First time surfing? This lesson helps you win. I like how this 2-hour group lesson mixes beach instruction with coach time in the waves, so you are not just standing around. I also love that they use beginner-friendly 8 and 9-foot foam boards, which is exactly what makes first rides feel more possible. One catch to plan for: you need basic swimming skills and the minimum age is 12.

You get a simple plan, about 20 to 30 minutes training on the sand, then 50 to 60 minutes with instructors in the water. Small group size matters here too, max 12 people, and reviews call out clear meet-up and on-time pacing. The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, and the activity ends back there.

Bring the right basics and you will have an easier time. Foam-top boards are used for safety, and fiberglass boards are not allowed in the group format. You will get a wetsuit, and one tip stands out from the chilly-day reviews: wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, then put on the wetsuit at the parking area.

Key Highlights You Can Count On

• Beach coaching first, then real wave time with the instructors in the water
• Foam-top surfboards (8 and 9 feet) designed for beginners and early progress
• Small group size (maximum 12 travelers), which keeps the vibe focused
• Wetsuits provided, a big deal on cooler mornings
• Beginner-intermediate friendly, plus patient guidance from coaches like Keanu and Thiem

What This Venice Beach Surf Lesson Really Feels Like

This is a classic Santa Monica surf session with a beginner-friendly structure. You are learning in a group format, so you will share attention and space with other students, but you still get time with the instructors in the water. If your goal is that first real standing moment, this setup is built for it.

The best part is the balance between coaching and practice. The lesson does not dump you in the ocean and walk away. You get short training on land, then you are put into the action with help when it counts.

Also, the board choice is not an afterthought. They use 8 and 9-foot foam-top boards, and that matters because foam boards help you catch waves more easily and stabilize your footing. Reviews also mention great results even for complete first-timers, including adults who were surfing for the first time.

If you are the type who gets overwhelmed by lots of rules, the good news is the instructions are described as clear. You will still need to pay attention and follow directions, but you will not feel lost.

Your 2-Hour Timeline: Sand Lessons, Then In-Water Coaching

Plan on about 2 hours total. It is not all waves the whole time, and that is a good thing. That rhythm is how you turn chaos into skill.

First comes 20 to 30 minutes of beach training. This is where you learn the basics you will need out there: how to handle the board, how to position yourself, and what to do once a set comes through. Think of this as your mental warm-up.

Then you get 50 to 60 minutes in the water with instructors. This is the heart of the lesson. You can get quick corrections based on what you are doing wrong in real time, not after the fact. The reviews line up with this, with first-timers describing how their guides helped them catch waves at the right moments.

After that, the remaining time is for you to practice. That free-practice chunk is important because it lets you test what you just learned, without the pressure of constant coaching. For many people, this is where the lesson starts to feel like surfing instead of training.

Your session is scheduled near Santa Monica, but the experience is very much Venice Beach in spirit. You are out there for the ocean, the energy, and the simple goal of catching your own waves.

Foam-Top Boards and Safety Rules That Protect Beginners

Here is something I really appreciate: they keep the gear simple and safe for the group lesson format. You will use 8 and 9-foot foam top surfboards, and fiberglass boards are not allowed for these lessons.

Foam-top boards are easier to balance on, especially when you are learning paddling, timing, and how to stand up without panic-gripping the rails. A longer, foam-top board gives you more forgiveness when waves are inconsistent or you miss the first attempt.

This matters for two reasons. First, you will waste less energy fighting the board. Second, you will spend more time doing the thing you actually paid for: catching and riding waves.

If you are a beginner, do not treat the board size like a detail. The board choice is the difference between feeling like surfing is impossible and feeling like it is just hard.

Meeting at 20 Bicknell Ave and Getting Ready Without Stress

The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, and the lesson ends back at the same place. That makes your logistics easier. You are not stuck with a complicated drop-off or wandering around trying to find the right access point.

Since there are multiple participants, arrive early enough to settle in. You are likely to need a few minutes for check-in, wetsuit time, and getting your board setup sorted.

One review included a very practical prep tip: bring a towel, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, and plan to put on your wetsuit at the parking area. That saves time and avoids that awkward, chilly shuffle in and out of changing spots.

You will also get a mobile ticket, and the activity is offered in English. It runs with near public transportation access too, so you may not need a car if you plan smart.

