The 15 Best Surf Lessons in Los Angeles

1.Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 2 hours · from $69Our pick

Meet your English-speaking instructor at 20 Bicknell Ave, suit up, and learn to surf Venice Beach in a small group setting. You get a 30 to 40 minute beach lesson, about 40 minutes of coached ocean practice, free time to keep trying, a board, wetsuit, storage, and an outdoor rinse afterward.

“Was such a good time, really recommend! We had Ethan and Keanu who had really good pointers and were loads of fun. We booked a group lesson and it ended up being just myself and my partner with two instructors, so a private lesson in essence! Would 100% do again if we’re in LA.”

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2.1.5-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $140Top rated

Meet Kapowui Surf Lessons at the Venice-Santa Monica border for a private 1.5-hour lesson. You’ll spend 30 minutes on beach instruction, then surf with an instructor using supplied boards and wetsuits. Liam and Alex are named instructors praised for patient, clear coaching.

“It was an amazing time! Liam was the best instructor and so patient with our nephews! We would do it again!”

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3.Shared 2 Hour Small Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85

Meet Fun Surf LA near Santa Monica Beach for a two-hour lesson with 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, 50 to 60 minutes in the water, and extra practice time. Foam boards and wetsuits are included. The lesson suits beginners and intermediate surfers age 12 and up.

“Fun instructors, very chill, best jokes, best rock-skipping technique (& low-key competition), showed us multiple ways and options to get on the surfboard and stay on for waves, kept us safe in the water, and all around made sure it was a great time on the beach surfing! The cool instructors also wear really cool surfing hats -- now I want one! And mineral reef-safe sunscreens for the win!! 10/10 A++ would book and do again!”

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4.2-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $145

Meet Kapowui Surf Lessons at the Venice-Santa Monica border for a two-hour beginner lesson. Your instructor supplies the board and wetsuit, teaches safety and technique on the sand, then works with you in the water. Dale is praised for patient, supportive coaching.

“Dale was excellent - he was very patient and supportive while trying to learn the ins and outs of surfing!”

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5.Surf Class for Beginners in Venice

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Blvd for a two-hour Venice lesson built for adults ages 18 to 60. You’ll spend 30 minutes on beach safety and technique, then practice in the water with a guide such as Alex, Alexi, Felipe, Martin, or Diego.

“It was excellent. I was taught by Diego, who had a lot of experience and broke down things in a way that made it very easy to understand. I managed to catch a few waves, which was very cool. Highly recommended.”

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6.Private Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 75 reviews · 1 day · from $99

Meet your certified English- or Spanish-speaking instructor near Santa Monica’s beach for a private two-hour surf lesson. You’ll get a wetsuit and 8- or 9-foot board, practice safety and pop-ups on sand, then work in the water at your own pace.

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7.Private Surfing Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

Meet at 20 Bicknell Ave in Santa Monica for a two-hour private surf lesson near Venice Beach. Your instructor adjusts the session to your ability, teaching on the sand and in the water. Beginners, children age seven and up, and returning surfers can all take part.

“Jorge was fabulous! He was able to work with two young kids, 18 & 8 and they both had a great time, lots of attention to them in a private session and the two kids did great!”

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8.Private Surf Lesson in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Blvd for a two-hour Venice Beach lesson. You’ll spend 30 minutes learning surf safety on land, then practice in a beginner-friendly area with a board, wetsuit, and instructor guidance. Private booking is required for non-swimmers, minors, and guests with disabilities.

“My two daughters had a great experience. Paul was super patient and a great instructor. Would absolutely recommend.”

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9.Private Surf Lessons in Malibu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $135

Meet Ric at Malibu’s Surfrider Beach for a private 90-minute lesson built around your skill level. You’ll spend 15 to 20 minutes on sand practicing paddling, standing, and surf etiquette, then head into the water to catch waves. Beginners are welcome, and the lesson is offered in English.

“I had an amazing time with Rick. He's such a kind, nice and helpful instructor. I couldn't dream of a better instructor to teach me surf in Malibu. He shows that he really cares about you having a great time, be comfortable and learn the proper ways of surfing. I highly recommend booking a session with Rick ! Thank you again that was perfect.”

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10.2 Day Beginner Surf Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 days (approx.)

Spend two active days learning to surf near Malibu, with boards, wetsuits, up to six hours of instruction, meals, transport, and a private tent included. You’ll camp at Malibu Family Wines, wake to coffee and breakfast, then hike in the Santa Monica Mountains to a swimming hole. Confirm the trip is operating before booking.

“Warning - No longer exists. Should not be on Viator ! Assume they'll be refunding me after I contacted themn. But Very disappointed, all the hassle, flew the kids to LA etc. Have used them worldwide with no issues. Surprised no controls in place”

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11.2-Hour Private Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Meet Fun Surf LA in Santa Monica for a private two-hour lesson at Venice Beach. Jonathan may coach you through land drills and water practice, with a board and wetsuit included. The lesson suits beginners through advanced surfers, with a minimum age of seven.

“Jonathan was an incredible teacher, and finally helped me drop in and catch waves the real way! I have been trying to teach myself on a 6 foot short board for the last two years with minimal results and enjoyment. This one session straightened a lot of things out for me. Gotta do it!”

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12.Family Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Golden Wave Surf School at 10 Washington Blvd in Venice for a two-hour English-language lesson led by professional coach Alex and his team. You’ll learn board skills, surf safety, and wave basics in a group of up to 10, with a real chance to stand and catch small waves.

“Alex was a fantastic instructor! I took my niece who is 8 and he was able to break down surfing into easy and fun steps for adults and children and then made sure we caught waves and had fun doing it. I’d recommend this for anyone!”

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13.2 Hour Private Group Surf Lessons in Hermosa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Wavehuggers at 1 Pier Ave for a two-hour private surf lesson in Hermosa Beach. Your CPR-certified instructor, including instructors such as Sabina, adapts coaching to your level, covers ocean safety, and supplies the board and wetsuit.

“Instructor Ms. Sabina was very friendly and although it was our first time to surf, we really enjoyed to surf since the instructor assisted us to take off and stand on the board.”

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14.Santa Monica: Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1h 30m

Learn the basics on Santa Monica beach, then spend an hour catching waves with up to three other participants. Your English-speaking instructor covers boards, tides, pop-ups, and water safety. Wetsuit and surfboard are included, but you must be able to swim.

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15.Private Surfing Lesson with Equipment Rental

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours · from $149

Meet your private Aqua Surf School instructor at a Los Angeles beach, get fitted with a full wetsuit and board, then learn ocean safety, paddling, balance, and the pop-up. Lessons run from 6:00am to 6:00pm for ages 4 and up, with instructors such as Chad teaching families and beginners.

“Chad, our instructor was super nice and patient. he explained everything very well and even our 8 year old boy managed to surf some good waves.”

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