2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

Santa Monica’s broad beginner-friendly setup makes this two-hour surf lesson a sensible first try. You start with 20 to 30 minutes of instruction on the beach, move into 50 to 60 minutes in the water with the instructor, then keep practicing with the provided board. I like that the lesson does not end the moment the formal teaching does.

I also like the $69 price, which covers a full two hours and equipment, and the safety choice of 8- and 9-foot foam boards. The main catch is the group format: you will share the lesson with other people, and the instruction suits beginners and beginner-intermediate surfers rather than advanced riders.

Key points to know before you book

• Beach instruction comes first: Expect 20 to 30 minutes of shore-based training before entering the water.
• Water time is substantial: You get about 50 to 60 minutes with the instructor in the ocean.
• Practice time follows the lesson: The remaining time is yours to work on the skills you have learned.
• Foam boards are required: Group lessons use 8- and 9-foot foam boards, not fiberglass boards.
• The minimum age is 12: You also need basic swimming skills and moderate physical fitness.
• The group setup matters: The lesson is for up to six people, while the overall activity maximum is listed as 12.

Starting at 20 Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica

Your meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, California 90401. The activity ends back at this same location, which keeps the day simple. You do not need to arrange a second pickup point or figure out where the lesson finishes.

The location is near public transportation, another useful feature if you are staying without a car. The supplied details do not specify a particular station, bus route, changing room, or parking arrangement, so I would not build a tight schedule around those details without checking locally.

The booking confirmation arrives at the time of purchase. That helps if you are planning around a short stay, though this activity is often booked about nine days ahead. If your dates are fixed, booking earlier is sensible, especially if you need a particular start time.

The experience is offered in English. Fun Surf LA provides the lesson and the boards, but the details do not state that wetsuits, lockers, towels, or changing facilities are included. Ask about those items before you arrive rather than assuming they come with the $69 fee.

The first 20 to 30 minutes: learning on the beach

The lesson begins away from the waves. This is where the instructor can explain the basic movements and let you get comfortable with the board before you deal with moving water.

For a first lesson, this shore time matters. Surfing asks you to combine balance, timing, paddling, and body position all at once. A clear explanation on land gives you a chance to understand the sequence before the water adds its own noise and motion.

The exact teaching topics are not listed, so I would expect general beginner instruction rather than a tailored coaching session for advanced technique. That is appropriate for the advertised level, which runs from beginner to beginner-intermediate.

The group structure also shapes this opening session. You may be combined with other participants, and the class can include up to six people. That means the instructor’s attention is shared, though it also gives you a small group setting rather than a completely private lesson.

The boards are 8 or 9 feet long and have foam tops. Those boards are designed for group lessons because they are more forgiving and safer around other beginners than fiberglass boards. They should also offer the stability a new surfer needs while learning to stand and balance.

50 to 60 minutes with the instructor in the water

After the beach briefing, you spend about 50 to 60 minutes in the water with the instructor. This is the most structured part of the activity, and it gives you a real chance to test the movements you just learned.

I like the balance here. The lesson is not all theory, but it also does not push you straight into the ocean without preparation. Nearly an hour of guided water time is enough to make the $69 fee feel more useful than a simple board rental.

Your progress will depend on conditions, comfort in the water, and how quickly your body responds to the instruction. The activity requires basic swimming skills, so you should be comfortable handling yourself in the water before booking. This is not a good choice for someone who cannot swim or who is uneasy in ocean conditions.

The instructor’s exact name is not provided for the booking, although the experience is operated by Fun Surf LA. One review specifically praised an instructor named Nico for being down to earth and helping make the session feel valuable. If Nico is leading your lesson, you can expect a relaxed teaching style based on that feedback, but instructor assignments can vary.

The instruction is aimed at getting beginners moving, not at turning you into a polished surfer in one morning. You may learn how to position yourself, catch a wave, and get upright, but the information does not promise advanced coaching or a private performance review. That honest limit is worth keeping in mind.

The final practice period is part of the value

Once the formal water instruction is finished, you have the remaining time to practice and have fun with the provided board. This is a strong feature for anyone who wants more than a short demonstration.

The schedule adds up to about two hours. With 20 to 30 minutes on the beach and 50 to 60 minutes in the water with the instructor, you should have a final period for independent practice. The exact length can change because the listed times are approximate.

This last portion may be the moment when the lesson begins to feel personal. You can repeat the basic movement, work on balance, and try to apply the instructor’s advice without waiting for a full new explanation each time. It also gives you a chance to enjoy the beach without being watched every second.

The tradeoff is that independent practice is less structured. If you need constant coaching, you may prefer a private lesson or a longer course, though neither is offered here according to the supplied details. For a low-cost introduction, I think the chance to continue using the board is a fair bonus.

Why the foam board rule is important

Group lessons use 8- and 9-foot foam-top boards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in this class because of safety concerns.

