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 · Today’s water temperature
// 18 Surf schools listed
Local instructors, real reviews, and how to reach each school direct.
Highest rated
Kapowui Surf Lessons Santa Monica / Venice5.0 from 4,078 reviews
Lowest published group price
Fun Surf LAfrom $55 per person
Kids-friendly
Badass Surf SchoolTagged 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.
18 schools on the map
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// The price check
Based on prices published by 11 of 18 schools · checked October 2026
The other 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapowui Surf Lessons Santa Monica / Venice | 5.0 (4,078) | $70–$95/person | $100–$160/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1–2 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 310-985-4577 | Book Kapowui Surf Lessons Santa Monica / Venice on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Go Surf LA | 5.0 (849) | $85/person | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 310-428-9870 | Book Go Surf LA on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Fun Surf LA | 4.9 (486) | $55–$69/person | $149/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5–2 hours · 4-6 people per instructor · ages 7+Board + wetsuit included | +1 310-466-8659 | Book Fun Surf LA on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Badass Surf School | 5.0 (194) | Price not published, ask the school | $175–$425/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours · ages 4+Board + wetsuit included | +1 310-795-2315 | Book Badass Surf School on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Learn to Surf LA | 4.8 (133) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · maximum of four students per instructor · ages 6+ | +1 310-663-2479 | Book Learn to Surf LA on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Aqua Surf School | 4.8 (111) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 310-902-7737 | — |
| Lazy Boys Surf Lessons | Santa Monica | Venice Beach | LA | 5.0 (109) | Price not published, ask the school | $150/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 323-571-9872 | Book Lazy Boys Surf Lessons | Santa Monica | Venice Beach | LA on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Malibu LongBoards Surf School | 4.9 (99) | $100/person | $140/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 310-467-6898 | Book Malibu LongBoards Surf School on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Coyote Skateboard Lessons | Surf Lessons | Los Angeles | Santa Monica | Venice Beach | 5.0 (79) | Price not published, ask the school | $130/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 213-436-8371 | Book Coyote Skateboard Lessons | Surf Lessons | Los Angeles | Santa Monica | Venice Beach on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Offshore Vibes Surf School - Surf Lessons in Santa Monica & Los Angeles | 5.0 (62) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Board + wetsuit included | +1 310-773-6158 | Book Offshore Vibes Surf School - Surf Lessons in Santa Monica & Los Angeles on their website (opens in a new tab) |
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.
Published by Kapowui Surf Lessons Santa Monica / Venice: “1 hour: 10+ per $70, 5 per $75, 4 per $75, 3 per $80, 2 per $90. All equipment included.”
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.
Published by Fun Surf LA: “2 people per instructor, age limit 7 years and up.”
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 Kapowui Surf Lessons Santa Monica / Venice: “1 hour: 1 person $100; 1.5 hour: 1 person $130; 2 hour: 1 person $160. All equipment included.”
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.
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.
Published by Badass Surf School: “Per Full Week: 1st kiddo $575, 2 $970, 3 $1365, 4 $1760. Includes snacks daily, and lunches on days we provide.”
Board and wetsuit are usually included in a lesson price. Confirm when booking, because policies differ between schools. In Santa Monica, 12 of 18 schools say board and wetsuit are included on their own websites.
// The Local Report
Santa Monica isn't just another beach city—it's where LA's surf culture meets beginner-friendly waves in perfect harmony. Here, you're not just learning to surf; you're becoming part of a storied tradition where movie stars and local families alike catch their first waves. The laid-back vibe and year-round perfect weather create an encouraging atmosphere that helps overcome those first-time jitters. Plus, the historic Santa Monica Pier serves as your landmark, making it impossible to feel lost and adding a touch of California magic to your surf journey.
We don't label specific breaks in Santa Monica as beginner spots. Whether a spot suits a first lesson depends on the day's waves, tide and wind, and what's under the water varies from spot to spot. Let your school choose, and ask them what the bottom is like before you paddle out.
Late summer to early fall (August-October) brings warm water (65-70°F) and smaller waves. You'll need a full wetsuit in winter/spring, but a spring suit or rash guard works for summer. Morning sessions offer cleanest conditions before afternoon winds pick up.
Morning crowds are manageable, and local surf schools maintain a strong presence. Rental shops and beachside facilities are plentiful. Most importantly, you'll find a supportive community that remembers their own first wave. The National Weather Service's advice applies here: only swim at a beach with lifeguards, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard before going in, and remember that rip currents often form on calm, sunny days. If one catches you, don't fight it: relax and float, wave and yell for help, or swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the pull.
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, leading to an awesome and highly recommended experience.
Group lessons from
$70/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers appreciate the kind instructors but cite instances of unreliability, including no-shows and poor communication regarding lesson cancellations.
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the surf school for its patient and skilled instructors, beautiful location, and ability to create enjoyable experiences for surfers of all levels.
Private lessons from
$175/lesson
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers highly recommend Eduardo's surf classes, praising his professionalism, clear instruction, and ability to quickly build confidence in beginners for an enjoyable experience.
Private lessons from
$150/lesson
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors, especially Zander and Rob, for their patience, clear instruction, and ability to create a fun, supportive environment that builds confidence and encourages progress in skateboarding.
Private lessons from
$130/lesson
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Juan for his clear, friendly, and professional instruction, creating unforgettable and successful surfing experiences for beginners.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Claudio's surf instruction for its personalized approach, focus on safety, and ability to create a fun and supportive learning environment for all skill levels.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Justfoil LA, particularly Dan, for his helpfulness, expertise, and excellent service in both sales and instruction, making the efoiling experience enjoyable and successful.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Lucas for his patient, fun, and effective surf instruction, which caters to all skill levels and creates a positive and confidence-boosting experience.
Group lessons from
$75/person
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Timmy for his fast, professional, and high-quality board repairs.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers praise No Rush Surf, particularly Claudio, for his professionalism, personalized instruction, and dedication, contrasting it with negative…
Group lessons from
$55/person
Private lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors, especially Michael and Sergio, for their patience, helpful tips, and commitment to helping students of all ages and skill levels learn to surf and enjoy the experience.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Priscilla for her exceptional instruction, patience, and ability to make surfing fun and accessible for all skill levels, leading to highly enjoyable and successful experiences.
Group lessons from
$100/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors' accommodating attitudes, helpfulness, and encouragement, which creates a fun and positive surfing experience, especially for children and teenagers.
Private lessons from
$165/lesson
Gear included · Beginner friendly
Group lessons from
$150/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the professional, well-organized surf lessons, highlighting the knowledgeable and motivating instructors who create comfortable and formative experiences for all skill levels.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Aqua Surf for providing amazing and enjoyable surfing experiences, highlighting the awesome instructors who are great at teaching all levels.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Flor and Manu for their patient, encouraging, and fun instruction, which quickly builds confidence and enables students to successfully surf.
Group lessons from
$100/person
