Los Angeles: Private Surfing Lesson

Surf coaching on your own schedule works.

This private Los Angeles lesson gets you out on the water with a certified instructor, usually at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo/Torrance. I like that it’s fully customized to you, so a first-timer can build confidence step by step, and an intermediate surfer can work on specific tweaks without getting lost in a big group.

Two things I really like: you get a true land-to-water progression (popping up on the sand, then into the surf), and you’re hanging out in the Venice Beach orbit afterward, where the people-watching alone can feel like part of the experience. One consideration: you do need basic swimming ability, and conditions can shift the timing since the coast decides when it’s swimmable enough.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Private 2-hour coaching tailored to your level, beginner to intermediate
• Venice Beach and nearby LA spots like Santa Monica Beach or Redondo/Torrance
• Wetsuit + surfboard included, so you show up ready
• On-land instruction first, including pop-up technique and ocean basics
• Safety teaching that matters, then more time in the water to practice

The Real Payoff: Private Coaching in Real LA Surf Conditions

I’m a big fan of lessons that don’t treat you like a passenger. This one is set up so the instructor can watch what you do, correct what’s off, and help you try again quickly. That matters because surfing is learn-by-doing, not learn-by-reading.

The lesson is built around a straightforward flow: training on the sand, then time in the water. If you’re brand-new, you get the fundamentals in a calmer setting before you’re asked to time everything while waves are doing their thing. If you already surf, the structure still helps because you can focus on one or two key changes instead of getting scattered feedback.

You also get language support. The instructor speaks English and Spanish, which helps a lot if you’re more comfortable asking follow-up questions instead of just hoping you understood the wave talk.

Meeting in Santa Monica: Easy Start, Clear Setup

The meeting point is at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave). When you pull in, turn right, and look for the white Ford E-250 van or the blue Surf School bus. The instructor meets you there, which cuts down on the usual chaos of trying to guess who’s with the group.

Once you’re checked in, you’ll get outfitted before you hit the beach. You don’t have to wrestle gear logistics while you’re excited and slightly nervous. Your belongings are stored securely in a locked surf school van, so you can focus on getting ready.

You should plan to come with the basics already thought through: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. The day runs smoother when you arrive able to change quickly and get your mind on the lesson instead of solving a last-minute outfit problem.

Getting Fitted: Wet Suit Comfort and Board Choice

Before you step down to the sand, you’ll get a wet suit and surfboard. The boards are listed as 8 and 9 foot, which is a practical detail for early learning and stability. Longer boards generally help you stay balanced while you learn to pop up and catch waves, so the equipment lines up with the goal of building confidence.

A wet suit also helps you stay out longer and feel less beat up. Even if the air feels warm, the water can still be chilly enough to make you rush. The better you feel physically, the more you’ll actually practice.

This is also when you should mentally switch from sightseeing mode to coaching mode. You can enjoy the vibe later, but right now you’re preparing your body for repeated tries: paddle out, turn your board, align your stance, and do it again.

On the Sand First: Pop-Up Technique and Ocean Basics

The land portion is where beginners often breathe easier. You’ll learn the mechanics of popping up on the board and you’ll get coached on positioning so you’re not just guessing. Even if you’ve tried before, working on the sand can tighten up your timing and reduce sloppy habits you might not realize you’re repeating.

Your instructor also covers important ocean education during the training. You’ll get the basics about how the water behaves and what you’re looking for so you can make better wave decisions instead of chasing random swells. This part is useful for everyone, since even experienced surfers benefit when they’re reminded what to watch for and how to respond.

Then comes safety, which is the part that keeps the lesson from turning into a series of lucky moments. You’ll learn the safety basics and the rules that keep you and other surfers safer in the lineup. In LA surf, respect for the set and the space between boards is everything.

Into the Water: More Time Than You’d Think

After the on-land coaching, you get the best payoff: time in the ocean with your instructor. This is where private lessons earn their keep, because you aren’t waiting your turn behind a crowd. You get to practice, get corrected, and keep moving forward.

Depending on your level, you might go straight to the lineup or you might get an extended training session first. If you’re a true beginner, that extra sand time can save you from feeling overwhelmed in the water. If you’re intermediate, it can still sharpen your focus, letting you work on one or two high-impact fixes instead of throwing everything at the wave.

Expect the instructor to guide you on what to do with your body and your timing. Surfing rewards small adjustments, and that’s exactly what a coach can help you see in the moment. Your goal isn’t just to catch a wave once. It’s to catch more waves with better control, so you feel the progress.

