2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Venice Beach

The best part of this two-hour surf lesson is the generous water time. You get 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, about 50 to 60 minutes with an instructor in the water, and then time to keep practicing with the provided board. That gives you a real chance to stand up, not just hear a talk and pose beside a surfboard.

I like the 8 and 9-foot foam boards, which are stable and forgiving for first-timers. I also like the patient, hands-on teaching, with instructors such as Keanu and Thiem helping beginners catch waves and offering clear timing advice. The main thing to consider is that this is a shared lesson, so personal attention can vary, and basic swimming ability is required.

Key points before you book

• Water time is built into the lesson: Plan on 50 to 60 minutes with an instructor in the surf.
• Foam boards keep things beginner-friendly: Group lessons use 8 and 9-foot foam boards for safety and stability.
• Instructors focus on first successful rides: Keanu and Thiem have helped complete beginners stand and catch waves.
• The group can include up to 12 people: You’ll be learning alongside other participants unless the session happens to be small.
• Wetsuits are provided: This matters on chilly Santa Monica days, when staying warm makes practice much easier.
• The age minimum is 12: You need basic swimming skills and a moderate level of physical fitness.

Meeting at 20 Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica

Your lesson begins at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, and returns to that same meeting point. The location is near public transportation, which is useful if you are staying in Santa Monica and do not want to arrange a car.

The experience is described as a Venice Beach surf lesson, but the listed meeting point is in Santa Monica. Check your booking details carefully for the exact local beach setup and any day-of directions. That small bit of planning can save time when you are carrying a board, wearing a wetsuit, and trying to arrive ready for the water.

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity is offered in English. The lesson is capped at 12 people, which is a manageable group size for a shared class. It is not a private coaching session, though. You will be combined with other people at beginner and beginner-intermediate levels.

That mix can work well. A first-time surfer gets the basics, while someone with a little experience can polish timing and balance. The tradeoff is simple: your instructor must divide attention among the group. If you want every wave and every correction tailored to you, the operator also offers private lessons.

The first 20 to 30 minutes on the beach

The lesson starts on dry land with roughly 20 to 30 minutes of instruction. This is where you learn the basic body position, how to handle the board, and what to do when a wave approaches.

Do not dismiss this part as filler. Surfing has several moving pieces, and a short beach lesson lets you rehearse them without a wave pushing you around. You can focus on where to place your hands, how to rise, and how to keep your balance before you enter the water.

For a first lesson, this preparation is especially useful. The instructors work with students who may never have surfed before, including older beginners. One successful session included first-time surfers in their late 40s and early 50s, both of whom managed to get up on their boards with help from instructor Keanu.

That example also tells you something practical: you do not need to arrive as a young athlete to enjoy the lesson. You do need a moderate physical fitness level, and getting from lying down to standing on a moving board takes effort. Expect to work your arms, legs, and core.

About an hour in the water with an instructor

The heart of the experience is the 50 to 60 minutes spent in the water with the teaching team. This is where an instructor can help you choose the right moment, push you into a suitable wave, and correct your stance as you learn.

Timing is one of the hardest parts of surfing. A beginner can paddle too early, too late, or with the board pointed in the wrong direction. Good instruction turns that confusion into a few simple cues. Keanu was praised for helping two complete beginners catch waves at the right time, which is exactly the kind of assistance that can make a first lesson work.

You should not expect to master surfing in one session. You can, however, aim for a first stand-up ride. That moment is a sensible goal because it gives you a clear measure of progress without pretending that two hours creates an experienced surfer.

The group format means the instructor may work with one person while you wait for your turn. This is normal for a shared surf class. Your water time still includes direct instruction, but the exact amount of one-on-one coaching depends on the group and the day.

The class size limit of 12 helps keep things from becoming unwieldy. If fewer people book, you may receive more attention. One chilly-weather session had only two students, which effectively made it a private lesson while keeping the group booking price.

Foam boards, wetsuits, and what to wear

The group lesson uses 8 and 9-foot foam-top surfboards. These boards are larger and more stable than short fiberglass boards, making them a sensible choice for learning. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in group lessons because of safety concerns.

The large foam board may feel awkward at first, especially when you carry it or turn it in the water. That extra size is helpful once you are trying to balance. A beginner needs a platform that forgives small mistakes, and these boards provide more stability than a narrow performance board.

Wetsuits are provided. That is an important benefit because the water and air can feel chilly, even when the sun is out. A properly fitted wetsuit lets you spend more time practicing instead of thinking about the cold. One practical tip is to wear your swimsuit under your clothes, since changing into the wetsuit takes place in the parking lot.

Bring a towel. That advice comes directly from the practical realities of the lesson, and you will be glad to have one afterward. The activity information confirms that boards are supplied, but it does not list every personal item you may want, so keep your own packing simple and useful.

