Santa Monica turns surfing into a 2-hour mission. The big draw here is the lesson rhythm: you get beach training first, then spend most of the session in the water learning with instructors. I also like that they stick to safer, easier 8- and 9-foot foam boards, which makes balancing and getting started less frustrating for first-timers.

One consideration: it’s a group format (up to 6 in the lesson and combined with other participants), so you’ll share attention and time with others when conditions are lively.

Key Points You’ll Actually Feel During the Lesson

• More time riding than just watching: The format includes 20–30 minutes of training on the beach, then 50–60 minutes with instructors in the water.
• Foam boards only for group lessons: Expect 8- and 9-foot foam top surfboards; fiberglass boards are not allowed for safety.
• Small group, but not a private vibe: Up to 6 people per group lesson, combined with other participants, with a maximum of 12 travelers overall.
• A clear beginner-intermediate sweet spot: Built for students who are new-ish to riding but not totally green.
• You need basic swimming skills: This isn’t a dry-land intro; you’ll be in the water with coaching.
• Santa Monica’s surf setup, kept simple: The activity starts and ends at 20 Bicknell Ave.

Santa Monica Meeting Point at 20 Bicknell Ave

This lesson is anchored at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. It’s a straightforward start: you meet there, then the activity ends back at the same point. That matters because it keeps your pre- and post-surf time simple—no hunting for a different drop-off location or coordinating with anyone else.

Also, this activity is listed as near public transportation and supports service animals. If you’re coming from elsewhere in LA, that’s a practical checkmark for staying flexible.

How the 2-Hour Format Works (Beach Coaching First)

The lesson runs about 2 hours total, and it follows a structure that makes sense for learning fast without burning you out.

You’ll spend 20–30 minutes on the beach with instructors. This is where you get the basics that actually help once you’re paddling out: how to handle the board, how to position yourself, and what to pay attention to right away. For a first surf lesson, this is the useful kind of instruction—enough to understand what you’re trying to do, not so much that you only watch other people.

After that, the schedule shifts gears. The remaining time is yours to practice and have fun with the surfboards provided. That practice block is the difference between a lesson that feels like a class and one that feels like progress.

In-Water Coaching Time: When It Clicks

Here’s the part most people care about: you’ll be with instructors in the water for 50–60 minutes. That’s the main coaching window, and it’s long enough to correct mistakes you’ll likely repeat at the start—like where you’re looking, how you’re paddling, or how you’re getting set up for a ride.

You also get a benefit from the overall lesson flow: beach training doesn’t feel theoretical because it’s followed by time in the water while you’re still in the same learning mode. That’s how you end up improving quicker than you would if the lesson were mostly lecture.

One name that comes up is Nico, described as awesome and down to earth. That kind of coaching style matters because surfing can get tense fast, especially in a group. A calmer, grounded instructor helps you stay focused on what your body is doing instead of panicking about getting it wrong.

Foam Boards and Safety Rules That Affect Your Learning

For group lessons, they use 8- and 9-foot foam top surfboards. The key detail is that fiberglass boards aren’t allowed in group lessons due to safety reasons.

Why that’s valuable to you: foam boards generally make it easier to balance and recover. In a group setting, the goal is to keep everyone moving toward standing and riding instead of struggling on equipment that’s less forgiving for beginners.

Board length also matters. An 8- or 9-foot board gives you more surface to work with while you’re learning the fundamentals. That can make the difference between spending your time worrying about staying on top versus actually practicing the steps that lead to a ride.

Practice Time: Your Window to Improve Without Pressure

After the instructor-led beach training and the in-water coaching block, you’ll have more time to practice your skills and have fun with the boards provided.

This is where you start to develop muscle memory. You’ll likely repeat the same setup and paddling actions several times, then slowly get better at the small things you were told to watch for. Even if you don’t nail every ride, the practice time keeps the session from feeling like a one-and-done attempt.

And because the lesson is only about two hours total, the practice doesn’t drag. You’re learning, coaching, then learning again—without a huge gap where your brain has time to overthink.

Group Size, Combined Participants, and What That Means for You

This is a group lesson for up to 6 people, and you may be combined with other participants. The overall maximum is 12 travelers for the activity.

That setup is usually best if:

• you’re okay sharing instruction time with a few other people
• you want a social, active environment
• you’re learning beginner basics and can take feedback in short bursts

A possible drawback is that individual attention won’t be as intense as a private lesson. If you know you’ll need hands-on help for specific issues—like anxiety in the water or difficulty with coordination—you should weigh whether group learning will feel motivating or frustrating.

Also, the lesson requires moderate physical fitness and basic swimming skills. If you’re not comfortable swimming, this activity may feel challenging fast. The water time is a big part of the lesson, so comfort matters.

Who This Santa Monica Surf Lesson Fits Best

This lesson is aimed at beginner-intermediate students. It’s also designed for people who can handle water time and follow instruction while staying aware of what everyone else is doing nearby.

It’s a solid match if you’re:

• new to surfing and want coaching fast
• improving your fundamentals and want more time actually practicing
• comfortable swimming and can move at a steady pace in the ocean

It might not be the best match if:

• you’re looking for a private, one-on-one coaching style
• you’re under the minimum age of 12
• you’re not confident in basic swimming

Price and Value: Does $69 Make Sense?

At $69 per person for an approximately 2-hour experience, you’re paying for structured learning plus a real chunk of supervised water time.

Here’s why the value can be strong:

• You get 20–30 minutes of beach instruction (the fundamentals)
• Then you get 50–60 minutes in the water with instructors (the skill-building)
• The rest of the time becomes practice time on boards provided

The biggest value driver isn’t just the price tag. It’s the coaching-to-practice ratio. If a lesson is mostly classroom time, you don’t leave feeling like you moved forward. With this format, you’re more likely to leave with clearer takeaways and a better sense of what to work on next.

That also links to the equipment safety choice. Using foam boards instead of fiberglass for group lessons is part of why this can work well at the beginner stage.

If Venice Beach Is More Your Style (Starting March 15)

There’s also a note that regular group surf lessons in Venice Beach are available starting March 15. If your schedule is tighter on the Santa Monica side, or you’re already planning to spend time around Venice, it may be worth checking that option for a similar group format.

Should You Book This 2-Hour Group Surf Lesson?

Book it if you want:

• a short, focused lesson that’s heavy on in-water coaching
• a beginner-friendly board setup with 8- and 9-foot foam boards
• a group vibe that’s social but still structured

Consider skipping or switching formats if you:

• need lots of individual attention (group combined with other participants)
• don’t meet the basic requirement of basic swimming skills
• are younger than 12

If you’re ready for a real practice session—beach tips, then real time in the water—this looks like a strong value way to start surfing in Santa Monica.

FAQ

What is the price of the Santa Monica 2-hour group surf lesson?

It costs $69.00 per person.

How long is the lesson?

The lesson lasts about 2 hours.

What is the time breakdown for instruction?

You’ll get 20–30 minutes of training on the beach, followed by 50–60 minutes with instructors in the water. The remaining time is for practice.

What surfboards are used?

The lesson uses 8- and 9-foot foam top surfboards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in group lessons due to safety reasons.

How old do you have to be to join?

The minimum age is 12 years old.

Do I need swimming experience?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required.

What fitness level is needed?

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

How big is the group?

The lesson is for up to 6 people, and you may be combined with other participants. The activity has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where does the lesson start and end?

It starts at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA, and ends back at the meeting point.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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