Learn to pop up and catch your first whitewater waves in a 90-minute group surf lesson at Santa Monica Beach. Instructors provide board, wetsuit, and hands-on coaching with safety-first progression.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The Pacific pushes a steady, salt-scented rhythm against the sand as a group gathers at the beach parking lot, wetsuits in hand and boards stacked on a truck. Instructors unpack gear and run a quick safety huddle; the city hum of Santa Monica fades and the ocean takes the lead. For 90 minutes you'll learn to read the shore, paddle into whitewater, and stand on a foam board as the waves test your timing.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable with basic swimming and able to paddle for short bursts; good balance helps but beginners are welcomed.
Wildlife
History
Santa Monica Pier opened in 1909 and the city's beaches became central to the rise of Southern California surf culture across the 20th century.
Conservation
Choose reef‑safe sunscreen, pack out trash, and follow local beach signage—urban beaches are vulnerable to litter, and organized cleanups are common.
Reserve your spot on the Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early for Gear Fitting
Plan to be at the meeting point 20–30 minutes before start time so instructors can fit wetsuits and boards without cutting into lesson time.
Hydrate and Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Bring water and apply broad-spectrum, reef-safe sunscreen before entering the water to protect skin and marine life.
Watch for Rip Currents
Instructed zones are chosen for safety, but rip currents can form—if swept out, float and signal to a lifeguard rather than fighting the current.
Choose Morning Sessions for Cleaner Surf
Mornings typically have lighter winds and cleaner faces, which helps beginners catch more manageable waves.
Wetsuit
Provided by the operator; keeps you warm in cooler ocean temperatures and prevents chafing.
fall
Surfboard and Leash
Usually supplied—use a soft-top beginner board for stability and a leash to stay connected to your board.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin during exposure and avoids harming local marine ecosystems.
summer
Towel and Change of Clothes
Useful to dry off and warm up after the lesson when returning to the parking lot or transit.