How we rank: Google rating, weighted so a 5.0 from six reviews doesn't outrank a 4.9 from a thousand. Schools can't pay to move up this list; a paid placement is labelled as one. Listings that share a phone number or website are marked as the same team.
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Santa Monica · 2 hours
Group surf lesson with all gear included
Group
Check prices →Check prices & dates →Booked and paid on GetYourGuide
// 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
Seasonal averages for California — not a live surf report for this beach. California surf seasons in full
// 10 Surf schools listed
Local instructors, real reviews, and how to reach each school direct.
Highest rated
Sunrise Surf Academy4.8 from 28 reviews
Kids-friendly
Sunrise Surf AcademyTagged kid-friendly from student reviews
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
// Free Surf Guide
The Beginner's Surf Guide
Wave basics, gear checklist, lesson tips — all free, delivered instantly.
10 schools on the map
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// The price check
Based on prices published by 2 of 10 schools · checked October 2026
The other 8 don't list prices on their websites, so they are not in these figures. Rates change with season, group size and what's included. Confirm with the school before you book.
What the schools say about their lessons
From each school's own website. Schools that don't say aren't counted as a no; confirm when you book.
// Side by side
| School | Rating | Group | Private | Kids | Lesson | Phone | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Surf Academy | 4.8 (28) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | 3:1 camper-to-instructor ratio · ages 5+Board + wetsuit included | +1 323-366-0070 | Book Sunrise Surf Academy on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Lipsmack Surf | 5.0 (18) | Price not published, ask the school | $175/lesson | $175/lesson | 2–2.5 hours | +1 310-995-3479 | Book Lipsmack Surf on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Malibu Coastal Adventures | 5.0 (16) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | 1:1 instructionBoard + wetsuit included | +1 310-701-1996 | — |
| Adventures In Malibu | 5.0 (13) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 310-770-3115 | — |
| SPF Surf School | 5.0 (13) | Price not published, ask the school | $175/hr | Price not published, ask the school | 1 hour | +1 805-814-4664 | Book SPF Surf School on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Good vibes surf school | 5.0 (6) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 818-914-1929 | — |
| LA Surf Shop | 5.0 (2) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 310-595-5375 | — |
| Kanaloa Surf Company LLC | 4.0 (1) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 385-722-7454 | — |
| Surf Lessons LA - Surf Astrology Healing | 5.0 (1) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 310-857-8267 | — |
| Bruno Surfboards, (Custom Surfboards) | 5.0 (1) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 714-401-4213 | — |
Ask = not published on the school's website, so call or message to get a quote. Prices are the lowest each school lists. Lesson details are what each school states on its own website; a dash means not stated.
// Know before you book
Group lessons are the usual starting point: they cost less per person, and you share an instructor with typically 4 to 8 other students. Private lessons give you one-on-one attention and a faster start, which suits nervous beginners, anyone short on time, or surfers working on a specific skill, at a higher price per person. Semi-private sits in between, for two to three people who want to learn together. Class size and what is included vary by school, so confirm when you book.
You share an instructor with other students, typically 4 to 8 per instructor, for around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Best for: First-timers on a budget and anyone who likes learning alongside others.
A small group of two to three people with one instructor, often friends or family booking together.
Best for: Couples, friends and families who want more attention than a group without the private price.
One instructor, one student (or one family). The pace and focus are yours to set.
Best for: Nervous beginners, short trips, and surfers working on a specific skill.
Published by Lipsmack Surf: “1 hr 30 min, discounted from $225”
Lessons run for younger surfers, usually in smaller groups with a lower instructor-to-student ratio. Minimum ages vary by school.
Best for: Children and teens. Ask the school about age limits and whether parents can stay on the beach.
Published by Lipsmack Surf: “Solo, 1.5 hours; Two Kids, 2 hours”
Multi-day programs, from a few days to a week or more, mixing lessons, practice sessions and surf theory.
Best for: Visitors staying a while and anyone who wants to progress past the first stand-up.
Board and wetsuit are usually included in a lesson price. Confirm when booking, because policies differ between schools. In Los Angeles, 2 of 10 schools say board and wetsuit are included on their own websites.
Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Aleks for his patient, encouraging, and personalized instruction, creating a fun, confidence-building, and even addictive surfing experience for all skill levels.
Private lessons from
$175/lesson
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Dave for his exceptional instruction, patience, and ability to create memorable experiences while ensuring safety and fun for all ages.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the fun and effective surfing lessons, highlighting the personalized instruction and positive experience provided by Jason and his team.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Jeremy for his exceptional knowledge, patience, and ability to create a fun, safe, and confidence-building surfing experience for all skill levels.
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Private lessons · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the surf school's patient, professional, and kind instructors, like Lindsay, Ryan, and Pako, as well as the friendly and helpful staff, such as Mika and Conor, for creating fun and successful surfing experiences.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
