Your first wave starts fast. This Santa Monica surf lesson is built for beginners to early intermediates, with beach coaching and time with instructors in the water using foam boards and wetsuits.

I like that you get a real mix of instruction and practice, not just standing on shore. You will also get the LA coastal energy, including that goofy, colorful Venice Beach spirit that makes a surf trip feel bigger than the lesson itself.

One possible drawback to plan around: schedules can get compressed depending on conditions, so you may not always get every second exactly as written. If you want maximum instructor time in the water, consider a private lesson instead.

Key points before you go

• Small group size (4 max) helps you avoid feeling lost in a crowd.
• 8- and 9-foot foam boards are used for group lessons, with fiberglass boards not allowed for safety.
• Coaching first, then ocean practice for 2 hours total, usually 20-30 minutes on the beach and 50-60 minutes in the water.
• Wetsuit and surfboard included, so you show up and start.
• Multiple time slots across the day, offered in English, with a mobile ticket.

Meeting at Fun Surf LA in Santa Monica

The lesson starts and ends at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. It is a practical setup because you know where you are going, and you do not have to play parking-lot detective for hours.

I also like the way this feels organized for a shared lesson. The company runs with small groups, capped at 4 people per small group session, and the overall activity has a maximum of 10 travelers. That size matters. You can actually hear what the instructor is saying, and you are not always waiting behind a long line of boards.

From the way people describe showing up, the meeting spot is easy to find, and the surf crew typically arrives ready to outfit you quickly. You should still show up on time, because your warm-up and first instructions run right away.

The 2-hour flow: sand drills, then waves (most of your time is in the water)

This is a 2-hour lesson broken into three phases:

First, 20-30 minutes on the beach learning the basics. Then 50-60 minutes with the instructors in the water. The remaining time is yours to practice with the surfboards provided.

That beach portion is not filler. It helps you get your body in the right zone before you deal with waves, paddling, and the panic of trying to remember everything at once. Expect coaching on basics like positioning and getting ready to pop up and ride. Many first-timers say this is where they build confidence fast.

Then you move into the water and things get real. People often mention that instructors stay close, guide you between attempts, and make sure you are safe while you learn how to line up for a wave.

Practical note: surfing uses muscles you might not expect. Even if you are in decent shape, you will be swimming back out between tries. Plan to be okay with that, especially in cool water.

Foam boards and wetsuits: what safety rules really mean for beginners

For group lessons, you use 8-foot and 9-foot foam top surfboards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed for group lessons due to safety reasons. That is a good tradeoff for most people learning. Foam boards help you stay afloat and give you a platform that is more forgiving when your timing is still a work in progress.

This matters because your first goal should be simple: stand up safely and catch small waves consistently, even if the rides are short at first. Foam boards help you focus on technique rather than fighting balance on a slick, less-stable board.

Wetsuits are included, which is a big deal on the California coast where it can feel colder than you expect once you are wet and out in the water. In colder conditions, I have seen people mention the crew being serious about keeping them warm, so come prepared for the fact that you may feel chill at first even with a wetsuit.

Also, bring basic swimming confidence. You do not need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you do need basic swimming skills. If you are unsure, that is your cue to practice a bit or consider a more gradual option.

Santa Monica surf with the Venice Beach vibe

The lesson focuses on surfing at a renowned beach in the Los Angeles area, with the overall experience wrapped in that SoCal vibe people associate with Venice Beach. That is part of why this feels more like a mini-adventure than a class.

You might also catch a little wildlife, depending on the day. One person noted seeing leopard sharks while learning, which is the kind of small, surprising moment that makes the whole morning or afternoon stick in your memory.

Here is the honest part: ocean conditions can change fast. The instructors will work with what you get that day, and wave availability affects how many attempts you feel you make. That is normal. Still, if you are the kind of traveler who needs a very predictable schedule, you should keep expectations flexible.

Instructors who actually help you get standing up

The instructors are the make-or-break factor for a surf lesson. The good news here is that the coaching style seems to land well with beginners.

