Learn to surf in LA
The best surf lessons in Los Angeles
Group and private lessons in Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu, with boards and wetsuits: here are six lessons side by side, with honest advice on value for money, how much time the instructor gives you, and booking and cancellation.
See our 6 picks
Short answer The best surf lesson in Los Angeles for most beginners is a 2-hour group lesson in Santa Monica from €67, with board and wetsuit included. It has 530 reviews at 4.8. For more attention, a private lesson starts at €110 per person. Venice has the cheapest small-group lesson, from €59.
Our 6 picks for surf lessons in LA
Three group lessons, two private lessons and one small-group lesson in Malibu. Every one includes a board and a wetsuit.
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from €67 per person Our top pick 2 hours 4.8 (530) reviews on GetYourGuide
Group surf lesson in Santa Monica, all gear included
Two hours on the sand and in the water with instructors, for beginners and improvers. Boards of 8 and 9 feet, a wetsuit and storage for your things are included.
Best for First-timers who want a proven lesson
Check availability: Group surf lesson in Santa Monica, all gear included on GetYourGuide -
from €110 per person 2 hours 4.8 (79) reviews on GetYourGuide
Private surf lesson for one or two
A 2-hour lesson just for you, or bring a friend. Board and wetsuit are included, and the instructor speaks English or Spanish.
Best for Nervous beginners and couples
Check availability: Private surf lesson for one or two on GetYourGuide -
from €59 per person 2 hours 4.9 (19) reviews on GetYourGuide
Small-group beginner lesson at Venice Beach
Two hours with a pro instructor: surf safety and basics on land, then coaching in the water. Groups are capped at 6.
Best for Budget learners who want a small group
Check availability: Small-group beginner lesson at Venice Beach on GetYourGuide -
from €61 per person 1.5 hours 4.5 (15) reviews on GetYourGuide
Short beginner lesson in Santa Monica
A 90-minute lesson with board, wetsuit and storage. A good taster before you commit to a longer lesson.
Best for Visitors short on time
Check availability: Short beginner lesson in Santa Monica on GetYourGuide -
from €133 per person 2 hours 5.0 (7) reviews on GetYourGuide
Private lesson for your family or group
A private lesson for up to 6 people, never mixed with others, at a time you choose from sunrise to sunset. Boards from 6 to 9 feet, wetsuits and leashes are included.
Best for Families and friends who want their own instructor
Check availability: Private lesson for your family or group on GetYourGuide -
from €120 per person 1.5 hours 5.0 (4) reviews on GetYourGuide
Surf lesson in Malibu for all levels
A 90-minute lesson with coaching on surf safety and riding waves, at Broad Beach Road in Malibu. Board and wetsuit are included.
Best for Visitors staying in Malibu
Check availability: Surf lesson in Malibu for all levels on GetYourGuide
Surf lessons in Los Angeles compared
| Tour | From | Duration | Group size | Pickup | Free cancellation | Who it suits | Why we picked it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group surf lesson in Santa Monica, all gear included | €67 per person | 2 hours | Standard group: Up to 12 people | Meet on site | Yes, up to 24 hours in advance | First-timers who want a proven lesson | By far the most-reviewed lesson here: 4.8 from 530 reviews. |
| Private surf lesson for one or two | €110 per person | 2 hours | Private or small‑group options available | Meet on site | Yes, up to 24 hours in advance | Nervous beginners and couples | The same school as the top pick, one to one, rated 4.8 from 79 reviews. |
| Small-group beginner lesson at Venice Beach | €59 per person | 2 hours | Small group: Up to 6 people | Meet on site | Yes, up to 24 hours in advance | Budget learners who want a small group | The lowest price here with the smallest group, rated 4.9 from 19 reviews. |
| Short beginner lesson in Santa Monica | €61 per person | 1.5 hours | Standard group: Up to 12 people | Meet on site | Yes, up to 24 hours in advance | Visitors short on time | The shortest lesson in the list, from the same school as the top pick; rated 4.5 from 15 reviews. |
| Private lesson for your family or group | €133 per person | 2 hours | Private: Just your group, up to 6 people | Meet on site | Yes, up to 24 hours in advance | Families and friends who want their own instructor | A private option for groups, rated 5.0 from 7 reviews; the price per person drops as your group grows. |
| Surf lesson in Malibu for all levels | €120 per person | 1.5 hours | Small group: Up to 10 people | Meet on site | Yes, up to 24 hours in advance | Visitors staying in Malibu | The only Malibu lesson in our list, rated 5.0, though from just 4 reviews so far. |
Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 22 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.