After the Lesson: Public Shower and Venice Beach Energy

When the session ends, you follow your instructor to an outdoor public shower to rinse off. That’s a practical touch that makes your day easier, especially if you plan to keep exploring after you dry off and change.

Then you’re in the Venice Beach zone. The lesson includes time to hang out with the eccentric local scene at Venice Beach, which is a fun contrast to the focused energy of surfing. You can watch surfers head back out, check out the street performers, and get a feel for why this stretch of coast attracts such a mix of people year after year.

If you’re coming to LA to do more than one “activity,” this lesson works because it’s not just one closed loop. It’s connected to a place with real personality, and you get that immediate, sun-and-salt context.

Price and Value: Why 99 Per Person Can Make Sense

At $99 per person, the big value is that the essentials are included. You’re getting a wetsuit and surfboard as part of the price. If you’ve ever tried to piece that together separately in a surf shop, you know it adds up fast. You’re also paying for professional coaching time, which is what most people struggle to replicate with rentals alone.

For a private format, $99 can feel reasonable because you’re buying instruction that’s focused on you. In a group lesson, you can spend time waiting while others get adjusted. Here, the lesson pacing can be slower or faster based on you, so your practice time stays meaningful.

Also, you can book for one or two people, which can improve value if you’re traveling with a friend who wants the same coaching. You’d still be getting private attention, not just splitting an overall group experience.

Who This Lesson Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This lesson is designed for beginner or intermediate surfers. If you’ve always wanted to surf but didn’t know where to start, you’ll likely love the step-by-step structure: equipment, sand training, then ocean practice. If you’ve already surfed, you’ll still benefit from targeted safety and technique feedback.

You do need basic swimming ability. That’s not optional here because you’re going to be in the water for real practice, and you should feel comfortable handling yourself. If you’re not confident in the ocean, you may want to build that comfort first.

Age-wise, it’s not suitable for children under 7. If you’re traveling with younger kids, this won’t be the right fit.

Beaches Used: Venice, Santa Monica, and Redondo/Torrance

One of the nice things about this lesson is that it doesn’t pin you to only one spot. You can meet for instruction at world-famous Venice Beach or Santa Monica Beach, with another option at Redondo/Torrance Beach.

In practical terms, that flexibility helps match conditions. Surf is weather-dependent, and the coast can change quickly. Having multiple beach options means the operator can choose the place that offers the best chance of a solid learning session.

The downside is that you might not know the exact beach until closer to the day, and your “I planned my day around this view” brain may need to stay flexible. If you’re doing other sightseeing, keep buffer time so the surf plan doesn’t squeeze the rest of your schedule.

Weather Reality: When the Ocean Makes the Call

Surf and weather can force changes. The lesson can be rescheduled or canceled based on conditions, and you’ll be contacted the day before if that happens. That’s standard for surf instruction, but it does affect how you plan your LA schedule.

My advice: if you can, avoid stacking high-stakes plans right next to your lesson. Put it in a window where rescheduling won’t mess up your whole day. If you’re traveling from out of town, this approach saves you from that annoying feeling of trying to rebook the same day because the ocean had opinions.

Should You Book This Private Surf Lesson?

Book it if you want a focused, confidence-building experience without guessing your way through your first attempts. The mix of land coaching, safety teaching, and real time in the water is exactly what most people need to move from awkward paddling to at least a few good rides.

Don’t book it if you can’t do basic swimming or you’re bringing a child under 7. Also, if your schedule is rigid to the minute, keep your flexibility expectations realistic because surf conditions can change.

If you’re in LA and you want an authentic Southern California surf moment that still feels manageable, this private lesson hits the sweet spot. You’ll leave with better skills, more comfort in the water, and a stronger connection to Venice Beach than you’d get from watching it from the boardwalk.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson meet?

You’ll meet at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave.

What beaches could the lesson take place on?

The lesson meets at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo/Torrance Beach.

How long is the lesson?

It’s a one-day activity, with a 2-hour private surf lesson.

Is this lesson private or shared?

It’s private. The booking can be for 1 or 2 people, and small groups are also available.

What equipment is included?

Surfboards (8 and 9 foot) and wetsuits are included.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming ability is required.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks English and Spanish.

What if the weather or surf conditions aren’t good?

The activity might be rescheduled or canceled based on surf and weather conditions, and you’ll be contacted the day before.

Can I cancel?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.