Two hours of surf confidence. This group lesson runs about 2 hours total, with 20–30 minutes of beach training and 50–60 minutes in the water, which is a great ratio for getting off the sand and onto actual waves. What I like most is the structured instruction (so you’re not just tossed into the ocean) and the use of 8- and 9-foot foam-top surfboards that fit beginner-intermediate learning.

The main thing to consider is that it’s a group lesson capped at 12 people, so you’ll share time and attention with others. It also requires basic swimming skills, moderate physical fitness, and good weather—if conditions aren’t right, plans may change.

Key Points Worth Knowing

• Beach coaching first, then real water time: you learn the basics on land before you’re out there practicing.
• Foam boards only (8- and 9-foot): safer, more stable for new riders than fiberglass boards.
• Wetsuits provided: helpful on cooler days when the ocean feels sharper than the forecast.
• Max group size of 12: small enough to feel guided, still a shared class.
• Beginners welcome, age 12+: good option if you or your kid is ready for the next step.
• You get leftover practice time: not every minute is a lecture.

Where You Meet: Santa Monica’s Address That Gets You In Quickly

You’ll start at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. This matters more than it sounds. A clear meeting spot cuts down on waiting, and a couple minutes saved before the beach session can make the whole lesson feel smoother.

It’s also listed as near public transportation, which is a plus if you don’t want to fight parking around the Venice/Santa Monica area. The lesson wraps back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck guessing how to get out after you’ve worked up a salt-slick glow.

One small practical note I picked up from the experience details: the vibe is “get ready fast.” People bring their gear and line up so you can move from prep into training without long delays.

The 2-Hour Plan: Beach Basics, Then 50–60 Minutes of Water

This lesson is built like a smart two-step. First you learn. Then you apply it immediately.

Beach training (about 20–30 minutes)

You’ll spend the early part of the session on the beach with instructors. This is where you get the fundamentals—how to handle the board, how to position yourself, and what to pay attention to so you don’t waste your practice time.

Why this is valuable: when you start surfing, the hardest part isn’t just balance. It’s timing and movement. A short coaching block on land helps you translate what you’re about to do in the water, instead of guessing.

In the water with instructors (about 50–60 minutes)

After that, you’re in the water with the instructors. That time window is the heart of the lesson. It’s long enough for you to catch multiple attempts, even if you’re still learning what feels right.

From the feedback, the instruction style seems focused on the timing of when to go and how to get into the right moment to catch a wave. New surfers remember this part most—because it’s where the learning stops being theoretical.

Remaining time: practice and fun

The rest of the two hours is yours to practice and have fun with the surfboards provided. In a good group class, you don’t want the schedule to feel like a series of short demos with little actual riding. Here, the design gives you room to try again and improve between waves.

Also, because group lessons combine participants, you’ll likely have a mix of skill levels. That’s not a downside by default—it often helps beginners feel less intimidated and gives you more chances to compare what works for different body types and comfort levels.

Boards and Wetsuits: Foam Top Safety Meets Real Comfort

Let’s talk gear, because it directly affects how fast you’ll feel confident.

Foam-top surfboards (8 and 9 feet)

For group lessons, the surfboards are 8 and 9-foot foam top boards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in group lessons due to safety reasons. That’s a good sign for a beginner-focused experience.

Why foam helps: it’s easier to balance, easier to paddle, and more forgiving when your stance isn’t perfect yet. It also makes early failures less discouraging because the board tends to support you while you learn.

Wetsuits provided (and a practical tip)

Wetsuits are provided, and they’re mentioned as fitting fine and keeping people warm—even when the day runs chilly. One useful detail from the experience: you’ll put your wetsuit on in the parking lot, so plan clothing that makes that easy.

If you want to keep things simple, bring a towel and wear your swimsuit under your clothes. It’s the kind of small move that makes the first 20 minutes feel calmer instead of frantic.

Skill Level, Age Rules, and Physical Demands (Read This Before You Go)

This lesson is aimed at beginner to intermediate surfers. If you’ve never stood up before, it can still work, but you’ll want to follow coaching closely and be willing to wipe out a few times.

Here’s what you must be comfortable with:

• Minimum age is 12 years old
• You need basic swimming skills
• You should have a moderate physical fitness level

That last part is mostly about paddling and getting back on the board. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need enough stamina to keep up with the rhythm of the class.

Who this fits best:

• A parent booking a first surf lesson for a teen (the minimum age matters here)
• Adults who want a structured intro and don’t want to jump straight into a solo lesson
• Friends who are both new (or one new and one slightly more experienced) and want coached time together

Group size is capped at 12 travelers, which helps keep things from turning into chaos. Still, you should expect a shared pace rather than one-on-one attention.

