Learn to catch clean Santa Monica waves with a private coach who tailors location and drills to conditions and skill level. This 90-minute lesson pairs beach instruction with guided water time to help beginners stand up and progress safely.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The trucks open on the Santa Monica beach parking lot and the Pacific greets you with a steady, salt-laced breeze. You suit up beside racks of boards while the coach scans the horizon for the cleanest peel — a blue line that dares you to step into the water. The lesson moves from sand drills to paddle technique, then into the surf where ocean rhythm guides your first pop-ups.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for a range of fitness levels; basic swimming stamina and mobility are recommended for repeated paddling and pop-ups.
Wildlife
History
Santa Monica’s shoreline evolved from 19th-century resort development into a 20th-century surf culture hub; the pier and lifeguard traditions shaped local beach recreation.
Conservation
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation and participate in local beach cleanups when possible to reduce plastic and micro-debris on the sand.
Reserve your spot on the Private Surf Lesson today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for fitting
Plan to be 15 minutes early so coaches can size wetsuits and boards and run a short safety briefing.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Apply a water-resistant, reef-safe SPF before the lesson and bring extra to reapply after drying off.
Know basic water comfort
You don’t need to be an expert swimmer, but comfort treading water and paddling is important for safety and progress.
Watch local line-ups
Observe where local surfers enter and exit to avoid crowded takeoff zones and respect established priority.
Swimsuit
Comfortable under a wetsuit and quick-drying for post-lesson comfort.
summer
Towel and change clothes
Drying off and changing promptly keeps you warm and comfortable after the session.
Water-resistant reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin during repeated exposure and minimizes impact on marine life.
summer
Light windbreaker or sweatshirt
Useful for cooler onshore winds after exiting the water.
spring