Build surf skills in a small progressive class
1 hour and 45 minutes
Up to 5 people
Foam longboard, wetsuit, instructor
Build your surfing skills with instruction for beginners and more experienced surfers. Instruction may be grouped by experience level when enrollment allows.
All payments are non-refundable. Cancellations or reschedules within 48 hours receive no refund. Arrive on time: 20 minutes after start is a no-show, and late arrivals do not extend or reschedule the lesson. If the operator cancels due to unsafe conditions or minimum enrollment, the lesson will be rescheduled or fully refunded.
Product ID: FXDQ9D
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 on the beach, so keep valuables minimal, conceal anything valuable, and place it in a safe spot among the group’s gear.
Beach parking next to Hotel Casa Del Mar, 1 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405
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
Reserve a foam longboard or wetsuit and paddle out for 2 hours
Build stronger team connections through a private surf lesson
Private, beginner-focused instruction with an experienced Santa Monica surf coach
Choose your board and get on the water at your own pace
Choose the water gear that fits your day and skill level
Glide the Santa Monica beach bike path on an easy-to-use electric scooter