Onewheel Board Experience

Experience Review: Onewheel Board Adventure in Santa Monica

Getting around Santa Monica and Venice Beach on a Onewheel is a pretty unique way to see these iconic LA spots. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, reviews suggest this tour offers an exciting blend of fun and practicality, making it an appealing option for travelers who want more than just a walking tour.

What really caught our eye is how the experience combines learning a new skill with exploring some of the city’s most photogenic stretches. Plus, the fact that it’s designed to be safe and accessible makes it stand out from more adrenaline-driven activities. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that you’ll need a moderate level of physical fitness to enjoy this fully — it’s not entirely a leisurely stroll.

This tour feels best suited for those who are up for a little adventure, love trying new things, and want a more interactive way to experience LA’s coastal vibe. If you’re considering a day with a mix of movement, learning, and sightseeing, this could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Fun and safe way to explore Santa Monica and Venice Beach
• Learn and practice riding a self-balancing Onewheel before hitting the streets
• Suitable for those with moderate physical fitness
• Ideal for people who enjoy hands-on, active experiences
• Small group size (max 16) ensures personalized attention
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

What is the Onewheel Board Experience?

This tour offers a two-hour adventure where you get to learn how to ride a self-balancing Onewheel, then go out and explore the vibrant streets and beaches of Santa Monica and Venice Beach. It’s a blend of training, practice, and sightseeing that makes for a distinctive LA outing.

The experience is hosted by Andrew Scollon, who gets rave reviews for being friendly, organized, and quick to respond. He provides a training-wheel device to help beginners get comfortable on the board and an obstacle course to practice your balance skills before heading out onto the streets.

One of the biggest draws is how the self-balancing wheel mimics the sensation of surfing on land or snowboarding on the sand. It’s not just about transportation — it’s about feeling confident on the board, which makes the whole experience more fun and immersive.

The Meeting Point and Itinerary

You’ll meet at Barnard Way Linear Park, a quiet, car-free area perfect for learning. This set-up helps minimize distractions and safety concerns while you get the hang of your new skill. After the training, you’ll cruise along the coast, exploring Santa Monica’s bustling pier and Venice Beach’s lively boardwalk.

The activity ends back at the starting point, making it easy to continue your day in the area or grab a bite nearby.

Learning to Ride the Onewheel

The initial part of the tour focuses on getting comfortable with the board. A trainer guides you step-by-step, explaining the nuances of riding a self-balancing device. The inclusion of the training-wheel device and obstacle course is a smart touch, especially for those new to this kind of activity.

Many reviews emphasize how well the instructor explains everything. Marina_O notes, “Great teacher — very friendly and explained the nuances of riding the board in great detail. Really enjoyed it!” This focus on safety and clarity makes a big difference, especially if you’re nervous about trying something new.

Exploring Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Once you’re confident, you’ll take your skills onto the streets and beaches. The ride is suitable for use on both land and sand, offering the chance to experience both the bustling city vibe and the relaxed beach atmosphere. It’s a casual, fun way to see the sights—think of it as a mobile photo op and a chance to cover more ground than walking allows.

While the tour doesn’t specify exact stops, you can expect to cruise along the coast, soaking in the sun, and observing locals and other visitors. The experience isn’t overly structured, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

Based on reviews and the setup, this tour is best for adventurous spirits, curious beginners, or anyone who’s keen to try something different. It’s especially appealing if you’re comfortable on your feet but want a more engaging way to explore.

If you’re someone who values safety and instruction in a small group, this tour offers a comfortable environment. It’s also a good fit for travelers looking for a light physical activity that isn’t too demanding but still provides a sense of accomplishment.

Value for Money

At $80 per person, the price is reasonable considering you get a full two hours of instruction, practice, and sightseeing. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which adds to the value. Plus, the fun factor is high — you’ll leave with a new skill and plenty of photos, making it a worthwhile splurge.

The fact that it’s booked on average 15 days in advance suggests it’s popular enough to be in demand but not overly booked, giving you some flexibility to plan.

The Review Highlights

• “Fun experience! Great teacher — very friendly and explained the nuances of riding the board in great detail. Really enjoyed it!” – Marina_O
• “Had a great experience on the OneWheels! Drew was easy to coordinate with and quick to respond over SMS.” – Lu_C

These reviews underscore the positive attitude of the instructor and the overall smooth organization of the activity, both important for a stress-free experience.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Good weather is a must for this outdoor activity. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded — a helpful feature that offers peace of mind. Cancellation is free if you do so at least 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

This Onewheel Board Experience offers a fresh, fun way to see Santa Monica and Venice Beach. It’s ideal for travelers who want a hands-on activity that combines learning, adventure, and sightseeing. While it’s not a casual walk, it’s not an extreme sport either — it’s a balanced activity that emphasizes safety and enjoyment.

The experience’s standout features are the friendly instruction, the opportunity to develop a new skill, and the chance to cruise along some of LA’s most iconic coastal spots. If you’re after a memorable, active way to explore with a small group, this is definitely worth considering.

However, if you’re looking for a relaxed, purely sightseeing tour or have physical limitations, this might not be the best fit. It’s best suited for those up for a little challenge and eager to try something different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour specifies a moderate physical fitness level, so it’s generally aimed at adults or older teens. Children who are comfortable on their feet and eager to learn might enjoy it, but it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

How long is the entire experience?
The activity lasts about 2 hours, including instruction, practice, and exploring.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded.

What if I’ve never ridden a self-balancing board before?
That’s perfectly fine. The tour includes training with a training-wheel device and an obstacle course to help you get comfortable before heading out.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The description doesn’t specify accessibility features, but the meeting point is a quiet, car-free park area, which might be easier for some. It’s best to contact the provider directly for specific needs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity is recommended. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses, especially for beachside riding.

Where does the tour start and end?
You’ll begin and finish at Barnard Way Linear Park, a peaceful, accessible spot conducive to learning and practicing.

Is there any age limit?
The information doesn’t specify age restrictions. If traveling with minors, confirm with the provider to ensure suitability.

If you’re craving a lively, hands-on way to experience some of LA’s most famous beaches, this Onewheel adventure could be just the ticket. It combines the thrill of learning with the laid-back charm of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, making for a memorable day out.