Group surf lessons in Los Angeles
A group lesson is the best choice for most first-timers. It costs less, and learning with others takes the pressure off. You practise on the sand first, then go in the water with the instructors.
Group sizes differ a lot. The top pick takes up to 12 people, the Venice lesson up to 6. A smaller group means more time with the instructor.
Private surf lessons in Los Angeles
A private lesson is worth it if you are nervous, want fast progress or are booking for a family. The instructor watches only you or your group.
Private lessons start at €110 per person in our list. The family lesson takes up to 6 people, so the cost per person goes down for bigger groups.
Cheap surf lessons in Los Angeles: what you get for less
The cheapest lesson in our list is the Venice small-group lesson from €59. The short Santa Monica lesson costs from €61, but it lasts 90 minutes instead of two hours.
Every lesson here includes a board and a wetsuit, so there are no hidden rental costs. Check the price unit on the booking page: all six are priced per person.
Where beginners surf in Los Angeles
Most beginner lessons in our list meet in Santa Monica, at 20 Bicknell Avenue by the beach. That is next to one of the beach parking lots for the santa monica pier. The Venice lesson meets at 10 Washington Boulevard in Venice.
Malibu is famous for surfing. Its Surfrider Beach was named the first World Surfing Reserve in 2010. The Malibu lesson in our list meets farther west, at Broad Beach Road.
Aloha Brothers and other surf schools: how to choose
Many people search for Aloha Brothers surf lessons in Los Angeles. That school is not among the lessons we compared on GetYourGuide, so we cannot show its live price here.
The schools in our list are Cali-Adventures (three lessons), GW Surf School in Venice, Aqua Surf School and Always Summer Surf School in Malibu. Compare group size, length and what is included in the table above.
Tips before your first surf lesson
Bring a towel and swimwear
The wetsuit goes on over your swimwear. Bring sunscreen and a towel too.
Check the group size
Groups range from 6 to 12 people. Smaller groups mean more help in the water.
Book for the morning
Ask the school which time slot has the calmest conditions on your day.
Skip the water after rain
Heal the Bay advises staying out of the ocean for 72 hours after rain.
Find the meeting point
Most lessons meet on the beach, not at an office. Check the address on your booking.
Check cancellation
Most picks show free cancellation on their booking page; check the exact cut-off there.
Questions people ask
How much are surf lessons in LA?
In our list, group lessons cost from €59 to €67 per person for two hours. Private lessons start at €110 per person. Board and wetsuit are included in all of them.
Is 40 too late to learn to surf?
No. Adults of all ages take beginner lessons. Check the health notes on the booking page, and pick a private lesson if you want to go at your own pace.
Where is the best place to surf for beginners in Los Angeles?
Santa Monica and Venice, where most beginner lessons in our list take place. Malibu also has lessons, but its famous breaks are better once you can stand up.
How many lessons does it take to surf?
There is no fixed number. Your first lesson teaches you to paddle, pop up and stay safe. Riding waves on your own takes more practice, so plan a few sessions if you want to keep going.
What is the 12 second rule in surfing?
It is a rule of thumb, not an official rule: most waves that push you under let you come up within about 12 seconds. It is meant to help you stay calm. Your instructor will explain how to fall safely.
Is 25 too old to start surfing?
Not at all. Many people take their first lesson as adults. The group lessons here are made for beginners of all ages.
More surf lessons with live availability
More options with live prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide.
Live prices and availability from GetYourGuide load here.
More things to do on the water
Facts checked on 22 October 2026 against: Santa Monica Pier: FAQs (parking lots) · Surfer Today: Malibu, the first World Surfing Reserve · Spectrum News: Heal the Bay 2025–26 report.
Written by the Things to Do in Los Angeles editorial team.