That rule tells you something useful about the lesson. The school is setting up the equipment for shared water space and first-time surfers, not for speed or high-level performance. Foam boards are typically more forgiving when you are learning basic balance, and the longer shape should help you stay stable.

You should not bring your own fiberglass board and expect to use it in the class. The equipment policy is clear. If you are already comfortable on a smaller hard board, this lesson may feel basic, but it is still aimed at beginner and beginner-intermediate levels.

The board is provided for the lesson, which is important when judging the price. At $69 per person, you are paying for instruction, board use, and the full two-hour format rather than just access to the beach.

Group size, pace, and personal attention

This is not a private session. The group lesson is designed for up to six people, and you will be combined with other participants. The activity also lists a maximum of 12 people overall, so it is worth asking how that maximum relates to the teaching group when you book.

A six-person teaching group can work well for a first lesson. You get the energy of learning with others, but the class remains smaller than a large clinic. The downside is simple: every minute the instructor spends with someone else is a minute not spent correcting your own technique.

Your experience may also move at the pace of the group. Some people may stand quickly, while others need more attempts. A patient beginner can benefit from watching those different learning speeds, but anyone seeking fast, highly personal coaching should consider the shared format carefully.

The lesson is for people aged 12 and older. The minimum age makes this suitable for older children, teenagers, and adults, provided they have basic swimming skills and moderate physical fitness. There is no upper age limit stated, so fitness and water comfort are more useful guides than age alone.

What the $69 price really buys

At $69 per person, this is a reasonably priced introduction to surfing. The cost includes a two-hour group lesson and the foam board used during the session. It also includes a significant block of guided water time, which is the part many first-time surfers most want.

The value is strongest if you are curious but not ready to commit to several lessons. You can try the sport, learn the basic approach, and still have time to practice before deciding if you want more.

The price is less compelling if you already surf confidently. The lesson is built around beginners and beginner-intermediate students, and the required foam boards are chosen for safety rather than advanced performance.

I also like that free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel inside that window, you do not receive a refund, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off uses local Santa Monica time, so check the exact deadline rather than relying on your own time zone.

Surfing depends on weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met, though you may also be offered a different experience.

Who should book this Santa Monica surf lesson

I would choose this for a first-time surfer who wants a real introduction without paying for a private class. It also fits someone with a little prior experience who wants a refresher and does not mind using a large foam board.

It works well for:

• People aged 12 or older with basic swimming skills
• Couples or friends happy to join a shared group
• Visitors who want a two-hour activity rather than a full-day surf program
• Beginners who value practice time after formal instruction
• People using public transportation near Santa Monica

I would think twice if you need a private instructor, advanced board technique, or a guaranteed individual schedule. The class is shared, the equipment is standardized, and the lesson level is clearly aimed at newer surfers.

The activity may also suit families with older children, but the booking details do not provide special child supervision beyond the 12-year minimum. Everyone should be comfortable following water instructions and managing a moderate level of physical effort.

Booking advice for a smoother morning or afternoon

Because the experience is often reserved about nine days before the date, do not leave a popular vacation date until the last minute. Confirmation arrives when you book, so keep that information handy for the meeting point and start time.

Wear what you can comfortably use for an ocean lesson, but confirm the equipment details with Fun Surf LA. The supplied information confirms the surfboards, but not wetsuits, towels, lockers, or changing areas.

Plan to arrive at 20 Bicknell Ave with enough time to locate the meeting point. Since the activity ends there, you can leave your wider sightseeing plan flexible after the lesson. Avoid scheduling an important timed attraction immediately afterward because the two-hour duration is approximate and weather can affect the day.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Those details may help with planning, though the provided information does not explain how a service animal can safely remain near the water during instruction. If that applies to you, contact the provider before booking.

Should you book the 2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica?

Book it if you want a fairly priced first taste of surfing, can swim, and are happy to share instruction. The strongest parts are the 20 to 30 minutes of beach training, nearly an hour of guided water time, and the extra practice period with a provided foam board.

Skip it if you want private coaching, advanced surfing, or a hard board. The class has a clear beginner focus and a shared pace. For most first-timers aged 12 and up, though, the structure is sensible, the cancellation terms are useful, and $69 buys more than a quick lesson followed by an immediate trip back to shore.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson meet?

The lesson meets at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the surf lesson last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours.

How much beach instruction is included?

You receive about 20 to 30 minutes of training on the beach before entering the water.

How long do I spend with the instructor in the water?

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

Is practice time included after the formal lesson?

Yes. The remaining time is yours to practice and have fun with the provided surfboards.

What type of surfboard is provided?

Group lessons use 8- and 9-foot foam-top surfboards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in group lessons.

What age do I need to be?

The minimum age is 12 years old.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required, along with a moderate level of physical fitness.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.