Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

If you’re heading to Los Angeles and craving a taste of the surf scene, a surfing lesson at Venice Beach might just be the perfect way to get your feet wet—literally. Designed for both beginners and intermediate surfers, this experience offers a relaxed, friendly introduction to catching waves beneath the California sun. It’s an activity that balances fun with safety, making it accessible for most people looking to try something new on their trip.

What we love about this tour is its supportive instruction—the guides are praised for their helpfulness and good humor, making the experience approachable even for those with zero experience. Plus, the stunning setting of Venice Beach, with its lively vibe and iconic atmosphere, makes the whole experience feel vibrant and memorable. One minor consideration is that weather conditions can influence the schedule, so don’t be surprised if your session is rescheduled due to surf or weather issues.

This activity is best suited for adventurers eager to try surfing for the first time or those wanting to improve their skills in a relaxed setting. It might not be ideal for children under 12 or those who prefer more extensive lessons, but it’s perfect for anyone who wants a quick, fun, and memorable taste of the waves.

Key Points

Supportive, friendly instructors make learning to surf approachable and fun.
Venice Beach’s iconic setting adds a lively, photogenic backdrop to your experience.
Two hours is just enough time to get comfortable on the board without feeling overwhelmed.
All necessary gear—surfboards, wetsuits, storage—are included, so you don’t need to bring much.
Good value for money at $69, considering the personalized attention and stunning location.
Weather and surf conditions can affect scheduling, so flexibility is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from Your Venice Beach Surfing Lesson

This 2-hour lesson strikes a good balance between instruction and free time, making it a practical choice for travelers who want to try surfing without committing to multiple days. From the moment you arrive, your guide will greet you at the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave, where you’ll find the blue FUN SURF LA bus or the white Ford E-250 van. It’s straightforward to locate, but note that directions can sometimes be a bit tricky, as some reviews mention difficulties finding the meeting point.

Once you meet your instructor, you’ll suit up in a wetsuit (which keeps you warm in the ocean) and store your belongings in the equipment van—an important detail since you’ll be in and out of the water. They’ll start with a 30-40 minute on-land session, where they teach you the fundamentals: how to pop up on your board, basic ocean safety, and surfing etiquette. We really appreciated the way instructors explain everything clearly, setting a good foundation and easing nerves.

The Beach and In-Water Training

After the land lesson, you’ll head down to the sand and then into the water for approximately 40 minutes. Here, your instructor will be right beside you, providing hands-on guidance as you practice paddling, balancing, and catching your first waves. The reviews highlight how supportive and encouraging guides are—one said, “Under her guidance, we were able to stand up on the board multiple times,” which is a decent achievement for first timers.

In the remaining time, you have the freedom to practice independently—this is where the fun really kicks in. The setting of Venice Beach makes the whole experience special, with the waves, the sun, and the lively beach scene all adding to the memorable vibe. After your water session, rinsing off at an outdoor shower is a nice touch, helping you feel refreshed after your surfing adventure.

Gear and Logistics

All necessary gear is provided, including 8 and 9 ft. surfboards and wetsuits. This not only simplifies things but also ensures you’re equipped for the conditions. You can leave your valuables in the equipment van during your session, which adds peace of mind.

The price of $69 per person is quite reasonable when you consider that this includes instruction, gear, and a truly enjoyable outdoor activity. It’s worth noting that the lesson is in English, so some basic understanding of the language helps. The activity is generally available in both morning and afternoon sessions, providing flexibility for your schedule.

Instructor and Group Experience

One of the standout features of this tour, based on reviews, is the quality of the instructors. Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable, friendly, and funny the guides are—making the lesson feel more like hanging out with friends than a class. Ethan, Juana, Axel, and other instructors all earn praise for their patience and professionalism.

Group size can vary but generally seems intimate enough to get personalized tips. Some reviews mention only four people in the class, which enhances the learning experience. However, larger groups may mean slightly less individual attention, so if that’s a concern, trying to book early or requesting specific times might help.

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Suitability and Considerations

This experience isn’t suitable for children under 12, partly due to safety reasons and the physical demands of paddling and balancing. Participants should have basic swimming skills, as they’ll be spending time in the ocean, and should bring essentials like swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Weather and surf conditions can affect the schedule; if the surf is too rough or the weather is poor, your lesson might be rescheduled or canceled. The tour provider typically contacts you the day before if that happens, which adds some reassurance.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviewers repeatedly praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the guides, often describing them as “amazing,” “patient,” and “funny.” One said, “Our instructor Kat was amazing,” and another noted how their guide “laughed with us all the time.” These comments suggest the guides go beyond just teaching—they help create a positive, supportive atmosphere.

Several reviews highlight how even complete beginners managed to stand up on their boards, a big confidence boost. For example, “Under her guidance, we managed to stand up multiple times,” comments one reviewer from the UK, making it clear that even novices leave with a sense of accomplishment.

The stunning scenery of Venice Beach is consistently mentioned as a highlight. The friendly, relaxed beach atmosphere, combined with the ocean views, helps make the 2-hour session feel special and fun.

A Personal Touch

One reviewer pointed out that the activity can be a “highlight of the trip,” emphasizing how memorable the experience was. Many noted that the value for money is excellent, especially considering all equipment and instruction are included. The activity’s duration is just right—long enough to learn and practice but not so long that it becomes exhausting or tedious.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?

This Venice Beach surfing lesson is ideal for travelers looking for a fun, laid-back introduction to surfing. It’s perfect if you want a quick, memorable activity that’s safe and supported by experienced guides. The friendly atmosphere makes it especially suited for those who are a bit nervous about trying something new, but want to see if surfing is for them.

If you’re on a tight schedule, this activity’s two-hour format fits easily into a morning or afternoon plan. It’s also a good value, considering the inclusive gear and instruction, and the setting is about as iconic as it gets.

However, if you’re an experienced surfer or seeking a more intensive lesson, this tour might feel a bit basic. Also, young children under 12 should probably wait until they’re a bit older, and those with specific language needs might want private classes in Spanish, French, or German.

FAQ

Do I need to have previous surfing experience?
No, this lesson is suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. Basic swimming skills are required, but no prior surfing experience is necessary.

What should I bring with me?
You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. All surfboards and wetsuits are provided, and you can store your belongings in the equipment van.

What is the meeting point?
Meet on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave. Look for the blue surf school bus with the FUN SURF LA logo or the White Van Ford E-250.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is the activity suitable for children?
Children under 12 are not recommended for this activity, likely due to safety and physical requirements.

What if the weather or surf conditions are poor?
The activity may be rescheduled or canceled based on conditions, and you will be contacted the day before if this occurs.

If you’re after a fun, authentic way to dip your toes into surfing with supportive guides and a prime Venice Beach setting, this lesson hits the right notes. It’s a great pick for those wanting a brief but impactful introduction to California’s surf culture. Just remember to keep expectations realistic—this is about trying something new and enjoying the moment, not mastering the art of surfing in two hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: