Two hours on Santa Monica Beach that start with beach drills and move into guided ocean time using 8–9 ft foam boards. Ideal for beginners (age 12+) who want coach-led practice on classic Southern California beach-break waves.
Two hours on Santa Monica Beach that start with beach drills and move into guided ocean time using 8–9 ft foam boards. Ideal for beginners (age 12+) who want coach-led practice on classic Southern California beach-break waves.
The sun is low over the Pacific as the instructors walk you through basic stance and safety on the sand, boards lined up like quiet horses waiting for a ride.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Fun Surf LA · Santa Monica, California
The sun is low over the Pacific as the instructors walk you through basic stance and safety on the sand, boards lined up like quiet horses waiting for a ride.
Santa Monica’s wide beach and famous pier have hosted surfers since the early 20th century; Venice’s surf culture arrived soon after with beachside promenades and lifeguard towers marking safe zones. Geologically this is a classic Southern California beach-break: shifting sandbars create short, punchy waves that are ideal for learning but can produce rips where the current finds a channel.
Expect a practical, phased lesson: 20–30 minutes of land drills—pop-ups, board handling and spotting rip currents—followed by roughly 50–60 minutes in the water with instructors using 8– and 9-foot foam-top boards. Lessons are run in small groups (up to six), and wetsuits and boards are provided; minimum age is 12 and basic swimming ability is required.
Plan for morning sessions when winds are lighter and crowds are smaller; bring a secure change of clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, and a towel. Hydrate well—the Pacific wind can dry you out faster than you think. Listen closely to the instructor for lineups and priority rules; foam boards are forgiving but the ocean moves fast.
This lesson pairs practical coaching with immediate hands-on practice, making it a solid option for beginners and returning learners who want confident, coach-led wave time on one of Southern California’s most accessible beaches.
easy.
2 hours.
Moderate fitness — able to swim and paddle for short bursts, and manage repeated pop-ups.
The minimum age for group lessons is 12 years old.
Yes — the operator supplies wetsuits and foam-top surfboards for group lessons.
Basic swimming skills are required; you should be comfortable in chest-deep water and able to float or tread briefly.
Lessons may be canceled for bad weather or unsafe ocean conditions; cancel at least 24 hours for a full refund per the booking policy.
Santa Monica Pier opened in 1909 and the area grew into a coastal recreation hub; Venice was developed as a seaside resort by Abbot Kinney in the early 1900s and shaped local beach culture.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid trampling dune vegetation; local beach cleanups are common and help protect marine habitat.
Fun Surf LA operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The sun is low over the Pacific as the instructors walk you through basic stance and safety on the sand, boards lined up like quiet horses waiting for a ride.
The sun is low over the Pacific as the instructors walk you through basic stance and safety on the sand, boards lined up like quiet horses waiting for a ride.
Santa Monica’s wide beach and famous pier have hosted surfers since the early 20th century; Venice’s surf culture arrived soon after with beachside promenades and lifeguard towers marking safe zones. Geologically this is a classic Southern California beach-break: shifting sandbars create short, punchy waves that are ideal for learning but can produce rips where the current finds a channel.
Expect a practical, phased lesson: 20–30 minutes of land drills—pop-ups, board handling and spotting rip currents—followed by roughly 50–60 minutes in the water with instructors using 8– and 9-foot foam-top boards. Lessons are run in small groups (up to six), and wetsuits and boards are provided; minimum age is 12 and basic swimming ability is required.
Plan for morning sessions when winds are lighter and crowds are smaller; bring a secure change of clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, and a towel. Hydrate well—the Pacific wind can dry you out faster than you think. Listen closely to the instructor for lineups and priority rules; foam boards are forgiving but the ocean moves fast.
This lesson pairs practical coaching with immediate hands-on practice, making it a solid option for beginners and returning learners who want confident, coach-led wave time on one of Southern California’s most accessible beaches.