A private lesson can become better value when the cost is spread across a small group, provided each participant receives enough time and attention.

The instructors are the main reason to book

The equipment gets you started, but the instructor shapes the day. The strongest praise focuses on patience, encouragement, safety, and a good sense of humor.

Jonathan was described as both fun and professional, with a teaching style that helped a participant progress quickly. John was praised for staying calm when a child had a nosebleed during the lesson. That kind of response matters because first-time surfing can include minor surprises, nerves, and awkward falls.

The instructors also seem to vary in personality. Some participants valued clear movement coaching on the sand before entering the water. Others liked a coach who spent more time helping catch waves. If a particular instructor is available when you book, you might request someone whose style suits your group, although the information provided does not guarantee a specific instructor.

The high rating of 4.9 from 47 reviews and the 98 percent recommendation rate point to consistent satisfaction. There is also one serious one-star account concerning a wrong address, parking costs, and difficulty making contact. I would not ignore that criticism. Confirm the meeting details, save the operator’s contact information, and allow extra time to arrive.

What the package includes and leaves out

Surfboards and wetsuits are included. These are the essential items, so the package is convenient for someone flying into Los Angeles or fitting a lesson into a larger holiday. You do not need to transport a board across town or decide which type of board suits a beginner.

Photos are not included. Some instructors have taken pictures for participants during a lesson, but you should not count on that as part of the package. If you want a record of your first ride, ask the instructor what is possible on the day, or arrange for someone in your group to take pictures when practical. Keep your main attention on the lesson, since a camera is not much use if you miss the wave.

You should also expect to provide your own personal items and arrive ready for a moderate level of physical activity. Surfing involves paddling, pushing up from the board, balancing, and repeated attempts. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with basic exertion in the water.

Who will enjoy this most

This lesson is best for a first-time surfer who wants direct help rather than a large class. It is also a good fit for a teenager, a couple, or a family that wants a shared challenge with an instructor close by.

You will likely appreciate it if you:

• Feel nervous about getting into the surf alone
• Want to learn with a partner or family group
• Prefer hands-on correction instead of a general demonstration
• Want equipment supplied
• Are willing to accept that waves and water temperature cannot be controlled
• Have a moderate level of physical fitness

It is less suitable if you want a guaranteed long ride, a warm-water experience, or a fully arranged photo package. Surfing lessons teach you the basics, but the ocean decides how easy the lesson feels.

Timing, cancellation, and practical planning

The session lasts about two hours, long enough for beach instruction and repeated attempts in the water without turning the activity into an all-day commitment. The experience is often booked about 32 days in advance, so it is wise to reserve early if your Los Angeles dates are fixed.

You receive confirmation at the time of booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded. The cut-off uses local time, so keep that in mind if you are booking from another time zone.

Plan your day around being wet and tired afterward. The meeting point is also the end point, which helps with logistics, but you should still think about dry clothes and whatever you need after the lesson. Parking details are not included in the supplied information, so do not assume parking is free or directly beside the meeting point.

Should you book the Santa Monica surf lesson?

I would book this if you want a personal introduction to surfing and place a high value on patient coaching. The strongest part is not simply standing on a board. It is having someone beside you who can calm nerves, adjust the instruction, and help you try again when the first attempt goes badly.

The $125 price is fair for a private two-hour lesson with a board and wetsuit included, especially for a family or small group that can use the group discount. Go in prepared for cold water, changing waves, and the possibility that your best achievement may be a brief pop-up rather than a long ride.

Check the meeting address carefully, confirm current conditions, and request an instructor if you have a preference. If you are comfortable with those practical limits, this is a strong choice for a first surf lesson in the Santa Monica and Venice Beach area.

FAQ

How long is the private surfing lesson?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours. Instruction takes place both on land and in the water.

Where does the experience begin?

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

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What equipment is included?

Surfboards and wetsuits are included in the price.

Are photos included?

No. Photos are not included.

What is the minimum age?

Children age seven and older may participate. The lesson is also suitable for adults.

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 or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted or refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.