Los Angeles: Private Surfing Lesson with Equipment Rental

A private lesson gives you a more personal way to meet the Pacific than simply renting a board and hoping for the best. At Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach, your instructor starts on the sand, then helps you practice in the water, with pointers after each wave.

I like two things here: you get dedicated instruction, rather than being placed in a mixed class, and the board and full-body wetsuit are included. The lessons also run across a wide daily window, so you can choose a time that fits your plans.

The main consideration is the $149 per person price, plus the need to arrange your own ride to the beach and pay for parking if you use a beach lot. You’ll also want to bring a towel, swimsuit and sunscreen; the rental gear does not cover those basics.

What to Know Before You Paddle Out

• Three beach choices: Lessons take place at Santa Monica Beach, Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach, depending on the option you book.
• A private session: Your party is not mixed with other students. Groups can book for one to six people.
• Two hours in the water and on the sand: Your instructor teaches ocean safety and basic technique before you try paddling and standing on a board.
• The main gear is included: Surfboards from 6 to 9 feet, full wetsuits in all sizes and surfboard leashes are provided.
• Family-friendly from age four: The lesson is suitable for children and adults, but children under four cannot take part.
• Bring your own beach basics: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and water.

From Beach Briefing to First Wave

The lesson begins with a meeting at the beach, but the exact meeting point varies with the option you book. Check the details for your chosen beach before setting out, and leave time for transport and parking, which are not included.

At the beach, you’ll meet your instructor and get fitted with a wetsuit and surfboard. The supplied full-body wetsuit is meant to make the session more comfortable, with thicker suits used in non-summer months. Wear your own swimsuit underneath, and bring a towel for afterward.

Before you enter the water, your instructor covers the basics on the sand. You’ll work through how to approach the ocean safely, how to paddle, how to pop up from a prone position and how to balance on the board. That groundwork matters: a first surf lesson can feel like several new tasks happening at once, and practicing the motions on shore gives you a chance to understand the sequence before adding waves.

Then comes the water session. Your instructor guides you through trying the skills and catching waves toward the sandy shore. After each wave, you get feedback and practical tips to work on the next attempt. That repeated cycle is the heart of the lesson: try, listen, adjust and try again.

The session is two hours in total. That gives you time for both instruction and practice, though your number of wave attempts will depend on how the session unfolds. The goal is not to master surfing in an afternoon; it’s to learn the essentials and get a real feel for the sport with a coach close at hand.

Private Coaching Makes a Difference

A private booking is the key feature here. You are not combined with an unrelated class, so the instructor’s attention stays with your own party. That can be useful for a first-timer who wants clear feedback, a parent helping a child feel at ease, or a family with different levels of confidence.

Groups can book for one to six students. The activity information also refers to a minimum student-to-instructor ratio of 3:1, so if your party is larger or you want to clarify how instruction is arranged, check the group details when booking. The central promise is a private group experience, not a shared class with strangers.

The coaching style matters especially with children. Chad is one instructor whose name has been associated with patient explanations and helping an eight-year-old catch some good waves. That is a useful picture of what a successful family lesson can look like, but you should not assume Chad will be your assigned instructor. The instructor you meet may be someone else.

A French-speaking parent also described the teaching as clear and kind with children, and the children enjoyed the activity enough to lose track of time. Those details point to a lesson built around encouragement and practice, not a lecture on the beach. Surfing still takes effort, of course, and no one can promise a particular number of rides, but having an instructor give immediate pointers can make each try more useful.

Choosing Santa Monica, Manhattan or Redondo Beach

You can take the lesson at Santa Monica Beach, Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach. The beach is determined by the option you book, and the meeting point may vary, so make sure your selection matches where you want to spend your time. The activity does not specify that you can switch locations after booking.

For a visitor already staying near one of these beaches, choosing the closest option may keep the day simple. If you’re driving from elsewhere in Los Angeles, factor in the trip and possible beach parking. Neither transport nor parking is part of the lesson price.

The setting is part of the appeal: you’re learning in the Pacific, not in a pool or on dry land alone. But the ocean is also why an instructor’s guidance matters. You’ll be taught how to approach the water and then practice with someone there to help you work through the basics.