How the lesson works for complete beginners

This class is aimed at beginner and beginner-intermediate surfers. You do not need prior surf experience, and the teaching style is built around getting you comfortable with the basic motions.

If you have never surfed, your first few attempts may involve paddling, missing waves, standing briefly, and starting over. That is not failure. It is the normal learning curve. The instructor’s job is to help you recognize a workable wave and make the next attempt better.

The strongest part of the instruction appears to be its practical focus. Beginners have been helped to catch waves, rather than simply being shown how to stand on a board on the sand. Instructors named in the feedback include Keanu and Thiem, along with a patient Argentine instructor whose name was not recorded.

Thiem was singled out for being helpful during a first lesson on a cold day. That matters because a calm instructor can make the difference between feeling rushed and feeling willing to try again. Surfing requires repeated attempts, and clear encouragement helps you stay with it.

The minimum age is 12. A 12-year-old beginner received good instruction during a lesson, so the format can work for younger surfers within the age rule. Parents should still consider swimming ability, comfort in the ocean, and the physical demands of paddling and standing.

Your final practice time on the board

After the formal beach and water instruction, you have time to practice with the provided surfboard. The exact length of this free practice period depends on how the session runs, since the total activity lasts about two hours and the earlier segments are approximate.

This last portion is valuable because repetition is how the lesson starts to stick. You can try the same movement again, adjust your stance, and work on catching a wave without needing a fresh explanation each time.

Do not expect the water to become easy just because an instructor has shown you what to do. Your practice time is where you test the advice. Some people may stand several times, while others may spend the session getting comfortable with paddling and balance.

That range is one reason the experience suits both complete beginners and people with a little previous practice. You can treat it as a first taste of surfing or as a chance to regain confidence before taking another lesson.

What the $69 price really covers

At $69 per person, the price is fair for a two-hour group session that includes instruction, a surfboard, and a wetsuit. The value is strongest if you are starting from scratch and would otherwise need to figure out equipment and basic technique on your own.

You are paying for guided time in the water, not merely access to a board. That distinction matters. A board rental may give you equipment, but it will not tell you when to paddle, how to rise, or why the board keeps turning sideways.

The price also becomes more attractive when you consider the group limit of 12. This is not an enormous class, though it is still shared. If you need private coaching, the operator offers a separate private lesson, which is likely the better choice for close technical feedback.

The booking pattern suggests that people reserve this experience well ahead of time, with an average booking lead time of 23 days. If your schedule is fixed, booking early is sensible. It is especially wise if you want a particular date, are traveling during a busy period, or need to coordinate the lesson with other Santa Monica plans.

Weather, cancellation, and simple planning

The activity requires suitable weather. If poor conditions cancel the lesson, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off uses local time, so check the clock before making a last-minute change.

I would plan to arrive with your swimsuit already on under your clothes, a towel packed, and enough time to find the meeting point. Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation. The activity is offered in English.

Who will enjoy this Santa Monica surf lesson

This is a good fit if you want an active two-hour introduction without committing to a full day of surf training. It works particularly well for:

• First-time surfers who want instruction before attempting waves
• Beginner-intermediate surfers who need a refresher
• Families with children age 12 and older who can swim
• Adults who are curious about surfing but do not want an intense private course
• Friends who want a shared activity near Santa Monica and Venice Beach

It may not suit you if you dislike group instruction, need extensive personal coaching, or are uncomfortable in the water. The basic swimming requirement is important. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be able to manage yourself in the water.

The lesson also requires some physical effort. Getting up repeatedly, paddling, and handling a large board can tire you out. A moderate fitness level is the stated expectation, and that is a sensible one.

Should you book the 2-hour group lesson?

I would book this if your main goal is to try surfing with real instruction and give yourself a reasonable chance of standing on a wave. The combination of foam boards, wetsuits, direct water coaching, and free practice gives you more than a quick photo opportunity.

The best value comes when you arrive with modest expectations. You may stand up more than once, or you may spend most of the session learning balance and timing. Either way, you will get a useful introduction to the sport.

Choose a private lesson instead if you want every minute focused on your technique. Choose the group lesson if you like learning with others, want to keep the cost at $69, and are happy to share the instructor’s attention.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson begin?

The lesson begins at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, California 90401.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the lesson last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours.

How much time is spent on the beach?

The opening instruction on the beach lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

How much time is spent in the water with instructors?

You spend approximately 50 to 60 minutes in the water with the instructors.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. Group lessons use 8 and 9-foot foam-top surfboards, and wetsuits are provided.

Can I use a fiberglass board during the group lesson?

No. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in group lessons for safety reasons.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years old.

Do I need swimming experience?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required.

How many people can join the lesson?

The activity has a maximum of 12 participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.