Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

At Venice Beach, your first surfboard ride may last only a few seconds. That is enough to make this two-hour lesson memorable: you learn the basics on the sand, then take them into the Pacific with an instructor close at hand.

I like two things in particular: the lesson combines clear safety and technique instruction with plenty of time in the water, and the $69 price includes a board, wetsuit, instructor, and storage. Instructors including Kat, Ethan, Nico, and Axel have helped nervous beginners stand up and enjoy their first waves.

One consideration: surfing is harder than it looks, and standing on the board is not guaranteed. You need basic swimming ability, and Venice can be misty or cool, so bring warm clothes for afterward even when the wetsuit keeps you comfortable in the water.

• Two hours on the beach and in the water: Start with 30 to 40 minutes of land instruction, then practise in the surf.
• Boards and wetsuits are included: Choose from 8- or 9-foot boards, with storage available in the equipment van.
• Safety is part of the lesson: Your instructor covers ocean basics and safe surfing before you head out.
• Suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers: Expect guidance on fundamentals, with time to work on your skills.
• Meet at a specific Venice Beach parking lot: Look for the white Ford E-250 van or blue Surf School bus near 20 Bicknell Ave.
• Weather and surf can change the plan: The class may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unsuitable.

Your First Waves at Venice Beach

This is a practical way to try surfing without buying or renting equipment on your own or trying to learn by watching from the shore. The lesson is designed for beginners and intermediate surfers, so you can get a first taste of the sport or revisit the basics with an instructor nearby.

The class is two hours, a useful length for a first lesson. You get time to practise the pop-up on land, learn safety points, and try the technique in the water without turning the activity into an all-day commitment.

Keep expectations sensible. Some first-timers have managed to stand up several times, while others have had fun riding waves on their stomachs. Both are reasonable outcomes for a first session. Surfing takes coordination, timing, and practice, and your instructor can improve your chances, not promise a perfect ride.

The lesson takes place at Venice Beach, a well-known Los Angeles surf spot. The setting gives you a direct introduction to the city’s beach culture, but this is an active class rather than a sightseeing tour. You will spend your time learning, paddling, and trying to catch waves.

Meeting Near 20 Bicknell Ave

The meeting point is on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Avenue. Once you enter the lot, turn right and look for a white Ford E-250 van or a blue Surf School bus, where your instructor will meet you.

It is worth checking these details before you set out. One participant had trouble finding the vehicle, so do not assume the meeting point will be obvious at a glance. Allow a little time to locate the van or bus and meet your group without rushing.

When you arrive, you will get a wetsuit and pick up a surfboard. You can leave your belongings in the equipment van during the lesson, which saves you from carrying valuables down to the sand. Bring only what you need for the activity and your trip home.

The meeting point is also where you return after class. There is no separate transport between the start and the beach session, so be ready to walk down to the sand with your group and board.

Learning the Pop-Up on the Sand

The first 30 to 40 minutes are spent on the beach. Your instructor introduces the fundamentals, including how to pop up from lying on the board into a standing position, and explains key points about the ocean and safety.

This land practice matters. A quick explanation on the shoreline gives you a chance to understand the movement before you have to coordinate it in moving water. One participant appreciated having the technique explained in depth, while another wished for a few more minutes of practice on the sand. If you are nervous or completely new, pay close attention and ask questions while you are still on land.

Safety is not an afterthought here. The class covers it before you head into the ocean, giving you a clearer idea of how to approach the session and what your instructor expects. You still need basic swimming knowledge to take part; this is not a substitute for learning to swim.

The lesson is taught in English. If you need instruction in Spanish, French, or German, the group class is not the right fit; private classes are suggested for those languages. Children under 12 are not suitable for this activity, and private classes are the option to check for younger children.

Taking the Lesson Into the Water

After the beach briefing, you take your board into the water for hands-on instruction. The planned sequence includes about 40 minutes of instructor-led practice, followed by time to work on your skills and enjoy the board.

In the water, the challenge is putting the beach lesson into practice. Your instructor can offer pointers and help you try again, but you will need to listen, paddle, and make repeated attempts. Reports of instructors paying attention to each person and offering individual help are encouraging, though the amount of personal attention can depend on the group.