What to Bring, What to Wear, and How to Stay Comfortable

The lesson includes wetsuit use, and you should expect the ocean to feel cooler than you think. One review called out that the wetsuit fit well and kept them warm, which is the kind of small detail that changes the whole experience.

Here is what you should plan to bring:

• A towel (even if you think you do not need one)
• Your swimsuit already on under your clothes
• Basic confidence in your ability to swim, since basic swimming skills are required

What you do not need to overthink is extra gear. The most important thing is being ready to get into the water quickly once your group is called.

If you have cold-weather skin or you run chilly, treat that towel and quick clothing changes as part of your surf strategy. In a group lesson, you want to limit downtime so you can stay warm and focused for your wave time.

Coaches Who Make First-Timers Look Good: Keanu and Thiem

A surf lesson rises and falls on instruction. The good news is that the coaching here has specific names attached in the reviews.

Keanu is mentioned as an excellent guide for complete beginners. The key detail from that review is timing, helped both new surfers catch waves by getting them into the right moment. That is real instruction, not just encouragement.

Thiem also comes up in a first-time surf experience. That review highlights that both first-timers and returning surfers were able to stand up, with the instructor being helpful and easy to learn from. Another strong theme is patience, including a teacher described as coming from Argentina and being calm and pedagogical.

This is what you want from a group lesson: coaches who can correct your technique fast, without making you feel embarrassed. In the water, that is hard to fake, so when multiple reviews repeat the same vibe of clear help, it tells you the structure works.

How Much $69 Gets You, and Why the Value Adds Up

At $69 per person, the value mostly comes from what is included and how the time is split. You get a 2-hour guided experience, coaching both on the beach and in the water. You also get boards designed for the lesson format and wetsuit support so you can handle the cold.

The other value piece is the group size. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you are not in some giant crowd where you wait your turn forever. For beginners, that waiting time can feel like a punishment. Here, the rhythm is built to keep you moving through the learning steps.

And yes, group format can mean less one-on-one attention than a private lesson. But if you are new, you still benefit from the coaching checkpoints and the chance to practice with instructor guidance present.

If you are older, brand new, or returning but rusty, this format can still work well. One review even notes that on a less-crowded day, the experience felt close to a private lesson, which is a reminder that group size can swing depending on conditions and demand.

Weather, Minimums, and When You Should Plan Flexibility

This activity requires good weather, so if conditions are not workable, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The same idea applies if a minimum number of travelers is not met, with a reschedule or full refund offered.

Since this is surf, you should treat it like a sea-based activity, not a guaranteed ticket to ride waves every time. That does not mean it will be canceled often, but it does mean you should book with a little flexibility in your schedule.

If you want to maximize your odds of catching waves, aim for your best weather windows during your trip. In Southern California, that can be easier than you think, but you still want a Plan B.

Who Should Book This Lesson, and Who Might Prefer Private

This is designed for beginner-intermediate students, and the minimum age is 12. Basic swimming skills are required, and the activity is listed as needing moderate physical fitness.

So, if you are:

• A brand-new surfer 12 and up
• A teen or adult who wants structured coaching
• Someone who can swim and stay calm in the ocean

You will likely fit right in.

If you want maximum individual attention, or you are very anxious about being in the water, a private lesson could be a better match. The good news is this operator does offer private lessons, and your choice can be based on your comfort level and how you like to learn.

Also consider group dynamics. You will be combined with other participants. That is not bad, but it does mean you are sharing board turns and coaching time.

Should You Book This 2-Hour Venice Beach Group Surf Lesson?

Book it if your goal is practical progress fast, without overpaying for a private setup you might not need yet. I think it is a strong choice for first-timers who want the right order of instruction: short beach training, then coached time in the water, then practice.

Skip it or consider private if you do not meet the age or swimming requirements, or if you want a fully tailored lesson with constant one-on-one correction. Also, if you hate cold water, plan to lean hard on the wetsuit and prep tips like wearing your swimsuit under clothes and bringing a towel.

For most people who are ready to learn, $69 for 2 hours with coaches in the water is a fair value, especially with foam-top boards and a structured schedule.

FAQ

How long is the 2-Hour Group Surf Lesson?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the lesson?

The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA, and the tour ends back at the same location.

What level of surfer is this lesson for?

It is suitable for beginner-intermediate students.

What board types are used?

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

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years old.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.