Learn faster with your own private surf instructor
1 hour and 45 minutes
Board, wetsuit, instructor
Get a personalized introduction to surfing with a dedicated instructor, solo or with friends and family. Build skills like wave selection, paddling out, and turning over one lesson or a multi-lesson package.
Ages 5 and up. Gratuity is not included; tips are optional.
Full payment due in advance; non-refundable. Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance to receive full credit; less than 48 hours gets no refund or credit. Operator may cancel if conditions are unsafe or minimum enrollments not met; then services are rescheduled or fully refunded.
Product ID: CCW5NT
Wear a swimsuit under your wetsuit and apply waterproof sunscreen on your face before you arrive.
Bring a towel, drinking water, and your cell phone and other essentials.
No. There is no locked storage. Keep valuables concealed and place them in a safe spot among the gear since it is a public beach.
1 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The lesson takes place on Santa Monica State Beach, on the sand south of the Santa Monica Pier. Parking is available at nearby lots including Parking Lot 3 (1750 Appian Way), behind Shutters Hotel. The location is also accessible by public transit.
The Santa Monica Pier rises above the Pacific like a postcard come to life, its Ferris wheel turning slowly against the California sky as surfers carve through the waves below. This stretch of coastline, framed by the unmistakable silhouette of the Santa Monica Pier, is one of the most iconic places in the world to learn how to surf. The water here is forgiving, the sandy bottom is gentle, and the long, rolling whitewater waves break in a way that practically invites beginners to stand up and ride. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Pier, your first surf lesson becomes more than a lesson, it becomes a memory tied to one of Southern California's most beloved landmarks.
Your private surf lesson takes place on the soft sand just steps from the Santa Monica Pier, where a certified instructor walks you through ocean safety, paddling technique, pop-up form, and wave-reading basics before you ever touch the water. With all the gear provided, including a soft-top longboard and wetsuit, you wade out into the same lineup that locals have been surfing for generations. The salt air, the cries of seagulls, the distant hum of the pier's arcade, all of it folds into the experience as you catch your first wave. Because the lesson is private, the pace is yours, whether you want gentle coaching or push yourself to ride unbroken waves farther out.
This experience is perfect for first-time surfers, families with kids, couples looking for a memorable date, and travelers who want a quintessentially Californian story to take home. Visitors staying near the Santa Monica Pier will appreciate how easy it is to walk straight from the boardwalk into the surf, and confident swimmers of all ages will find the conditions welcoming. Few activities capture the spirit of the coast quite like learning to surf within sight of the Santa Monica Pier.
Beginners consistently leave thrilled after their lessons here, with instructors like Mike, Angie, Chuck, and Jared earning high praise for their patience and teaching skills. People love how the instructors tailor lessons to individual comfort levels and sizes, helping complete novices stand up and ride waves within their first session. The booking process is straightforward, equipment fits well, and the Santa Monica location near the pier makes it convenient for visitors using public transit. The team genuinely seems to care about getting people comfortable in the water and having fun. Several reviewers mention the encouraging, welcoming atmosphere that puts nervous first-timers at ease. They handle groups well too, from families to corporate events of 14+ people. A couple reviews mention mixed experiences with instructor attentiveness, so it's worth being clear about your comfort level and expectations when booking. Optional photos are available after lessons if you want to capture the memories.
Booked a private 2-hour father-and-son surf lesson with Learn To Surf LA at Santa Monica State Beach on August 4, 2026, and it was the absolute highlight of our trip.From the moment we arrived, the process was seamless. All equipment—including properly fitted wetsuits and beginner-friendly soft-top surfboards—was included and ready on the sand. Our instructor, Arthur, was incredible with my son. He balanced a fun, high-energy attitude with strict ocean safety and clear wave-dynamics education during the initial 30-minute beach instruction.Once in the water, the gentle sandy-bottom break of Santa Monica made it a perfectly safe environment to learn. Thanks to Arthur's hands-on coaching, precise feedback, and perfect wave selection, both my son and I were successfully popping up and riding waves by the end of the session.If you want a professional, safe, and unforgettable family surfing experience in Southern California, book with Learn To Surf LA and ask for Arthur! Highly recommended for kids and adults alike.
Jonathan Bradshaw
August 5, 2026
Booked a private 2-hour father-and-son surf lesson with Learn To Surf LA at Santa Monica State Beach on August 4, 2026, and it was the absolute highlight of our trip.From the moment we arrived, the process was seamless. All equipment—including properly fitted wetsuits and beginner-friendly soft-top surfboards—was included and ready on the sand. Our instructor, Arthur, was incredible with my son. He balanced a fun, high-energy attitude with strict ocean safety and clear wave-dynamics education during the initial 30-minute beach instruction.Once in the water, the gentle sandy-bottom break of Santa Monica made it a perfectly safe environment to learn. Thanks to Arthur's hands-on coaching, precise feedback, and perfect wave selection, both my son and I were successfully popping up and riding waves by the end of the session.If you want a professional, safe, and unforgettable family surfing experience in Southern California, book with Learn To Surf LA and ask for Arthur! Highly recommended for kids and adults alike.
Jonathan Bradshaw
August 5, 2026
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