Shared 2 Hour Small Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

Santa Monica surf lessons offer a rare Los Angeles treat: you get off the pavement and into the Pacific, learning the basics on the sand before taking a board into the water. I like the small lesson group, capped at four, and the practical setup: a foam board and wetsuit are included, so you need not arrive with surfing gear.

I also like that the lesson leaves time for your own practice after the coached portion. A possible drawback is that surfing takes real effort, and instructor involvement has not been equally strong every time. You need basic swimming skills, a moderate fitness level, and a willingness to work for each attempt.

What to know before you book

• Four people at most in each small lesson group, though you may be paired with other participants.
• Beach instruction comes first, usually 20 to 30 minutes of technique and safety basics.
• Expect 50 to 60 minutes of coached water time, then more time to practice with the provided boards.
• Foam boards and wetsuits are included, with 8- and 9-foot boards used for group lessons.
• You must be at least 12 and able to swim. The activity also calls for moderate physical fitness.
• The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave in Santa Monica, and the lesson returns there.

Starting at 20 Bicknell Ave

The lesson begins at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, and ends at the same place. The meeting point is described as easy to find, and one practical clue from past participants is a blue van in the parking area. Give yourself time to locate the group and get ready, rather than arriving at the last minute.

The location puts you in Santa Monica, while the experience also taps into the free-spirited beach culture associated with nearby Venice. The surf lesson itself is centered on the ocean, not a guided tour of either neighborhood, so plan separate time if you want to explore the pier, beachfront paths, or Venice’s distinctive street scene.

There are multiple lesson times throughout the day, which helps fit surfing around other plans. The activity lasts about two hours, but it is worth treating that as a real block in your schedule: you will need to change, listen to instruction, and spend time in the water. It is booked an average of 16 days ahead, so popular dates may reward early planning.

Learning the basics on the sand

Expect to spend the first 20 to 30 minutes on the beach. Your instructor explains how to position yourself on the board and practise the movements needed to get upright. This dry run matters. When you are handling a board in moving water, even a simple instruction can be hard to absorb, so practising the sequence on the sand gives you a clearer starting point.

Past lessons have been led by instructors including Jackson, Nico, Melanie, Jonathan, Francesco, Walker, and Laura. Names and staffing can vary, but the strongest accounts describe instructors who are patient, friendly, and encouraging. Some people have been able to stand up after only a few attempts, while others have found the coaching style less supportive. If you are nervous, say so early and ask for clear, direct pointers.

The group format adds a social note to the lesson. You may be matched with people at different levels, but the group size is small enough to make the experience feel more personal than a large class. It can also be fun to watch other beginners work through the same challenge. Just remember that this is a shared lesson, not private coaching.

Getting out into the water

After the beach briefing, you move into the water for around 50 to 60 minutes with instructors. The lesson uses 8- and 9-foot foam-top boards, chosen for group lessons for safety reasons. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in this format. The long foam board is built for learning, not for showing off, and that is exactly the point: your first goal is to get comfortable with the basic movements.

Once the coached portion is over, the remaining lesson time is yours to keep practising with the boards. That extra time is valuable. You can repeat what you have just learned and try to catch a wave without needing to rush straight back to shore when the instructor-led part ends. Some participants have managed to stand and ride a wave during their first lesson; that is an encouraging possibility, not a promise.

The experience is physical in a way that can surprise you. Paddling and swimming back out after each attempt take energy, and the time in the water can wear you down even if you are fit. One family found that an hour in the water left their athletic teenage daughters tired. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen, and pace yourself. The lesson is meant to be fun, not a test of how many attempts you can squeeze in.

Conditions matter, too. Surfing relies on the weather and the sea, and the activity may be canceled if conditions are poor. A past lesson included a glimpse of leopard sharks, an unusual bonus that is best treated as a lucky sighting rather than something to expect. The main attraction is the chance to try surfing with instruction, not a guarantee of a particular wave or wildlife encounter.

What the $85 price includes

At $85 per person, the cost covers a two-hour group lesson, a surfboard, and a wetsuit. That is a useful package for a first try: you can test whether surfing suits you without buying equipment or sorting out a separate rental. For a beach activity in Los Angeles, the included gear and instruction make the price reasonable if you use the full session.

The value depends in part on how much individual attention you receive. The group lesson is capped at four people, a real advantage over a class with a much larger student count. Still, the overall activity lists a maximum of 10 travelers, and participants may be combined with others. If you want dedicated, one-on-one coaching, Fun Surf LA also offers private lessons, though the price for those is not provided here.

Most experiences appear to lean heavily on friendly teaching and a relaxed atmosphere. Families, friends, solo participants, and teenagers have all taken part. The age minimum is 12, which makes this an option for older children, but the swimming requirement and physical demands are important. A first lesson can be a memorable shared activity, especially if your group is happy to learn at different speeds.

There are occasional reasons to temper expectations. One participant described a lesson that started late, ended early, and had too little instructor involvement. Another found one instructor’s attention unprofessional and felt the rest of the group missed out. Those reports are not the pattern reflected in the 4.8 rating and 94 percent recommendation figure, but they point to the main risk of a shared lesson: the quality of the experience depends on the instructor and how well attention is distributed.

Who will enjoy this lesson most

This is a good fit if you are curious about surfing but do not want to commit to equipment or a longer course. Beginners get a land-based introduction before trying the water, and people with some experience can practise in a supervised group. Several participants described getting upright on the board in their first session, but you should count that as a possible reward, not the measure of success.

It also suits families with children aged 12 or older, active friends, and solo visitors who do not mind joining a small group. The group setting can make the lesson feel less intimidating: you are learning alongside other people, and there is room for a bit of shared encouragement. For a birthday or a vacation activity, it offers a hands-on alternative to another afternoon on the sand.

I would think twice if you cannot swim, have limited physical stamina, or want close, uninterrupted coaching. The lesson requires basic swimming ability and moderate fitness, and repeated trips back out to the waves take effort. If constant individual attention matters more than price, ask about the private option before booking.

Practical details that can save you a hassle

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. It uses a mobile ticket, so you do not need a printed ticket. The group lesson requires a minimum number of participants; if that minimum is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the lesson, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. These terms are useful to know if your Santa Monica plans depend on the forecast.

Should you book the Santa Monica surf lesson?

Book it if you want a practical first taste of surfing, are comfortable in the water, and like the idea of learning alongside a few other people. The included wetsuit and foam board, short beach briefing, and extended practice time make the $85 price a fair way to try the sport without a larger commitment.

Choose another format if you need private attention or are uncomfortable with the physical work of paddling and swimming back out. For most curious beginners with basic swimming skills, this is a fun, active way to meet the Pacific on its own terms: sometimes you stand, sometimes you fall, and either way you leave with a better sense of what surfing asks of you.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The lesson lasts about two hours. It includes 20 to 30 minutes of instruction on the beach, 50 to 60 minutes of coached water practice, and remaining time to practise with the surfboards.

What equipment is included?

A surfboard and wetsuit are included. Group lessons use 8- and 9-foot foam-top boards. Fiberglass boards are not allowed in group lessons for safety reasons.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 12 years old. Basic swimming skills are required, and the activity calls for a moderate level of physical fitness.

How many people are in a group?

The small lesson group is limited to four people, and you may be combined with other participants. The activity lists a maximum of 10 travelers overall.

Where does the lesson start and finish?

It starts at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund.