2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

Santa Monica’s surf lesson gives you more than a quick try at standing on a board: you get beach instruction, time in the water with an instructor, and a chance to practice on your own. For $69, it’s a practical introduction to surfing without the cost or commitment of arranging a private lesson.

I like the clear mix of instruction and practice time. You’ll spend part of the session learning on the beach, then work on the skills in the water, with a board provided. I also like that the lesson uses 8- and 9-foot foam-top boards, a safety-conscious choice for a group class.

The trade-off is that this is shared instruction, not a private coaching session. You may be grouped with other participants, and you’ll need basic swimming skills and a moderate level of fitness to take part.

At a glance

• Two hours on the beach and in the water: Expect 20 to 30 minutes of beach training, followed by 50 to 60 minutes with an instructor in the water, then time to practice.
• Foam-top boards are provided: Group lessons use 8- and 9-foot boards. Fiberglass boards are not permitted.
• Groups combine participants: A lesson group can have up to six people, while the activity’s maximum is 12 travelers.
• Beginners and intermediate surfers are welcome: The minimum age is 12, and basic swimming skills are required.
• The meeting point is in Santa Monica: Start and finish at 20 Bicknell Ave.
• The price is $69 per person: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

What your two hours in the surf look like

The session opens on the beach, where you’ll spend about 20 to 30 minutes training before heading into the water. That shore-side start matters, especially if you’re new to surfing: you have a chance to hear the instructions and get oriented before trying to apply them in the waves.

After the beach portion, expect 50 to 60 minutes in the water with an instructor. This is the most direct teaching time, so pay attention to the guidance and use it while you have an instructor nearby. The schedule gives you a meaningful stretch to work on the basics, though it is still a group lesson rather than one-on-one coaching.

The remaining time is yours to practice with the surfboard provided. I like this part of the plan because it gives you space to try what you have just learned, rather than ending as soon as the formal instruction stops. How much you get from that practice depends on the group’s timing and conditions, but the session is designed to leave room for it.

The advertised duration is approximately two hours. The beach and instructor-led water portions together account for roughly 70 to 90 minutes, with the balance set aside for practice. That makes this a compact introduction, not a full-day surf course. If you want a first taste of surfing or a refresher, two hours is a sensible length; if you want extended coaching, look for a longer or private lesson.

Beach preparation before the waves

The beach training is more than a warm-up. It gives you a calmer place to start listening, ask questions, and prepare for the move into the water. For a first-timer, that order can make the lesson feel less rushed: you are not expected to learn every instruction while also dealing with the surf.

The session does not specify a detailed lesson plan, so don’t assume a particular sequence of techniques or a set number of attempts. What is clear is that the instructor-led portion begins on land, continues in the water, and is followed by independent practice. You’ll get the most from it by staying attentive during the beach briefing and trying to carry those instructions into the water.

The beach component is relatively short, at 20 to 30 minutes. That is enough to introduce the lesson, but it won’t suit someone seeking a long theory session before getting wet. The appeal here is the balance: a little preparation, substantial water time, then a chance to practise.

A group class with room to practise

The lesson is suitable for beginner to intermediate levels. If you have never surfed, you can join, as long as you are at least 12 and have basic swimming skills. If you have tried before, the class may also work as a chance to revisit the basics and get more time on a board.

Do keep the group format in mind. The lesson is for up to six people, and you will be combined with other participants. The activity’s stated maximum is 12 travelers, so the total number connected with the activity may be higher than the number in an individual lesson group. It is worth distinguishing those two figures when deciding how much personal attention to expect.

I would choose this class if you’re comfortable learning alongside others and want a lower-cost way to try surfing. If you prefer an instructor’s attention throughout, or you already have specific skills you want to refine, a private lesson may be a better fit. No private option or lesson structure is specified here, so check the available choices before booking if that distinction matters to you.

One instructor associated with this lesson is Nico, whose approach has been described as down-to-earth. Instructors may vary, so don’t assume he will be teaching your particular session. Still, the emphasis on friendly, practical instruction is a good match for a beginner class, where clear guidance can matter more than a big performance.