The Instructor Factor: Clear Guidance That Helps You Catch Waves

A huge part of your enjoyment will be the coaching style. In this class, the instruction shows up as “do this next” rather than “good luck.”

The feedback names a few instructors. Keanu is credited with guiding first-timers, helping people catch waves at the right time even when they’d never surfed at all before. Another instructor mentioned is Thiem, who helped both beginners and a second rider get up on boards, even on a colder day.

There’s also praise for patient teaching. One review mentions an instructor from Argentina who was patient, smiling, and pedagogical. That’s exactly what you want in a group class—because the first time you stand up, it’s equal parts fear, excitement, and coordination.

What you can take from this: if you show up ready to listen and try, you’re likely to leave feeling like you learned something specific, not just got wet.

Price and Value: Is $69 Worth It for Two Hours?

At $69 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t a bargain, but it also isn’t priced like a private lesson. For most people, the value comes from three things that are hard to fake:

1. Time in the water with instructors

Roughly 50–60 minutes is substantial. Short classes often feel like “setup and goodbye.” This keeps you actively practicing.

1. Beginners-friendly boards

The foam-top policy isn’t just a detail. It’s part of why the lesson is likely to feel safer and more learnable.

1. Gear support

Wetsuits are provided, and that removes a common early obstacle. If you’ve ever tried to learn surfing without the right gear, you know how much it can slow you down.

Also, because this is a group lesson, you’re paying for instruction shared across a class. That’s why it can be good value for first-timers—especially if you’re comfortable in a group setting and don’t require one-on-one coaching.

If you want maximum attention—say you’re nervous, traveling with someone who needs special pacing, or you’re aiming for faster skill progression—then a private lesson is the alternative mentioned. But for most first surf goals, this group format can be a solid start at a reasonable price point.

Weather and Timing: When the Ocean Decides the Plan

Surf lessons live on weather. This one is clearly tied to good conditions.

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered either a different date or a full refund. That’s important because cold, choppy, or otherwise unsafe conditions can turn learning into frustration.

Also, the experience uses foam boards and requires swimming basics, but the ocean still sets the terms. The smart move is to check the day’s conditions and arrive ready to adjust if you get a last-minute schedule change.

In general, this activity is booked about 23 days in advance on average, so if you’re planning around a trip date, don’t wait until the last minute.

What to Bring: Small Stuff That Makes Surf Day Easier

You don’t need a long shopping list. Still, bring the right basics so you can focus on learning.

From practical tips shared with the experience:

• Towel (bring one; it matters when you’re changing after you get out)
• Swimsuit under your clothes (faster wetsuit change)
• Wear clothing you don’t mind getting salty

Other “common sense” surf day items you might consider (not listed, but useful in reality): something for damp gear, and water for after. The key point is that the lesson gets you moving quickly, including wetsuit changes in the parking area.

Who Should Book This Surf Lesson (And Who Might Not)

Book this if:

• You’re a true beginner (or near-beginner) and want a structured first session
• You want real water time, not just shoreline coaching
• You’re traveling with a teen who meets the 12+ minimum age
• You’re comfortable sharing instruction in a class up to 12 people

You might look at another option if:

• You need one-on-one attention and feel like group pacing would be stressful
• You don’t meet the basic swimming requirement or you’re worried about the physical demand of paddling
• Your travel window is tight and you’re not comfortable with possible weather-related date changes

Final Verdict: Should You Book This 2-Hour Venice Beach Group Lesson?

For most first-timers, I think this is a good booking. The structure is clear—beach basics, a long stretch in the water, then practice time—and the coaching is consistently described as helpful. With foam-top boards, wetsuits provided, and instructors who help you time your ride, you’re set up to actually progress during the session rather than just getting drenched.

If you go in with realistic expectations and you can handle the requirements (swimming basics, moderate fitness, age rules), you’ll likely leave with that standout memory: the moment you feel stable, then you ride long enough to want another try.

FAQ

How long is the 2-hour group surf lesson?

The lesson lasts about 2 hours total.

Where do I meet for the lesson?

You meet at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

What’s the age minimum?

The minimum age is 12 years old.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required.

What kind of surfboards are used?

The lesson uses 8- and 9-foot foam top surfboards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed for group lessons.

Are wetsuits provided?

Yes. Wetsuits are provided, and they’re mentioned as fitting fine and helping keep people warm.

Is this lesson only for beginners?

It’s suitable for beginner to intermediate students.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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