Learning to surf is easier with the right plan. This Venice Beach lesson pairs beach fundamentals with real time in the water. I like that it’s built for both beginners and intermediates, so you’re not stuck repeating the same basic moves forever.

Two things I especially like: the hands-on instructor coaching (on sand and in the ocean) and the practical setup—wetsuits, surfboards, and storage are all handled for you. One possible drawback: you only get a short total session, and if you’re hoping for extra sand practice beyond the first 30–40 minutes, you may want more time next round.

Key Highlights Worth Your Time

• Beach-to-water structure: 30–40 minutes on sand first, then about 40 minutes in the ocean.
• Instructors who teach technique clearly: coaches you might encounter include Melanie, Nico, Axel, Nate, Juana, and others.
• Long boards for easier starts: surfboards are provided in 8 and 9ft sizes.
• You get your own time in the waves: after guided practice, you spend the rest perfecting.
• Good “logistics muscle” for first-timers: storage in the equipment van and a public shower after.

Venice Beach Surfing Lesson: Is It Worth $69?

At $69 per person for a 2-hour class, this is one of the more straightforward ways to try surfing in Los Angeles without sinking time into planning. You’re paying for three things that matter: instruction, equipment, and a real shot at standing up on an actual surfboard.

The value is the balance. It’s not just a “walk down to the beach and good luck” vibe. You start with coaching on land—pop-up mechanics, ocean basics, and safety—so when you hit the water, you already know what you’re trying to do. Then you get a focused slice of hands-on ocean time, not just a token splash-and-wave goodbye.

Also, Venice Beach is a great training ground. It’s lively, there’s energy, and the coastline is famous enough that you’ll find your bearings fast once you locate the meeting point. If your goal is bucket-list surfing with competent guidance, this checks the boxes.

Meeting at 20 Bicknell Ave and Getting Suit-Ready

Your lesson starts at 20 Bicknell Ave. Meet on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave. Look for either a blue surf school bus with a FUN SURF LA logo or a White Van Ford E-250.

This matters more than you’d think. Surf schools can be easy to miss in a busy beach area, and being early helps you avoid that last-minute scramble. I’d plan to arrive a bit ahead so you can find the van/bus, meet your instructor, and get through the suit-up routine calmly.

Once you find the right vehicle, you’ll suit up in your wetsuit. You can store your belongings in the equipment van during the activity. That’s a practical detail for Venice—less time worrying about where your stuff is, more time actually learning.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out transport right after you’ve been in saltwater and sun.

What Happens on the Sand (30–40 Minutes): Pop-Up, Ocean Basics, Safety

The class starts with 30–40 minutes on the beach. This is the part that makes a difference for first-timers. You don’t just hear advice; you practice the fundamental movement patterns so you can transfer them onto the board later.

Expect three areas:

1. How to pop up on the board (the move from lying down to standing).
2. Ocean basics, meaning how to read the moment and respect the conditions.
3. Safety, which is not a small footnote. You’ll get taught the most important safety points before you’re out in the water.

One theme you’ll see from instructors is patience. The common win here is that people don’t feel rushed. You’re given time to try, fail, adjust, and try again, which is exactly what you want when your body is learning a new pattern.

Also note the board sizes: you’ll be using surfboards that are 8 and 9ft. Longer boards generally make it easier to get stable early on. That’s a smart choice for a mixed group where some people have never surfed and others are refreshing fundamentals.

In the Water at Venice Beach (About 40 Minutes): Guided Waves, Then Your Turn

After sand practice, you head into the ocean for about 40 minutes of hands-on instruction. This is where you stop thinking so much and start doing.

A good part of this segment is that the instructor is close enough to help you adjust in real time. If you’re trying to stand up and your body keeps doing the same wrong thing, this is the moment where small coaching cues matter: where you’re looking, how you’re balancing, and how you position yourself for the wave.

Then the rest of the class time becomes more self-practice. That’s the ideal format for learning: guidance first, then the freedom to apply what you just heard while you’re still in motion.

This is also why the total 2 hours works. For beginners, it’s enough time to go from dry-land instructions to at least a few real attempts in the water. For intermediate surfers, the structure is a reminder of technique and safety while still giving enough wave time to feel like you progressed.

Instructor Coaching Styles: What You Can Expect

This class is taught in English, and the instructor lineup varies. Based on the names you might encounter—Axel, Melanie, Nico, Nate, Mico, Juana, and others—you can expect a friendly, teaching-focused style.

