A good surf lesson should feel personal, not random. This private LA session brings certified coaching to a famous shoreline, with enough structure for first-timers and enough skill-building for intermediate surfers. The biggest catch: you’ll need basic swimming ability before you get in the water.

I like how the format is built around your level—some people go straight to the lineup, while others get extra sand training first. Afterward, you’re right in the Venice Beach orbit, so you can turn the day into a real Southern California beach hang, not just a one-and-done class.

Key highlights you should know

• Private 1-on-1 or small group coaching tailored to your comfort and skill level
• 2-hour lesson that starts on the sand (if needed) and continues in the water
• Gear included: wetsuit plus surfboards sized 8 and 9 feet
• Venice Beach and nearby options: Santa Monica Beach or Redondo/Torrance Beach may be used
• Safety-focused instruction taught by a professional certified instructor
• Secure storage and public shower follow-up so you can rinse off and keep moving

Santa Monica meet-up and how you’ll get to the right LA shoreline

Your day starts at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, with a simple, no-drama meet-up. You park, enter the lot, then turn right to find the white Ford E-250 van or the blue Surf School Bus. The instructor meets you there.

From there, the plan is practical: you get outfitted and then head out to the beach. The exact beach can vary—Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo/Torrance Beach—so you’re not locked into one spot regardless of conditions. That matters, because surf quality changes. You want the instruction matched to what the water is doing, not forced onto whatever the weather decided.

One extra practical detail I appreciate: your belongings are stored in a locked surf school van. You still bring what you need—swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water—but you’re not juggling your stuff while you’re gearing up.

What you learn on land: pop-up basics, ocean sense, and safety

Even if you’re a confident swimmer, surfing is its own language. This lesson starts you on that language—either right away in the water with coaching cues, or with a longer training session on the sand depending on your level.

If you’re new, land time is where you save energy later. Instead of guessing, you practice the movements that matter most—especially the pop up. The instructor also helps you understand what’s going on beyond the board: how to read the ocean, what to watch for, and how to behave around surf conditions.

The “ocean and safety” portion isn’t an afterthought. It’s the difference between riding for fun and riding while distracted. You’ll cover the key safety points the instructor considers essential, and you’ll get the confidence to make decisions in the moment. That’s the kind of coaching that helps you improve faster, because you’re not constantly resetting after avoidable mistakes.

If you’re intermediate, the land work still helps. You’ll use it to clean up technique and focus on why certain waves work better for your body position and timing. Even small adjustments—stance, timing, where you look—can change your success rate quickly.

2 hours on the water: private coaching that moves at your pace

The core lesson is 2 hours of private instruction. After the land portion, you switch to the ocean for the time that matters most: hands-on coaching on the water.

The biggest value in a private lesson isn’t just attention. It’s pacing. You can work through the steps without feeling rushed by a group schedule. If you’re learning from zero, your instructor can slow things down and repeat key cues. If you already surf, you can ask for adjustments that target your specific issues instead of hearing general advice meant for everyone.

You’ll learn how to get comfortable on the board, how to move with the wave situation, and how to apply the pop-up mechanics you practiced on land. Then the instructor keeps coaching while you’re trying it in real conditions, not in theory.

Because you’re in a one-on-one or small-group format, you also get coaching that’s more human: reassurance when you’re doing it right, correction when something’s off, and clear safety guidance as conditions change.

Where Venice Beach fits in: the day after you’ve caught your first wave

This lesson is set in a world-famous LA surf zone, and that affects your whole day. You’re meeting in Santa Monica and then heading to Venice Beach or nearby. That means after the session, you’re not stuck far from food, people-watching, or that eccentric beach-energy Venice is known for.

The way it’s set up, you still get structure from the instructor, but you keep your time flexible afterward. You can hang out and decompress, grab a snack, or just walk the boardwalk and soak up the Southern California vibe.

It’s a small detail, but it changes the feel of the day. A good surf lesson is about confidence. A good location is about confidence too.

Gear and practical comfort: wet suit, surfboard sizing, and the rinse plan

Here’s what’s included, and it’s actually helpful:

• Wetsuits
• Surfboards (8 & 9 foot)

Surfboard length matters for learning. A longer board generally makes it easier to paddle and stay balanced while you figure out your stance and pop-up timing. Having 8 and 9 foot boards available means your instructor can match a board to what you need for stability and control.

You still need to bring the basics:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water

And expect the experience to include the setup steps that make surfing less stressful. You’ll get outfitted before you head down to the beach, so you’re not scrambling to find gear.

After class, there’s a clear end point: you follow the instructor to an outdoor public shower to rinse off. That means you can keep moving through your day without trying to solve the shower problem at the last second.

Also, note the restrictions: children under 7 aren’t suitable, and basic swimming ability is required. That’s not just legal fine print—it’s how you stay safe and enjoy the lesson.

