// The Breaks
Browse surf lessons by city to find the perfect location for your surfing journey in CA.
// Free Surf Guide
Get the free Beginner's Surf Guide — wave basics, a gear checklist, what to expect at your first lesson, and the etiquette every beginner needs. Straight to your inbox.
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// Packing list
Most schools provide the board and wetsuit, so you can arrive with very little. These are the small things worth packing.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
Rash guard (UV surf shirt)
Stops the wetsuit and board rubbing your chest raw, and covers your shoulders if the water is warm enough to skip the wetsuit.
See options on Amazon →Mineral (zinc) sunscreen
You will spend a couple of hours on open water. Zinc stays on your face better than spray and is easier on the reef.
See options on Amazon →Changing poncho or hooded towel
Gets you out of a wet wetsuit in a beach parking lot without the towel dance.
See options on Amazon →Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
Keeps your phone, keys and car fob dry and sand-free while you are in the water.
See options on Amazon →Reef booties or water shoes
Only where the entry is rocky or reefy. Sandy beaches rarely need them, so ask the school first.
See options on Amazon →Surf hat with a chin strap
Shades your face during the beach briefing and in the water; the strap keeps it on when you fall off.
See options on Amazon →Full checklist, including what to leave at home: What to bring to surf lessons
Get expert advice on timing your visit, what to bring, and how to maximize your learning.
Master the fundamentals before your trip. Build confidence and get the most from lessons.
Check seasonal swells, water temps, and peak conditions for your visit.
View Guide →// Surf Lessons by city
Surf schools in California, listed by city with Google ratings, what past students said and how to contact each one.
Seasonal averages for California — not a live surf report for this beach. California surf seasons in full
// The Lineup
Showing 1-20 of 225 schools in California
Santa Monica, CA
Gear included · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the friendly and supportive instructors who create a fun, encouraging, and safe environment for learning to surf…
San Diego, CA
Surf camp · Gear included · Group lessons · Kids welcome
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Customers highly recommend surf lessons, especially with instructors like Berkley, Pablo, and Russell, praising their patience and effective teaching…
Santa Barbara, CA
Private lessons · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
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Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides and instructors, like Sergio, Josh, Andrei, Mike, and Noah, who provide fun…
Santa Monica, CA
Gear included · Private lessons · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
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Customers appreciate the kind instructors but cite instances of unreliability, including no-shows and poor communication regarding lesson…
Venice, CA
Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
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Customers consistently praise the instructors' patience and ability to create fun, confidence-building skateboarding experiences, especially for…
Santa Barbara, CA
Gear included · Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly instructors who create fun and successful experiences, especially for beginners.
Newport Beach, CA
Surf camp · Gear included · Private lessons · Kids welcome
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Customers consistently praise Learn to Surf for its excellent and patient instructors who create fun, memorable, and confidence-building surfing…
Venice, CA
Surf camp · Private lessons · Group lessons · Kids welcome
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the excellent, patient instruction, friendly and attentive staff, and high-quality equipment, leading to fun and…
Laguna Beach, CA
Gear included · Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors' thorough, patient, and encouraging guidance, leading to fun and successful surfing and kayaking…
Oceanside, CA
Gear included · Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
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Customers rave about the Baja surf trip's excellent instruction, uncrowded waves, cultural immersion, and overall good vibes, making it an epic and…
Huntington Beach, CA
Gear included · Private lessons · Group lessons · Kids welcome
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful instructors who create a fun and effective learning environment for surfing.
Solana Beach, CA
Gear included · Private lessons · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
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Customers consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, well-maintained equipment, reasonable prices, and fun experiences with surf lessons…
Long Beach, CA
Surf camp · Gear included · Group lessons · Kids welcome
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors' patience, clear instruction, and encouragement, resulting in a fun and successful first-time surfing…
Laguna Beach, CA
Gear included · Private lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers highly recommend the surf lessons due to the knowledgeable and friendly instructors who provide impactful, personalized coaching and create…
Santa Barbara, CA
Gear included · Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
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Customers consistently praise the exceptional instruction, personalized care, and unforgettable surfing experiences, often highlighting the friendly…
Laguna Beach, CA
Gear included · Private lessons · Group lessons · Kids welcome
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Customers consistently praise Eli for his exceptional instruction, patience, encouragement, and local knowledge, leading to successful and enjoyable…
Venice, CA
Gear included · Private lessons · Group lessons · Kids welcome
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the surf school for its expert instruction, patient and encouraging instructors like Taylor, Sean, and Danny, and…
Santa Cruz, CA
Surf camp · Private lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers highly recommend Surf School Santa Cruz for its knowledgeable, patient, and friendly instructors who create fun and successful surfing…
Santa Monica, CA
Surf camp · Gear included · Private lessons · Kids welcome
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the surf school for its patient and skilled instructors, beautiful location, and ability to create enjoyable…
Malibu, CA
Gear included · Private lessons · Group lessons · Kids welcome
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Dimitri for his exceptional patience, clear instruction, and encouraging attitude, enabling even beginners to quickly…
