Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

Introduction

Trying surfing in Los Angeles? This Venice Beach surfing lesson promises a lively introduction to the sport, whether you’re a total novice or have some experience. We’re impressed by the blend of expert instruction, the iconic Californian scenery, and the friendly atmosphere that travelers consistently praise.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the supportive instructors who make every moment feel safe and fun. Second, the beautiful Venice Beach backdrop, a perfect setting for learning. Third, the value for money—at just $69, it’s a pretty compelling way to spend a couple of hours in LA.

The only thing to consider? It’s best suited for those comfortable with basic swimming skills and prepared for a sunny, active outdoor activity. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly, social, and scenic surf lesson, this could be just the ticket.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Instructors are experienced and approachable, many reviews highlight their patience and helpful tips.
• The location at Venice Beach offers iconic views and a lively atmosphere.
• Lesson structure combines land training and ocean practice, ideal for building confidence.
• Group size tends to be small, providing personalized guidance.
• Price offers great value, including wetsuits, surfboards, and storage.
• Weather and surf conditions may lead to rescheduling, so flexibility is helpful.

Overview of the Venice Beach Surfing Lesson

This 2-hour guided surf experience in Los Angeles is designed for both beginners and intermediate surfers. For many, Venice Beach’s vibrant shoreline is the perfect place to start, with its lively boardwalk, eclectic crowd, and legendary surf spots.

The activity is run by Cali-Adventures.com, a well-reviewed provider with hundreds of positive reviews. The price point of $69 per person balances affordability with quality instruction, making it accessible for most travelers. The sessions are typically available in the morning and afternoon, giving flexibility to fit into your LA itinerary.

What’s Included and How It Works

The package includes a lesson with a trained instructor, surfboards (8 or 9 feet), wetsuits, and storage for your belongings. This means you won’t need to worry about renting gear separately, adding convenience and value.

The experience kicks off with a safety briefing and land training—roughly 30–40 minutes—where you’ll learn how to pop up on your board, understand ocean safety, and get familiar with your equipment. Reviewers note that this phase is thorough and helpful, providing the foundation needed for in-water practice.

Next, you’ll spend around 40 minutes in the water with your instructor, practicing what you learned on the sand. The remaining time is yours to refine your skills and enjoy the waves. Many reviews mention how supportive the instructors are, often helping students stand up on their boards—sometimes multiple times—despite initial nerves.

Finally, after the lesson, there’s an outdoor public shower to rinse off, which is a nice touch after a salty adventure.

The Location: Venice Beach

Venice Beach is one of LA’s most iconic spots, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful boardwalk, and lively skatepark. The surf here offers a good mix of gentle waves suitable for learners and some more challenging spots for intermediates. The scenery alone makes it a memorable place to pick up surfing.

The meeting point is straightforward: on the right side of the Bicknell Ave parking lot, where the blue surf school bus or the white Ford van signals where you should gather. The staff is friendly and welcoming, often recognizable from their FUN SURF LA logo.

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Practical Tips for the Location

• Arrive early to find parking easily and get your gear sorted.
• Bring sunscreen, water, a towel, and swimwear—the sun can be intense.
• The beach can be busy, so arriving a little early ensures a smooth start and a good spot.

The Experience: What to Expect

From check-in to wave-riding, this surf lesson is designed to be accessible and enjoyable. Expect a relaxed, friendly environment where your instructor’s goal is to help you catch your first wave or improve your technique.

Pre-surf training on land covers everything from safety procedures to the basics of popping up, which is often the most challenging part for beginners. Reviewers like Maciej from Poland appreciated the clear explanations, calling it a “great experience” and “good for trying something new.”

Once in the water, your instructor will be with you every step of the way, guiding you as you attempt to stand up and ride the waves. Many reviewers note how supportive and patient guides are—some, like Jordan from the UK, mentioned how their instructor, Kat, helped them stand multiple times, surpassing their expectations.

The Group Dynamic

Most reviews highlight small group sizes—usually four or fewer—allowing for personalized attention. This setup means both total beginners and those with some experience can get tailored feedback. Gabriele from Italy praised Axel, their instructor, for “being very good,” and many reviews mention instructors being approachable, humorous, and dedicated.

Practical Aspects of the Lesson

• Timing & Duration: The 2-hour format is generally seen as perfect—long enough to learn, practice, and have fun without fatigue setting in.
• Weather & Surf Conditions: Since the activity depends on weather and surf, it may be rescheduled or canceled. Participants are typically contacted the day before if this occurs.
• Gear & Facilities: All necessary gear is provided, and you can store your belongings safely while in the water.

The Authenticity & Value

Many reviewers comment on how this experience offers excellent value for money. At $69, you get professional instruction, quality equipment, and a memorable experience at one of LA’s most famous beaches. It’s particularly appealing for first-time surfers, solo travelers, or groups seeking a social activity.

Genuine praise from past participants highlights the instructors’ knowledge and friendly approach. For example, Raheem from the US said, “I feel like I’m ready to go surfing anytime,” a testament to how empowering the lesson can be.

Others appreciated the balance of instruction and free time, with some noting they managed to stand up on the board—something many thought impossible at first. Joanna from Denmark recommended the lessons for their great value, and Tatiana from the US called it a “great time,” emphasizing how much fun they had with their guide.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for beginners eager to try surfing, intermediate surfers looking to refine their skills, and anyone wanting a fun outdoor activity under the Californian sun. It suits solo travelers, groups, and families (though kids under 12 are not recommended).

The friendly instruction style makes it accessible for those with little to no experience, and the scenic location promises memorable photos and stories. If you’re after a mix of adventure, social interaction, and an authentic LA vibe, this is a solid choice.

The Sum Up

This Venice Beach surfing lesson offers a fantastic way to get into the sport without breaking the bank. The combination of professional guidance, iconic scenery, and affordable pricing makes it a standout activity for first-timers and those looking to boost their confidence. Expect a relaxed, supportive environment that emphasizes fun and safety, with plenty of opportunities to ride your first wave.

While weather and surf conditions can impact scheduling, most reviews affirm that the experience is well-organized and worth the effort. You’ll leave with a sense of achievement, some great photos, and perhaps a new hobby.

If you’re in LA and want a memorable, active, and authentic experience at Venice Beach, this surf lesson is a good pick. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate good value, expert guidance, and a lively beach atmosphere.

FAQ

Do I need to have swimming skills to join?
Yes, basic swimming knowledge is required to participate safely in this activity.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. The gear—wetsuits and surfboards—is provided.

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

Is the activity suitable for children?
Children under 12 years old are not recommended to join this surfing lesson.

What happens if the surf or weather conditions are poor?
The activity may be rescheduled or canceled; you will be contacted the day before if this is the case.

Where exactly do I meet the instructor?
Meet on the right side of the parking lot off Bicknell Ave, near the blue FUN SURF LA bus or the white Ford van.

Whether you’re a surfing newbie or just want to dip your toes into the ocean, this Venice Beach lesson delivers a friendly, scenic, and practical introduction to riding waves.

You can check if your dates are available here: