2-Hour Private Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

Venice Beach can be a noisy, public place, but this lesson takes you to a quieter part of the beach for two hours of private coaching. You get instruction on land, then work in the water with a coach focused on your ability rather than a large class moving at one pace.

I like the included surfboard and wetsuit, since you do not need to arrange basic gear separately. I also like the tailored approach: Jonathan has helped a self-taught surfer correct long-standing problems on a short board, while also patiently guiding a parent and son through their first waves. The main drawback is simple: surfing takes real physical effort, and conditions depend on good weather.

Key points to know

• Private instruction: Only your group takes part, so the lesson can match your skill and pace.
• Land work before water time: You learn key movements and positioning before heading into the surf.
• Jonathan’s patient coaching: His instruction has helped both first-timers and surfers trying to fix stubborn habits.
• Remote section of Venice Beach: The lesson is held away from the busiest parts of the beach.
• Gear is included: A surfboard and wetsuit are provided, but photos cost extra.
• Flexible skill level: The class accepts complete beginners through advanced surfers, with a minimum age of seven.

A private start at Venice Beach

The lesson begins at 20 Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica, California. From there, Fun Surf LA organizes the private session at a quieter part of Venice Beach, giving you a more focused setting than a large public class.

The private format matters most if you are nervous, learning with a child, or trying to correct habits picked up through self-teaching. Instead of waiting for an instructor to circle back to you, you have one coach working with your group throughout the full two hours.

You should arrive ready for a physical activity, not a casual beach demonstration. The stated fitness requirement is moderate, which is a fair warning. You will be standing, paddling, balancing, and repeatedly getting back on the board. The lesson is suitable for many ability levels, but surfing still asks plenty from your legs, arms, and core.

The experience ends back at the meeting point. No separate transport or beach transfer is listed, so pay close attention to the meeting instructions when you book.

The land lesson comes first

Before you head into the water, the instructor gives you detailed practice on land. This is one of the most useful parts of the session, especially for a first lesson.

You can work on board position, balance, and the movement needed to get from lying down to standing. These actions feel simple when explained, but small mistakes can make a major difference once the board is moving. Practicing first gives you a chance to understand the sequence without also dealing with waves, water, and nerves.

I especially like this structure for families and complete beginners. A parent and son can receive the same basic explanation, then get help at the right level once practice begins. The private setting also means the coach can slow down, repeat an instruction, or adjust the lesson when one person needs more time.

For a more experienced surfer, the land portion can be just as valuable. One surfer who had spent two years trying to teach himself on a six-foot short board made major progress after a single session. That points to a useful role for private coaching: it can identify a faulty stance or timing habit that is hard to notice when you practice alone.

You should not expect a long lecture. The purpose of the land work is to prepare you for actual surfing and give you a few clear points to remember once you are in the water.

Moving from practice to the water

After the land instruction, the coach continues helping you in the water. The program is adjusted to your skill and ability, so the exact balance between explanation, practice, and repetition will differ from one group to another.

A beginner may spend much of the water session learning how to position the board and respond to a wave. An experienced surfer may need less basic instruction and more direct help with timing, takeoff technique, or board control. The supplied details do not promise a particular number of waves or a specific surfing route, so you should view the lesson as coaching time rather than a guaranteed wave count.

That distinction helps set the right expectation. Surfing depends on conditions, timing, and your own comfort in the water. A private instructor can improve your chances and help you understand what to do, but no lesson can promise that every attempt will work.

Jonathan receives especially strong praise for being patient and fun while still giving useful correction. One student who had struggled to catch waves on a short board said the session helped them finally drop in and catch waves in the proper way. That is a specific benefit, not just a general claim that the lesson was enjoyable.

For a beginner, patience is more important than flashy instruction. You want a coach who can explain the same movement in another way when the first explanation does not click. For a returning surfer, you want someone willing to watch closely and point out why your current method is holding you back.

Why the private format is worth the $99

The price is $99 per person for about two hours. That is not the cheapest way to stand on a surfboard, but the value comes from the one-on-one format and the amount of active coaching built into the session.

A large class can cost less per person, but your instructor’s attention is divided. Here, only your group participates. If you are sharing the lesson with family or friends, the private arrangement can also make the experience more relaxed and personal. Group discounts are available, though the supplied details do not give the discount amount.

The board and wetsuit are included, which improves the practical value. You do not need to add separate rental costs for those basics. Photos are not included, so plan to go without a professional record of the session or check the arrangements before booking if pictures matter to you.

