Los Angeles · WORKSHOPS
The good escape rooms & workshops fill up first, especially on weekends. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Meet your English-speaking instructor near 20 Bicknell Ave, suit up, and learn the basics on the sand before heading into the waves. Boards, wetsuits, and storage are included. Instructors such as Kat, Ethan, Nico, and Axel have helped first-timers get to their feet, though surf and weather conditions can change the plan.
“It was a brilliant lesson. Our guy really went into depth about technique which was brilliant.”
At the border of Venice and Santa Monica, Kapowui Surf Lessons provides a 90-minute private lesson for your group. You get a surfboard, wetsuit, and instructor, with 30 minutes of beach instruction on safety, waves, and technique before heading into the water. Beginners are promised a chance to ride waves, and past instructors have included Liam and Alex.
“It was an amazing time! Liam was the best instructor and so patient with our nephews! We would do it again!”
At Fun Surf LA, you get a two-hour beginner-to-intermediate lesson at Santa Monica, with 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction followed by coached water practice and time to keep trying. An 8- or 9-foot foam board and wetsuit are included. Groups are limited to four, and instructors named in past lessons include Jackson, Nico, Melanie, and Jonathan.
“We had an amazing time! It was our first time surfing and Jonathan was an excellent teacher. We got to see some leopard sharks in the water too!”
Start with 30 minutes of beach instruction on board basics, waves, safety, etiquette, and pop-up form, then head into the water with a local surf instructor. The lesson meets near the Venice and Santa Monica border and includes your surfboard and wetsuit. Dale is one instructor associated with the experience, though your teacher may vary.
“Dale was excellent - he was very patient and supportive while trying to learn the ins and outs of surfing!”
At Venice Beach, Golden Wave Surf School teaches adults ages 18 to 60 the basics in about two hours. You start with a 30-minute land lesson, then head into the water with an instructor. A board and wetsuit are included. Instructors have included Alex, Alexi, Felipe, Martin, and Diego, though the instructor for your lesson may vary.
“This was my first time surfing and our instructor, Alex, was patient, knowledgeable, and fun. I would highly, highly recommend this for anyone, like myself, looking to surf for the first time.”
Meet your English- or Spanish-speaking instructor near Santa Monica, get a wetsuit and surfboard, then learn on the sand and in the water at a Southern California beach. This private lesson suits first-timers and intermediate surfers, with one-to-one coaching or space for a second person. Basic swimming ability is required.
Meet your instructor at 20 Bicknell Ave in Santa Monica for a private two-hour surf lesson, with land coaching followed by hands-on help in the water. The class is tailored to your ability, from first-timer to advanced, and welcomes ages seven and up. Surfboards and wetsuits are included; photos are not.
“Great experience for my teenager. Cat was a wonderful instructor, and I’m glad we signed up to do this.”
At Venice Beach, Golden Wave Surf School’s two-hour private lesson starts with about 30 minutes on land for surf basics and safety, then moves into the water for step-by-step instruction. A surfboard and wetsuit are included. Past instructors Paul and Alex earned praise for patient, effective teaching, though your instructor may differ.
“My two daughters had a great experience. Paul was super patient and a great instructor. Would absolutely recommend.”
Meet local surfer and instructor Ric at Surfrider Beach for a private, 90-minute lesson tailored to your ability. Start with 15 to 20 minutes on the sand practicing paddling, standing, and surf etiquette, then head into the water to catch waves. Beginners are welcome, but ask about board sizing before booking if anyone in your group may need a larger board.
“It was a wonderful experience. Lesson was better than expected and I was able to ride some waves very quickly. I’ll take another lesson for sure. Bravo”
Pick a hillside, a beach or a backlot.