Some instructors you might be paired with include Jackson, Nico, Melanie, Jonathan, Walker, Francesco, Laura, and John, plus teams like Etienne and Eden. Across the feedback, common praise points are: clear explanations, patience, and staying engaged instead of just handing you a board and waving from shore.

A big theme I like is the attention to comfort. People describe instructors who make first-timers feel secure, do extra guidance close to where you are practicing, and celebrate small wins when you finally manage a stand or ride.

One consideration: not every lesson run will match the ideal pace. There are occasional complaints about timing or an instructor not spending as much time in the water as expected. If you are coming with a goal like lots of individual corrections, you may want to upgrade to a private lesson so you get uninterrupted coaching.

What to bring (and what you can skip)

Here is what you can count on, and what you should plan for:

Included:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit

Not included, but smart:

• Sunscreen (and yes, bring it, because you will be exposed even when it feels cool)
• Water bottles to stay hydrated

The lesson happens on a beach, and the ocean can be slippery and windy. Wear something you can get wet easily and that you feel comfortable moving in. After that, treat it like any active water sport: keep layers simple, keep gear minimal, and focus on showing up ready.

If you are sensitive to cold, also pay attention to what the crew recommends once you arrive. California water temps can be sneaky.

Price and value: is $85 a fair deal for 2 hours of surf coaching?

At $85 per person, this lesson is priced for travelers who want instruction plus real practice without jumping to the expense of private classes.

Here is why the value works:

• You get 2 hours total, not a quick taste.
• The lesson includes a structured warm-up and then a big chunk of hands-on time in the water.
• Gear is handled for you with board and wetsuit included.
• The group is genuinely small at 4 people max per small group, so you should spend less time waiting.

The main reason to consider a private lesson instead is simple: if you are a more advanced beginner who wants lots of targeted feedback, or you want the instructor right next to you for every attempt, private lessons usually deliver that more reliably.

For most first-timers and early learners, shared lessons like this are a strong way to get started. You spend your money on getting on the board and learning the basics the right way, instead of guessing on your own.

Who this Santa Monica surf lesson is best for

This one fits best if you:

• Are beginner to intermediate
• Are age 12+
• Have basic swimming skills
• Are comfortable with a moderate physical fitness level

It also makes sense for families and teens, because the session structure keeps you moving and gives you time to practice rather than only watching. People mention that teenagers can have a blast when instructors stay patient and push the lesson forward.

What does not fit as well:

• If you cannot handle being in the ocean or you are not confident swimming
• If you need one-on-one attention for learning, safety, or confidence reasons
• If you are the type who is very schedule-sensitive, because conditions and timing can shift

Should you book Fun Surf LA’s 2-hour shared surf lesson?

I would book it if you want a real first surf experience with a small group, foam boards, and a coaching rhythm that gets you out into the waves quickly. At $85, the included gear and the instructor-led water time are the core reasons it feels like good value.

I would also consider a private lesson if your top priority is maximum time with an instructor for corrections, or if you have a learning goal that needs tight feedback during every attempt.

Finally, go in with a smart mindset: surfing is part sport, part timing, and part ocean luck. When you accept that, you can enjoy the process and actually start catching waves.

FAQ

How long is the shared surf lesson?

The lesson runs for about 2 hours. It includes roughly 20-30 minutes of training on the beach and 50-60 minutes in the water, with additional practice time using the surfboards provided.

What group size should I expect?

This is a small group lesson with 4 people max in your small group. The overall activity has a maximum of 10 travelers, and you may be combined with other participants.

What board and wetsuit are included?

A surfboard and wetsuit are included. Group lessons use 8-foot and 9-foot foam top surfboards, and fiberglass boards are not allowed for safety.

What are the age and swimming requirements?

The minimum age is 12 years old. You also need basic swimming skills and should have a moderate physical fitness level for the physical effort of surfing.

Where do we meet?

You meet at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Are there different time slots, and is instruction in English?

Yes. There are multiple time slots throughout the day, and the lesson is offered in English.

Can I book a private surf lesson instead?

Yes. If you want more instructor attention, the company offers private lessons as an alternative to the shared format.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance; within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.