Group size is not specified and may vary. Some classes have been small, including one group of four, and another scheduled group lesson turned into a session with only a couple and two instructors. That is a welcome bonus when it happens, but do not book expecting a private lesson.

A board that suits you also matters. The class supplies 8- and 9-foot surfboards, but equipment condition is worth checking when you collect yours. One participant received a damaged board that made the session harder, so speak up promptly if your board appears damaged or feels unsuitable.

What the Instructors Add

The strongest part of this class is the teaching. Instructors named by participants include Kat, Ethan, Nico, Axel, Melanie, and Dan, with repeated praise for patient, clear explanations and encouraging support in the water.

That combination is useful for a beginner. A relaxed instructor can make it easier to try again after a wipeout, while practical pointers give you something specific to adjust on the next wave. The aim is not just to hand you a board and send you off; the session includes instruction on the beach and help in the ocean.

Some first-timers have stood up during their first lesson, including people who did not expect to manage it. Others found the sport challenging but still had a good time trying to ride waves. I would treat standing up as a welcome possibility, not the measure of whether the class was worthwhile.

You are also learning alongside other people, which can make the session sociable without taking away from the activity. You will meet fellow visitors and watersports fans, share the practice space, and see how others approach the same basic challenge.

Wetsuits, Weather, and What to Pack

Your wetsuit is included, and it can make the experience more comfortable when the day feels cool. One participant described an air temperature of about 18 degrees and found the suit helpful. Another had a misty day at Venice Beach and recommended having warm clothes ready for afterward.

Pack swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and water. You will also want dry clothes for after the lesson. The instructor leads you to an outdoor public shower so you can rinse off when the class ends.

The weather and surf conditions are not guaranteed. The activity may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unsuitable, and you will be contacted the day before if that happens. If your Los Angeles plans are tightly packed, keep that possibility in mind rather than scheduling the lesson immediately before a must-not-miss commitment.

Is $69 Good Value?

At $69 per person, the price includes the lesson, instructor, surfboard, wetsuit, and storage. For someone trying surfing for the first time, that is a practical bundle: you can arrive with basic personal items rather than arranging the main equipment yourself.

The real value depends on what you want from the two hours. If your goal is to understand the basics, try the pop-up, get safety guidance, and spend time in the waves, the class offers a useful introduction. If you expect to become a confident surfer in one session, the price cannot buy the practice that comes with time and repetition.

The class is also a good fit if you like active outings more than sightseeing from a bus or beach towel. You will be doing the work, and the first attempts can be tiring. One participant joked that the session made for a good night’s sleep, which is a fair reminder to bring water and be ready for physical effort.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is eligible for a full refund. Check the available start times when you plan your day.

Who Should Book This Lesson?

Book if you have basic swimming skills, want to try surfing under instruction, and are comfortable spending much of the class in the water. It suits beginners especially well, but intermediate surfers can also use the session to practise fundamentals and get guidance.

It is less suitable if you are looking for a guaranteed stand-up ride, need instruction in a language other than English, or are booking for a child under 12. For those cases, check the provider’s private classes rather than assuming the group lesson will meet your needs.

I would book this as an active, hands-on taste of Los Angeles beach life, especially if you have been curious about surfing but do not know where to begin. Go for the instruction and the chance to try, not a promise of instant mastery. Bring the right essentials, leave room in your schedule for possible weather changes, and count any time standing on a wave as a bonus.

FAQ

How long is the surfing lesson?

The lesson lasts two hours. It begins with about 30 to 40 minutes of instruction on the beach, followed by practice in the water.

How much does the lesson cost?

The listed price is $69 per person. The lesson, instructor, surfboard, wetsuit, and storage are included.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Avenue at 20 Bicknell Ave. Look for a white Ford E-250 van or a blue Surf School bus.

What equipment is provided?

Surfboards in 8- and 9-foot sizes and wetsuits are provided. Storage for belongings is available in the equipment van.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. Warm clothes for afterward may be useful on a cool or misty day.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming knowledge is required to participate.

Is the class suitable for children under 12?

No. Children under 12 are not suitable for this activity. Check whether private classes are available for younger children.

What language is the lesson taught in?

The lesson is taught in English. For Spanish, French, or German instruction, check the private classes.

Can the lesson be changed because of weather?

Yes. The activity may be rescheduled or canceled because of surf or weather conditions. You will be contacted the day before if that happens.