The best part, at least from what you should look for when you arrive, is that instructors don’t just say the right words. They spend time making sure each person can start safely and stand up with confidence. Even when it’s a group lesson, the teaching style is built around giving individual attention where it counts—on technique and safety.

You’ll also see a common approach: teach fundamentals clearly on land, then bring those fundamentals into the water immediately. That reduces the mental gap between instruction and action.

One practical tip: if you’re brand-new, be honest when you feel unsure. The class is designed for beginners, and instructors usually pace the learning to match the group’s comfort level.

What to Bring (So You’re Not Fighting the Basics)

For this lesson, you’ll want to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water

That’s it. Everything else you need is handled on-site: wetsuits, surfboards, and storage in the equipment van.

Still, two practical sun-and-salt realities to plan for:

• Venice sun can hit hard even when you think it looks breezy.
• After time in saltwater, you’ll want water and a towel ready so you can dry off quickly and stay comfortable.

And yes—wearing sunscreen before you start matters. The class moves from sand to ocean, which means your skin can burn faster than you expect.

Comfort and Safety: Swimming Basics Are Required

You’ll need basic swimming knowledge to participate. This is clearly stated, and it’s the right call. Surfing isn’t automatically dangerous, but the ocean has currents and waves, and you’re in it for the guided ocean portion.

You also learn safety basics as part of the on-land segment. That includes the most important rules for moving around and handling your board safely while you’re learning.

If you’re worried about the swimming side, don’t guess. If you’re not comfortable in open water, you might be better off choosing a different type of class or practicing water comfort first.

Timing, Weather, and Why Your Day Should Stay Flexible

The lesson lasts 2 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability when you book.

One more real-world detail: the activity may be rescheduled or canceled based on surf and weather conditions, and you’ll be contacted the day before if this happens. Venice Beach can be consistent, but surf conditions still change. If your schedule is tight, plan a little buffer around the lesson time.

The “good news” is that this is exactly the type of activity where surf conditions actually matter. If conditions are off, postponing is better than forcing a subpar and frustrating session.

Who This Lesson Is Best For (And Who Might Feel Frustrated)

This lesson is built for beginners and intermediate surfers, which is a wide range. The format works because the first part teaches core technique and safety, then the ocean segment gives guided waves followed by your own practice.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You’ve always wanted to try surfing, even if you’ve never done it.
• You’ve surfed once or twice and want a clearer technique refresh.
• You like structured coaching rather than trial-and-error only.

You might not love it if:

• You want a long, deep technical session. Two hours moves quickly.
• You’re hoping for lots of extra time on the sand beyond the first 30–40 minutes.
• You’re traveling with kids under 12, since the lesson isn’t suitable for children under 12.

Price Check: Getting Real Equipment and Real Time

At $69 per person, you get a full package: lesson, instructor, surfboards (8 and 9ft), wetsuit, and storage. That’s the key value point.

If you try to DIY this in Venice—renting boards, booking a guide, hunting down a wetsuit, and coordinating timing—you’ll likely spend more time and often more money than you expect. Here, the essentials are already lined up so you can focus on learning.

The class duration also helps. You get a structured on-land warm-up plus ocean practice, which is what you need for a meaningful first surf experience. And you’re not paying for a big “show”; you’re paying for time on the board and the coaching around it.

Bottom Line: Should You Book This Venice Beach Surf Lesson?

I’d book it if your goal is simple: learn the basics of surfing in a real, coaching-first way and leave with the confidence to try again. The combination of sand training (pop-up + safety) and ocean time is the formula that turns nervous beginners into people who can finally stand up.

Skip it or rethink if you need lots more practice time than a 2-hour lesson can provide, or if you don’t have basic swimming comfort. Also, be sure you can find 20 Bicknell Ave and the right vehicle on the first try, since the meeting point is a key start.

If you want a fun, focused Venice Beach activity that doesn’t waste your day, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the surfing lesson?

The lesson lasts 2 hours.

Where do we meet for the lesson?

Meet on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave at 20 Bicknell Ave. Look for the blue FUN SURF LA surf school bus or a White Van Ford E-250.

What’s included in the price?

The lesson includes an instructor, surfboards (8 and 9ft.), wetsuits, and storage for your belongings.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You need basic swimming knowledge to participate.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

What happens if surf or weather conditions are bad?

The activity may be rescheduled or canceled based on surf and weather. You’ll be contacted the day before if this occurs.

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