Los Angeles: Private Surfing Lesson

A private lesson gives you something a crowded group class cannot: room to learn at your own pace, with a certified instructor beside you as you get used to the board and the water. You can start from scratch or work on your surfing, and the two-hour session takes place at a renowned LA-area beach.

I like two details in particular: the instructor covers ocean safety before you head out, and the lesson can be booked for one person or two, so you can learn solo or bring a friend. The board and wetsuit are included, which means less gear to sort out before you arrive.

One consideration: you need basic swimming skills, and the surf or weather can force a schedule change or cancellation. The beach for the lesson may vary, so confirm where you will surf as well as where you will meet.

What to know before you book

• Two hours of private coaching: The lesson is designed for beginners and intermediate surfers, with instruction adjusted to your ability.
• Choose your company: Book for one or two people. Private or small-group options are available.
• Learn on land, then in the water: Your instructor covers how to pop up, ocean awareness, and safety before you surf.
• Boards and wetsuits are included: Bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water.
• Three possible beach areas: Lessons may take place at Venice, Santa Monica, or Redondo/Torrance Beach.
• A highly rated lesson, with a practical caveat: The activity has a 4.8 rating from 75 reviews. Praise centers on clear instruction, encouragement, and how much fun the lesson is, but the conditions can affect the plan.

A private lesson on an LA beach

Surfing can look simple from the sand. Then you try to stand up on a moving board while keeping an eye on the water. A private lesson makes that first attempt less daunting because your instructor can focus on your timing, balance, and comfort instead of splitting attention across a large class.

The session lasts two hours. It is intended for a true beginner who has never surfed as well as an intermediate surfer who wants to improve. You are not expected to arrive with your own board or wetsuit, and the instructor adapts the pace to your level.

That personal attention is the main reason to consider this over a larger group lesson. If you are nervous in the water, you can ask questions and get guidance without feeling hurried along. If you already know the basics, your instructor can spend more time on the parts you want to work on.

The activity is offered for one or two people. Going alone gives you the most direct attention; bringing a friend can make the first session more relaxed and fun. Just remember that the listed price is $99 per person, so two people would pay per person rather than sharing one price.

Finding your instructor near Bicknell Avenue

The stated meeting point is 20 Bicknell Avenue, Santa Monica, at the right side of the parking lot after you turn in. Look for a white Ford E-250 van or a blue surf-school bus, where the instructor will meet you.

That address gives you a clear starting point, but the lesson itself may take place at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo/Torrance Beach. Those are different stretches of coast, so check which beach is planned for your session when arranging the details. The supplied meeting point is in Santa Monica, but it does not guarantee that the water portion will be there.

The locations offer a classic Southern California setting, with locals and beachgoers sharing the sand and surf. Venice is especially known for its eclectic local scene, which gives you a little people-watching before or after the lesson. The practical point is that the exact beach matters for your day’s plans, so avoid assuming you will surf at the same spot where you meet.

Your belongings can be stored in the locked surf-school van while you are in the water. Even so, bring only what you need for the lesson and beach time. You will want to keep your towel, water, and sunscreen handy for afterward.

Getting fitted with a board and wetsuit

Before heading down to the beach, you will be outfitted with a wetsuit and surfboard. The school provides 8- and 9-foot boards, equipment suited to a lesson where you are learning how to handle the board and catch your balance.

Wear your swimwear under the wetsuit, and bring a towel for after the session. Sunscreen and water are also on the recommended packing list. The Southern California sun can be strong, and a lesson in the water still takes place outdoors for a couple of hours.

A wetsuit helps make time in the ocean more comfortable, but it does not remove the need to be able to swim. Basic swimming ability is required to participate. If you are uneasy in the water or cannot swim, this is not the right activity to try as a first surf experience.

From sand lesson to surf lesson

Depending on your ability, your instructor may take you toward the lineup sooner or spend longer on the sand first. That flexibility is useful: a first-timer can work through the basics before entering the water, while someone with experience may need less explanation on shore.

On the beach, you will learn how to pop up on the board, along with important information about the ocean. The lesson ends its land portion with safety, an essential step rather than a box to tick. Surf conditions change, and understanding what your instructor tells you is part of learning how to approach the water responsibly.

