THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Two hours on Venice Beach teaching pop-ups, paddling and wave selection — start on sand, finish catching runs on foam 8–9' boards. Small groups (4 max) make this a focused, hands-on introduction to ocean surfing near Santa Monica.
Two hours on Venice Beach teaching pop-ups, paddling and wave selection — start on sand, finish catching runs on foam 8–9' boards. Small groups (4 max) make this a focused, hands-on introduction to ocean surfing near Santa Monica.
A brisk Pacific wind lifts foam off the breaking sets as instructors gather a small group on the sand near Bicknell Avenue, where Venice’s boardwalk hums a few blocks inland. The lesson opens on the beach: posture, pop-up, and how to read a wave. Then the group moves into chest-to-shoulder-deep water for coached runs on soft 8–9' foam boards. Waves here are honest rather than huge—ocean conditions that dare you to push past the wipeouts and keep trying.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Fun Surf LA · Los Angeles, California
A brisk Pacific wind lifts foam off the breaking sets as instructors gather a small group on the sand near Bicknell Avenue, where Venice’s boardwalk hums a few blocks inland. The lesson opens on the beach: posture, pop-up, and how to read a wave. Then the group moves into chest-to-shoulder-deep water for coached runs on soft 8–9' foam boards. Waves here are honest rather than huge—ocean conditions that dare you to push past the wipeouts and keep trying.
Venice Beach is both a working coastline and a cultural landmark. Built as a seaside resort in the early 20th century, it later became a hub for surf and street culture; the local breaks reflect decades of day-to-day use and resilient sandbars. Geologically the stretch is a sandy shore with variable sandbars and occasional rip currents, so instructors emphasize safety and positioning.
Practical guidance: the lesson runs two hours — roughly 20–30 minutes of shore instruction, 50–60 minutes in the water, then free practice. Minimum age is 12 and basic swimming ability is required. Foam boards and wetsuits are provided; fiberglass boards are not used in group sessions. Mornings typically have cleaner, smaller surf and lighter winds; afternoons bring onshore breeze.
Bring a swimsuit, quick-dry layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and a water bottle. Expect to learn paddling technique, wave selection, and basic etiquette (right of way, respecting locals). This is a focused, friendly entry point for beginners and advancing novices who want coached, hands-on ocean time on one of Southern California’s most iconic beaches.
moderate.
2 hours.
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and upper-body strength help; basic swimming comfort in ocean surf required
Meet at the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave where the blue FUN SURF LA bus with pink logo will be parked.
No — lessons are aimed at beginner to intermediate students; basic swimming ability and comfort in the ocean are required.
Lessons may be canceled for rough conditions or insufficient surfers; cancelations within policy allow refunds if made at least 24 hours prior.
Yes — 8' and 9' foam-top surfboards and wetsuits are provided for group lessons; fiberglass boards are not allowed in group sessions.
Venice Beach grew from a 1900s resort into a 1960s–70s counterculture hub; surf culture has long mixed with street performance and local lifeguard traditions here.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and pack out trash; the Los Angeles coastline is managed for recreation and habitat protection, and local groups frequently run beach cleanups.
Fun Surf LA operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A brisk Pacific wind lifts foam off the breaking sets as instructors gather a small group on the sand near Bicknell Avenue, where Venice’s boardwalk hums a few blocks inland. The lesson opens on the beach: posture, pop-up, and how to read a wave. Then the group moves into chest-to-shoulder-deep water for coached runs on soft 8–9' foam boards. Waves here are honest rather than huge—ocean conditions that dare you to push past the wipeouts and keep trying.
A brisk Pacific wind lifts foam off the breaking sets as instructors gather a small group on the sand near Bicknell Avenue, where Venice’s boardwalk hums a few blocks inland. The lesson opens on the beach: posture, pop-up, and how to read a wave. Then the group moves into chest-to-shoulder-deep water for coached runs on soft 8–9' foam boards. Waves here are honest rather than huge—ocean conditions that dare you to push past the wipeouts and keep trying.
Venice Beach is both a working coastline and a cultural landmark. Built as a seaside resort in the early 20th century, it later became a hub for surf and street culture; the local breaks reflect decades of day-to-day use and resilient sandbars. Geologically the stretch is a sandy shore with variable sandbars and occasional rip currents, so instructors emphasize safety and positioning.
Practical guidance: the lesson runs two hours — roughly 20–30 minutes of shore instruction, 50–60 minutes in the water, then free practice. Minimum age is 12 and basic swimming ability is required. Foam boards and wetsuits are provided; fiberglass boards are not used in group sessions. Mornings typically have cleaner, smaller surf and lighter winds; afternoons bring onshore breeze.
Bring a swimsuit, quick-dry layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and a water bottle. Expect to learn paddling technique, wave selection, and basic etiquette (right of way, respecting locals). This is a focused, friendly entry point for beginners and advancing novices who want coached, hands-on ocean time on one of Southern California’s most iconic beaches.