Surfing is easier when someone’s watching closely. This private LA session pairs real Pacific Ocean practice with hands-on guidance, plus equipment rental. You’ll do it in Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach, with a coach who stays focused on you (or your whole family).

I especially like the true private setup. You’re not shuffled into a mixed group, so feedback lands fast and safety comes first. And in a recent booking, an instructor named Chad was noted for being super patient and clear, even helping an 8-year-old catch and ride waves.

The one drawback to plan for: you handle your own way to the beach and beach parking, and you’ll also bring your own towel and swimwear.

Key Things That Make This Surf Lesson Worth Your Time

• Dedicated instructor, no mixed students, so your progress doesn’t get diluted
• Board and full wetsuit rental included, which removes the hardest part of getting started
• A tight 2-hour structure with sand practice before you paddle out
• Step-by-step wave coaching, including tips after each attempt
• Multiple LA beach options across Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach
• Good fit for kids 4+ and families, with coaching that works when patience is required

Where You’ll Learn: Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach

This is a straightforward “show up and surf” experience, but you still get to choose your coastline. Lessons are taught at Santa Monica Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. Those are all classic LA surf zones, with plenty of shoreline around you for quick instruction and easy resets when you’re learning.

Meeting point can vary depending on what you book, so I’d plan to arrive a few minutes early and be ready for quick directions on where to meet your instructor. Once you’re there, the session moves fast: wetsuit, board fitting, then coaching starts right on the sand.

Private Coaching That Keeps You Safe and Moving

The biggest quality here is the coaching style. This is private instruction with a dedicated instructor, and you’re never mixed with other students. For beginners, that matters more than people expect. When you’re trying to coordinate paddling, balance, and the pop-up all at once, having one person watch your technique closely is the difference between learning and just getting tossed around by the ocean.

The lesson also emphasizes safety and confidence. Your instructor covers how to safely approach the ocean and how to paddle out. Then you get the mechanics: how to pop up on the board, how to balance, and how to ride waves all the way back to shore.

A quick note from the experience’s best recent reviews: kids tend to do well when the instructor is calm and instructional. One parent highlighted that Chad was super nice and patient and that their 8-year-old managed to surf some good waves. Another review praised an instructor for being very pedagogue-like and gentle with children, and said the kids didn’t notice time passing. That’s a good sign for families.

Equipment Rental That Makes First-Time Surf Feel Real

If you’ve ever tried to rent surf gear yourself, you know how annoying it can be. This lesson includes the equipment you need, so you can focus on learning instead of troubleshooting.

Included gear:

• Surfboards in multiple sizes (6ft–9ft)
• Full-body wetsuits in all sizes
• A surfboard leash

Wetsuits are tailored seasonally. Thicker wetsuits are used for non-summer months, which helps you stay comfortable longer without fighting cold too early. You’ll still want to bring sun protection and drink water, but the wetsuit takes care of the biggest comfort issue for most people.

The 2-Hour Flow: Sand Basics to Riding Waves

The session runs for 2 hours, and it’s structured so you’re not just standing around waiting for waves. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish.

1) Meet your instructor and get fitted

You meet your instructor at the beach and get fitted with a wetsuit and surfboard. Since you’ll be wearing a provided full-body wetsuit, you’ll want to come prepared with swimwear underneath. Expect a quick fit check so your gear feels secure and you can move easily.

2) Get set up with the basics on sand

Before you enter the water, you’ll practice fundamentals on the beach. This is where your instructor helps you get your bearings fast—especially for learning the pop-up and basic balance without ocean pressure.

3) Into the water for real coaching

Once you’re ready, you’ll head into the Pacific. The coach will walk you through:

• safely approaching the ocean
• paddling out
• the pop-up motion
• balancing on the board
• riding waves toward the sandy shore

4) Learn from feedback after each wave

This is a key part of the value. After each wave, you get tips and feedback from your instructor to improve. That means your next attempt is informed, not random.

5) Finish with LA surf culture

At the end, your instructor will help you learn how to throw a shaka—a small cultural touch, but also a fun way to close the loop after you’ve earned your first waves.

What to Bring: Small Items That Prevent Big Hassles

Don’t overthink it, but do bring the practical essentials. The activity lists:

• a hat
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• water

Your wetsuit will be provided, but you need swimwear to wear underneath it, plus your own towel for after. If you forget sunscreen, expect to spend extra time thinking about sunburn instead of surfing.