Language support and what it means in real life

Instruction is offered in English and Spanish. That matters more than it might sound. Surf coaching includes lots of small verbal cues: where to look, when to pop up, how to handle a wipeout safely, and how to interpret what the water is doing. If you share a language with your instructor, you’ll catch those cues faster—and spend less time translating in your head.

Even if your comfort level with the language is basic, your instructor’s job is to make the steps clear and manageable. In a private format, misunderstandings are easier to correct quickly.

Price and value: is $99 per person a good deal?

At $99 per person for a 1-day experience with a 2-hour private lesson, the value depends on what you want out of surfing.

If you’re dreaming of surfing and don’t know where to start, private coaching is often worth it because it compresses learning. Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own—timing, board control, safety, and wave selection—you get structured instruction and on-the-spot feedback.

If you already have some experience, the value is in targeted improvement. A private instructor can help you refine technique and correct your specific habits. You don’t have to wait for the group to catch up, and you’re not stuck learning at someone else’s pace.

Also, you’re not paying extra for the basics you’d otherwise need to hunt down. Wetsuits and surfboards are included, and you’re using boards sized for learning (8 and 9 foot). That reduces the hidden costs that sometimes make lessons feel cheaper on paper.

One consideration: because it’s private, this option tends to make the most sense when you’ll actually use the attention. If you’re the type who wants a relaxed, hands-off day, a lesson might feel intense. But if you want real instruction, this price usually lands in the sweet spot for serious, personal learning time.

Who should book this surf lesson (and who shouldn’t)

This works best for:

• First-timers who want step-by-step coaching and safety guidance
• Beginners to intermediate surfers looking to improve pop-up mechanics and comfort
• People who prefer private instruction instead of competing for attention in a group class
• Anyone with at least basic swimming skills who wants to learn in a structured way

It may not be a fit if:

• You’re not comfortable swimming at a basic level (the lesson requires it)
• You’re traveling with kids under 7
• You’re hoping for a no-instruction beach hang only

Because the lesson can be adjusted based on your skill level—going straight to the lineup or spending more time on sand—the program is flexible enough for many bodies and experience levels.

How to prepare so you feel confident on day one

Surf success is half technique and half comfort. Here’s how to show up ready, based on what you’re told to bring and the way the lesson runs:

• Wear your swimwear under your clothes so you’re ready for the wetsuit changeover fast.
• Bring a towel for after you rinse and to stay warm while you regroup.
• Use sunscreen ahead of time. LA sun moves fast, especially when you’re outside before and after the water.
• Pack water because you’ll work hard and you don’t want to be running on heat and adrenaline.

Also, go in with the right mindset. Surfing punishes overconfidence and rewards patience. If you need sand practice first, that’s not a setback—it’s the shortcut to feeling competent sooner.

If weather changes: what you can expect

Surf and conditions matter. The activity can be rescheduled or canceled based on surf and weather, and you’ll be contacted the day before if that happens. That’s normal for ocean sports. It’s also why it helps to keep your schedule flexible if you can.

If you get a change, don’t panic. A good surf school won’t force you into unsafe or useless conditions just to hit a time on the clock.

Should you book this private LA surfing lesson?

Yes, book it if you want:

• Personal coaching for real learning, not vague tips
• A structured first lesson that covers pop-up, ocean sense, and safety
• Surf gear included, with board sizes geared toward stability
• A day that combines instruction with the famous Venice Beach atmosphere afterward

I’d hesitate if you:

• Don’t meet the basic swimming requirement
• Are looking for a purely casual beach outing with no pressure to learn
• Have very limited flexibility if conditions force a change

If you’re ready to try, you’ll get the best odds by showing up with the right basics, listening closely during safety coaching, and letting the instructor set the pace. In a city full of surf experiences, this one earns its value by making the learning part genuinely personal.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Los Angeles private surfing lesson?

You meet at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. You can also use coordinates 34.0048827, -118.4907467. The instructor meets you on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave.

Which beaches might we surf at?

The lesson meets at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo/Torrance Beach.

How long is the surf lesson?

The private lesson runs for 2 hours.

Is the lesson private, and how many people can join?

It can be booked for 1 or 2 people, and it’s described as private or small groups available.

What’s included in the price?

The lesson includes surfboards (8 & 9 foot) and wetsuits.

Can beginners join this surfing lesson?

Yes. The experience is suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers, and first-timers are welcome.

Do I need swimming experience?

Yes. You need basic swimming ability to participate.

What should I bring to the lesson?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Is this lesson suitable for children?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 7 years.

What happens if surf or weather conditions are bad?

The activity might be rescheduled or canceled based on surf and weather conditions, and you’ll be contacted the day before if this occurs.

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