Why the foam-top board is a sensible choice

You’ll use an 8- or 9-foot foam-top surfboard, and fiberglass boards are not allowed in group lessons for safety reasons. That rule is useful to know before you arrive, especially if you own a board or have been imagining a lesson on a hard fiberglass model. For this class, the provided foam-top equipment is part of the format.

The board is supplied, which makes trying the lesson simpler: you don’t need to bring your own surfboard. No other equipment is specified, so don’t assume that items such as a wetsuit are included. If you need to know exactly what to wear or bring, ask the provider before the lesson.

The board policy also tells you something about the class’s priorities. A group lesson has several people sharing the instructor’s attention and working in the water, so the use of foam boards is a straightforward safety measure. It’s not a sign that you’re getting a lesser lesson; it is the equipment choice made for this shared setting.

Is $69 good value for a first surf lesson?

At $69 per person, the price buys a two-hour group session, an instructor-led beach and water component, and use of a surfboard. That is a useful package if you want to try surfing without buying equipment or paying for an individual lesson. You also get time to practise after the formal instruction, which gives the session more substance than a brief demonstration.

The value depends on what you want from the experience. If your goal is to see how surfing feels and learn some basics, the combination of instruction and practice is appealing. If you expect continuous one-to-one feedback, the group format may feel less personal than you’d like. The lesson’s price is best judged against that shared format, not against the cost or attention of a private class.

I also see value in the boards being provided. You can take part without owning a surfboard, and the group uses boards selected for this lesson rather than requiring you to bring your own. The experience is a low-commitment way to find out whether you want to spend more time learning to surf.

Meeting at Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica

The meeting point is 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, and the lesson ends back there. That simple return arrangement makes it easy to plan around the activity: you start and finish at the same address rather than needing to arrange a separate return from another location.

The meeting point is near public transportation. That can help if you’re getting around without a car, though the exact transit route and travel time depend on where you’re coming from. Allow enough time to reach the address before the lesson begins, and check the confirmation for the details you need on the day.

There is a location change to note: from March 15, regular group surf lessons are available at Venice Beach. If your dates fall around or after that change, check the location attached to the session you are booking rather than assuming every group lesson will meet in Santa Monica. The experience described here starts and ends at the Santa Monica address.

Who should book this lesson

I’d recommend this class if you’re at least 12, can swim, have a moderate level of physical fitness, and want a first or early surfing lesson. It is particularly well suited to someone who wants a guided start but is comfortable sharing instruction and making use of independent practice time.

It can also suit an intermediate surfer who wants to revisit fundamentals in a beginner-friendly group. Just be realistic about the format: 50 to 60 minutes are spent with instructors in the water, but the lesson is not presented as advanced coaching or a private skills clinic.

Families or friends may like the chance to learn in the same group, but everyone must meet the age and swimming requirements. The class is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation.

Weather and minimum enrollment can affect whether the session runs. If poor weather cancels the lesson, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you’ll be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. For a standard cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time; cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Santa Monica surf lesson?

Book it if you want a straightforward, two-hour introduction with a board provided, a useful amount of instructor-led water time, and space to practise afterward. The $69 price makes sense for a shared lesson that covers both beach training and time in the water.

Skip it if you need private attention, cannot swim, or want a longer course with more coaching than a short group session can provide. Before confirming, check the meeting location for your date, especially if it is on or after March 15, and make sure the group format suits you. If those points line up, this is a practical way to find out whether surfing is for you.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours. It includes 20 to 30 minutes of beach training, 50 to 60 minutes in the water with instructors, and time to practise.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 12 years old.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required.

What skill level is the class for?

The group lesson is suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers.

Is a surfboard included?

Yes. Surfboards are provided. Group lessons use 8- and 9-foot foam-top boards, and fiberglass boards are not allowed.

How many people are in the group?

A lesson group can have up to six people, and participants may be combined with others. The activity has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where does the lesson start and end?

It starts and ends at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. From March 15, regular group lessons are available at Venice Beach, so check the location for your selected session.

What language is the lesson offered in?

The lesson is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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 start time are not accepted for a refund.