Also consider bringing dry clothes in your day bag. You’ll be wet, and you’ll want to warm up quickly after your surf session.

Price and Value: Is $149 Worth It?

At $149 per person for a 2-hour private lesson, this can feel like a “treat yourself” purchase. But compared with trying to figure out surfboards, wetsuits, and instruction on your own, the value is solid.

Here’s why:

• You get private coaching (not diluted across a mixed class).
• Equipment is included, including the board and full wetsuit plus leash. That alone removes a common hidden cost and hassle.
• The lesson is designed for progression. You learn the basics on sand first, then you practice in the ocean with feedback after each wave.

For beginners, and especially for kids, that coaching-and-feedback loop saves time. For families, private instruction can also be a better deal than it sounds if more than one person is going, because you can keep the focus on each rider.

Choosing a Time: Sunrise to Early Evening Sessions

Lessons are available every day from 6:00am to 6:00pm. That schedule is great because it gives you options based on your energy and the rest of your LA day.

If you want an easier start and less waiting around, an earlier slot can help you get surfing out of the way before the day gets busy. If you’d rather plan around naps and school schedules, you can pick later times too. Either way, the session duration stays the same: 2 hours of instruction and surf practice.

Best-Fit Crowd: Kids 4+, Adults, and Family Groups

This lesson is suitable for ages 4 and up. It isn’t suitable for children under 4. For families, it can work well because kids tend to progress best with patient, clear guidance—and the recent reviews reflect that kind of coaching.

It also works for adults at any level. If you’re brand new, the sand-to-water structure reduces intimidation. If you’ve tried once before, private feedback can help correct the small technique issues that stop you from catching waves consistently.

Group size is kept tight. Private lessons can be booked for groups of 1–6, with a stated student-to-instructor ratio of 3:1. That means you’re still getting small-group attention rather than a crowded lesson.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed as available, which is a good practical point to check for your exact needs when you book.

Potential Downsides and How to Plan Around Them

No experience is perfect, so here’s what to watch.

1) You provide transportation and parking

Your instruction covers the surf part, not getting there. You’ll need to handle your own way to the beach and beach parking if you drive.

2) You still need your own towel and swimsuit

The wetsuit and board are included, but you’ll need swimwear underneath and a towel for after. This is easy to miss if you pack like you’re going to a normal beach day.

3) Not for children under 4

If you’re traveling with a toddler, you’ll need an alternative activity for the younger child. The listed age suitability is 4+.

If you plan for these three, the rest is smooth: show up, gear up, learn, ride, repeat.

Should You Book This Private Surf Lesson?

If you’re looking for a fun LA surf experience with real learning built in, this is a strong choice. Book it if:

• you want private, dedicated coaching rather than a mixed class
• you’d rather not rent gear on your own
• you’re traveling with kids and want patient instruction
• you like a lesson that goes from sand basics to ocean waves with feedback after each attempt

I’d hesitate only if you’re set on avoiding beach logistics entirely. Since you’re responsible for getting to the beach and handling parking, it’s best if you’re comfortable with normal LA coastal driving and transit.

If that part doesn’t bother you, you’ll likely end the day feeling like you learned something real, not just stood on a board and hoped for the best. And if your instructor teaches you how to throw a shaka at the end, that’s a nice bonus that makes the whole thing feel distinctly LA.

FAQ

What’s included in the surf lesson package?

You get private surf instruction with a dedicated instructor, plus a surfboard rental, a full wetsuit rental, and a surfboard leash.

How long is the lesson?

The experience lasts 2 hours.

Where does the lesson take place?

Lessons are taught at Santa Monica Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Is this a group class or truly private?

It’s private. Students are never mixed with other students, and you can book for groups of 1–6.

What age is this lesson for?

It’s suitable for ages 4 and up, and it’s not suitable for children under 4.

What equipment sizes do you provide?

Surfboards are provided in sizes from 6ft to 9ft.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. You should bring swimwear to wear underneath the wetsuit and bring your own towel.

What should I bring besides swimwear and a towel?

Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water as well.

Do lessons happen all day?

Lessons are available daily from 6:00am to 6:00pm.

Is the instructor fluent in English?

Yes. The instruction is listed as English.

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