Then comes the water portion, which fills the remaining lesson time. Your instructor is there to guide you and help you feel more comfortable on the board and in the ocean. You should expect active practice, not a long beach talk followed by a quick turn in the waves.

No lesson can promise that you will ride a wave on your first try. The point of private coaching is to get instruction matched to your pace and to have someone nearby as you work through the basics. If you are an intermediate surfer, use the private format to explain what you want to improve before you head into the water.

What the praise tells you

The activity is rated 4.8 out of 5 from 75 reviews. Recent top ratings describe the lesson as fun and the teaching as effective, with one learner highlighting instruction and motivation. Another short review called the experience perfect, while a German-language comment translates to everything was fine.

Those comments point to the qualities that matter most in a beginner lesson: clear guidance, encouragement, and an enjoyable time in the water. The positive notes are useful, but they do not tell you exactly what conditions you will get on your chosen day or how quickly you will progress. Surfing is physical, and your first session may involve more practice than polished wave riding.

There are no instructor names provided, so you cannot request a specific teacher based on the available details. The instructors are described as certified and can teach in English or Spanish. If you have a preferred language, confirm it when booking rather than leaving it to chance.

Is $99 per person good value?

At $99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time at the beach. You are paying for two hours of private instruction, a board and wetsuit, and a lesson that can be adjusted to a beginner or intermediate skill level. For someone who wants personal coaching rather than a broad introduction in a bigger class, that combination makes the price easier to justify.

The value is strongest if you want to learn, not just borrow a board and try your luck. A certified instructor covers technique and safety, and you have the opportunity to ask for help as you practice. Equipment being included also saves you from having to arrange a board and wetsuit separately.

For two people, the price is per person, not a single fee for the pair. That can still work well if you want to share the experience with a friend, but you should compare the total cost against your budget. If you are unsure whether surfing suits you, a private lesson offers a focused introduction, though it is a bigger spend than simply spending time on the beach.

Weather, timing, and the small print

The activity is listed as valid for one day, while the surf lesson itself lasts two hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule that appears for your date. Do not treat the full day as lesson time.

Surf and weather conditions may lead to a reschedule or cancellation. You will be contacted the day before if that happens. This is a sensible safeguard for a water activity, but it means the session is not entirely within your control. If you have a tight LA itinerary, leave some flexibility around the lesson.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve-now, pay-later option, which lets you hold a place without paying at the time of booking. Children under seven are not eligible, and basic swimming ability is required.

Who will get the most from this lesson?

I would put this on the shortlist if surfing has been on your mind but you would rather not figure out the basics alone. The private format is especially appealing if you are a first-timer who wants patient, direct coaching, or if you are an intermediate surfer with a particular skill to work on.

It also suits a pair of friends who want to learn together without joining a larger class. You can share the experience while still having an instructor focused on your progress. Just be realistic about the physical part: you will be in the ocean, and swimming ability is a must.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed ride, have no flexibility for weather changes, or are mainly looking for a beach hangout. The lesson has an instructional focus, and the water conditions shape what you can do. Think of it as a practical first step into surfing, not a promise that you will leave as a surfer after two hours.

Should you book the LA private surf lesson?

Book it if you want a structured, personal introduction to surfing and value having an instructor close by as you learn. The included wetsuit and board, flexible coaching, and clear attention to safety make the $99 price reasonable for a focused two-hour session.

Before you commit, confirm which beach you will use and keep your schedule flexible in case the surf or weather changes. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water, and make sure you can swim. If those conditions suit you, this is a straightforward way to trade a little beach lounging for a real lesson in the Southern California surf.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The lesson lasts two hours. The activity is valid for one day, but that does not mean the instruction lasts all day.

Where do I meet the instructor?

Meet at 20 Bicknell Avenue, Santa Monica, on the right side of the parking lot. Look for a white Ford E-250 van or a blue surf-school bus.

Which beach will the lesson use?

The lesson may take place at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Redondo/Torrance Beach. Check which location is planned for your session.

Is the lesson suitable for beginners?

Yes. First-timers are welcome, and the instructor adjusts the pace to your level. Intermediate surfers can also join to work on their surfing.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming ability is required to take part.

What equipment is included?

Surfboards in 8- and 9-foot sizes and wetsuits are included. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

What happens if the weather or surf conditions are poor?

The activity may be rescheduled or canceled based on surf and weather conditions. You will be contacted the day before if that happens.