Lessons are available every day from 6:00am to 6:00pm. That broad window gives you a choice of early or later starts, though the actual times available should be checked for your date. Morning lessons can be appealing if you want to make surfing the first event of the day; a later session may suit a schedule that starts more slowly. Either way, bring water and sun protection.

What the $149 Price Covers

At $149 per person, this is a paid lesson rather than a cheap board rental. The price includes a dedicated instructor and the core equipment: a surfboard, wetsuit and leash. You are paying for instruction and a two-hour session, not simply access to gear.

That package can make sense if you’re new to surfing and want someone to teach you the basics, watch your attempts and offer corrections. It can also be practical for a family: you do not need to source a board and wetsuit separately, and children from age four can take part. The value is strongest when you want personal help and a structured introduction, rather than an independent session.

The price is per person, so the total rises with each person in your group. For a couple or a family, work out the full cost before booking and compare it with what matters to you: the included rental equipment, the private format and the instructor’s attention. The information provided does not break down pricing by group size or state that group members share one flat rate.

You’ll still need to budget for the items and costs outside the lesson: transport, possible beach parking, your own swimsuit, towel and sunscreen. Tips are optional and not included; instructor gratuity is appreciated if you feel you had a good session. There is no need to bring a surfboard or wetsuit.

Packing for a Two-Hour Beach Lesson

Wear a swimsuit under the provided wetsuit. Bring a towel for changing and drying off, plus sunscreen, a hat and water. These are simple items, but they make a beach lesson easier to manage before and after your time in the water.

The activity lists smoking as not allowed. It is also described as wheelchair accessible, though the available information does not explain which parts of the beach or lesson are accessible. If you need details about access for a particular participant, confirm them before booking rather than assuming that every part of the experience will meet your needs.

The instructor’s language is English. If that works for your group, the lesson’s basic sequence is easy to anticipate: meet, get fitted, practice on the sand, then work on the skills in the ocean. If you’re bringing children, tell them that the session involves learning and repeated attempts, not just a quick ride on a board.

Who Will Get the Most From This Lesson

This is a strong fit for a first-time surfer who wants guidance instead of guessing at the shoreline. It also suits families with children aged four and up, adults learning alongside their kids, and small groups who prefer a private lesson to a class with unfamiliar participants.

It may be less appealing if you already surf confidently and only need a board, or if you want an activity with no extra transport or parking costs. It is also not suitable for children under four. And because the price is per person, a larger party should compare the total cost with its budget before committing.

Three available ratings are at the top of the scale, with praise focused on patient instruction, clear teaching and enjoyable coaching. One child was able to catch some good waves during a lesson with Chad. That is encouraging, but surfing depends on the session and the student; treat it as evidence of the kind of teaching on offer, not a guarantee that every beginner will stand up or ride a particular number of waves.

Should You Book It?

Book this lesson if you want a guided first taste of surfing, value having an instructor focused on your party, and like the convenience of having the board and wetsuit supplied. It is especially appealing for families who want to try something active together, with lessons available for children from age four.

Think twice if you only want equipment rental, need transport included, or are counting on a specific instructor. Choose your beach carefully, confirm the meeting point and available start time, and bring the basics. If you’re ready to learn by trying, listening and trying again, two hours with a coach can be a good use of a Los Angeles beach day.

FAQ

How long is the surfing lesson?

The lesson lasts two hours.

Where do the lessons take place?

Lessons are offered at Santa Monica Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. The meeting point varies with the option booked.

What time can I take the lesson?

Lessons are available every day from 6:00am to 6:00pm. Check availability for specific starting times.

What is the minimum age?

The lesson is suitable for ages four and up. Children under four cannot take part.

Is the lesson private?

Yes. It is a private group lesson, and students are not mixed with other students. Groups can book for one to six people.

What equipment is included?

A surfboard, full wetsuit and surfboard leash are included. Surfboards are available in sizes from 6 to 9 feet.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and water. Wear the swimsuit beneath the provided wetsuit.

How much does the lesson cost?

The stated price is $149 per person.

Is transportation or beach parking included?

No. You are responsible for getting to and from the beach, and for beach-lot parking if you park there.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.