I would see the $99 as a sensible price for three kinds of people:

• A first-timer who wants close help instead of a busy group class
• A parent and child who want to learn together
• A surfer who has tried alone and needs specific corrections

It may be less appealing if you only want a quick introduction, prefer to practice independently, or are comparing the price with a basic board rental. This is a lesson, not simply beach equipment hire.

A good choice for families and mixed abilities

The minimum age is seven, making the lesson an option for families with children old enough to take instruction and handle a physically active class. A parent and son have used the session together, with the coach providing patient support and helping the parent catch several waves.

A private lesson works well when people in the same group have different abilities. One person may be standing for the first time while another has surfed before. The instructor can adapt the program rather than forcing everyone through identical drills.

Still, you should consider the demands of the activity before booking for a child. The information gives a minimum age and a moderate fitness requirement, but it does not provide a separate child-specific lesson format. If your child is close to the minimum age or has limited swimming or water confidence, ask Fun Surf LA for current guidance before paying.

The private setup also suits adults who feel awkward learning in front of strangers. You can make mistakes, ask basic questions, and repeat a movement without worrying about holding up a full class.

What Jonathan’s coaching style adds

The most praised part of this experience is the instructor’s manner. Jonathan is described as patient, fun, and effective, with communication that helps students feel comfortable.

Those qualities matter in surfing because the first successful ride often comes after several awkward attempts. A stern or rushed instructor can make you focus on embarrassment instead of balance. A patient coach gives you room to try, explains the correction, and keeps the session moving.

The feedback also suggests that Jonathan can work with more than one type of student. He has helped a parent and child enjoy a first experience, while also helping an adult surfer correct technique after a long period of self-teaching. That range is a strong reason to consider this class if your group includes different experience levels.

The provider is Fun Surf LA, and English is the listed language. Communication before the lesson is part of the experience too, so you should expect booking information and instructions in English.

What to bring and what not to expect

Your surfboard and wetsuit are included. That removes two of the main practical chores, especially if you are visiting Santa Monica and do not have beach equipment with you.

The supplied details do not list towels, swimwear, sunscreen, water, or a change of clothes as included items. I would plan your personal beach essentials accordingly, without assuming the provider supplies them. You should also allow time to change after the lesson if you have plans immediately afterward.

Photos are specifically not included. If you want pictures, ask about current options before the session rather than assuming an instructor or photographer will be present.

The activity is offered in English only. It is also mobile-ticket friendly, which makes it easy to keep the booking on your phone, but you still need to know the meeting address and local start time.

Weather, timing, and cancellation

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause the lesson to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off follows local time.

That policy is fairly clear, but it makes advance planning important. Check the forecast before your final day, especially if your Santa Monica schedule is tight. The experience is often booked about 21 days ahead, so reserving early may help you get the time you want. At the same time, avoid booking it as the one fixed centerpiece of a short trip if a weather change would disrupt your plans.

Who should book this lesson

I would recommend this experience to a beginner who wants direct help, a family with a child aged seven or older, or an intermediate surfer who has developed bad habits through solo practice.

It is also a good match for a small group that values privacy. You get two hours with one instructor and do not have to share the class with unrelated participants.

I would be more cautious if you are looking for a guaranteed number of rides, professional photos, or a low-cost rental. The lesson is built around coaching, not souvenirs or unlimited equipment time. You also need moderate physical fitness and reasonable comfort with an active beach session.

Should you book the Venice Beach private lesson?

Book it if you want a personal introduction to surfing, especially if close coaching matters more to you than the lowest price. The land instruction, included gear, remote beach setting, and patient guidance from Jonathan give the session a clear purpose beyond simply renting a board.

The strongest case is for someone who has tried surfing alone and keeps making the same mistakes. One well-timed correction can save you many frustrating sessions. Families also have a good reason to choose it, since the private format lets a parent and child learn together without the pressure of a large class.

Skip it if you only want a casual equipment rental or cannot commit to a physically demanding two-hour activity. For everyone else, $99 is a reasonable investment in focused instruction, provided the weather cooperates and you book with the 24-hour cancellation rule in mind.

FAQ

Where does the surfing lesson meet?

The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401.

Where does the surfing lesson take place?

The lesson takes place at a remote part of Venice Beach.

How long does the lesson last?

The private surfing lesson lasts about two hours.

Is the lesson private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What equipment is included?

A surfboard and wetsuit are included.

Are photos included?

No. Photos are not included in the price.

What age is required to participate?

The minimum age is seven years old.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.