Learn to surf or standup paddle with a Laguna Beach longboard champion. Ninety-minute lessons cover pop-ups, safety, and ocean reading at Hawkama and Diver’s Cove with all gear provided.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slices across Pacific rollers as you shoulder a board and walk toward Hawkama’s forgiving break. The waves here have a personality — playful at low tide, insistent at swell — and a long-time local instructor who knows when to push you to take one and when to pull you back. Lessons run 90 minutes: surf instruction at Hawkama for longboards, and standup paddleboarding in North Laguna’s Diver’s Cove, where glassy water lets you focus on balance and breath. Laguna Beach sits on uplifted marine terraces carved from Pleistocene sandstone; the cliffs and coves shaped both local surflines and the town’s history as an artists’ colony and fishing community. Indigenous Acjachemen people once navigated these shores; later, painters and surfers made the coves part of a modern cultural identity. Expect an easygoing coastal vibe, friendly beach culture, and art galleries a short walk from the sand. Practically: all equipment is provided — wetsuits, boards, leashes — but you must be able to swim and provide height/weight for gear. Surf sessions emphasize pop-up technique, wave selection, and ocean awareness; SUP focuses on stance, stroke efficiency, and reading wind and current. Water temps vary from cool to mild; a spring or fall suit helps. Plan to arrive early to sign waivers, apply reef-safe sunscreen, and hydrate. Wear a swimsuit under quick-dry layers, bring a towel and a small snack. Lessons are manual-confirmed and cancel for bad weather; cap sizes are limited, so book ahead for weekend surf windows.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to swim, paddle for short bursts, and stand repeatedly.
Wildlife
History
Laguna Beach evolved from Acjachemen village sites and a 20th-century artists’ colony; its coves attracted painters and early surf culture alike.
Conservation
The area includes protected marine habitats—avoid stepping on tide pools, use reef-safe sunscreen, and pack out all trash to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Surfing and SUP Lessons in Laguna Beach today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Apply a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen before heading out — reapply after the lesson to protect skin and sea life.
Know your swim comfort
You must be able to swim and feel comfortable in waist-to-head-high surf; tell the instructor if you tire easily.
Wear a snug suit
A fitted wetsuit or springsuit reduces chafing and keeps you warmer in cooler months during falls and float time.
Arrive 20 minutes early
Early arrival gives time for check-in, fitting gear, and a quick safety briefing before entering the water.
Wetsuit or springsuit
Keeps you warm in cooler Pacific water and prevents chafing during falls.
spring
Board shorts/swimsuit
Comfortable, quick-drying layers worn under or with a wetsuit for mobility.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Hydration before and after the lesson helps recovery and focus in salt air.
Light towel and flip-flops
Quick-dry towel for after the water and sandals for walking on hot sand.
summer