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CaliforniaSurfing lessons

Our most recommended California Surfing lessons

Pismo Beach: Surf Lessons with Instructor

1. Pismo Beach: Surf Lessons with Instructor

Hit the water and feel the thrill of riding a wave with the help of an instructor with this group surfing lesson on Pismo Beach. Increase your beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfing skills with a lesson that is taught to your level. Meet your surf instructor and get set up with your high-quality soft-top surfboard, surf leash, wetsuit, and rash-guard. Once on the beach, your instructor will run through instructions and provide the group with a security briefing to ensure you feel confident in the water. Get step-by-step instructions on the proper techniques for paddling, positioning, standing, and getting through waves. Master how to stand up before hitting the water. Catch some waves and experience the rush of riding the water on your own.

Los Angeles: Group Surfing Lesson

2. Los Angeles: Group Surfing Lesson

Meet your guide at Venice Beach, one of the most famous and lively beaches in California. Take part in a 2-hour group surfing lesson which is ideal for everyone from beginners (even first timers!) to upper intermediate levels.  Start the lesson by getting geared up with the wetsuits and surfboards. Head down to the sand with your group of 5-6 fellow students. Spend the first 30-40 minutes training on the beach and learning all the important aspects of surfing. Your professional certified instructors will teach you how to pop up on the board, educate you about the ocean and end the land lesson with the most important part - safety. After that, enjoy 40 minutes with an instructor(s) in the ocean getting coaching and helpful pushes. The remaining time will be yours to practice your skills and have fun in the water. After the class, an instructor will lead you to an outdoor public shower where you will be able to rinse off. Don't worry about your belongings, as you will be able to leave everything locked in the surf school van. 

Santa Barbara Surfing Lesson

3. Santa Barbara Surfing Lesson

This is a simple introduction for a first-time surfer or someone who has tried surfing a few times and needs some pointers. The instruction starts with beach lesson reviewing: how to position yourself on the board, paddling techniques, and proper stance. Once in the water students will get pointers on maneuvering waves, balance techniques, and surf etiquette. Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s surf lessons offer students a great foundation for this exciting sport. Our knowledgeable instructors have over 25 years of combined experience and will use their skills to point out the finer points of catching waves. Instructors choose surf sites based on the current swell and tide conditions, finding the best breaks for successful learning. Lessons require a minimum of four students.

La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson

4. La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson

Has learning to surf been your dream? Your dream can become a reality on the calm waters of La Jolla Shores, the best spot to learn. Your experienced instructors are eager to share their passion for surfing with beginners and intermediates alike: no experience necessary, all equipment provided. Your instructors respect each student’s choice regarding his or her level of participation in the lesson, and comfort in the water. You’ll have fun learning how to surf in a safe environment. Your experienced instructor will teach you the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety on land, before heading into the water to catch some waves with your group. Continually voted one of the best spots for beginner and intermediate surfers in San Diego, the calm waters of La Jolla Shores are an ideal place to learn how to surf in a fun, yet safe environment. Public and private options are available.

Los Angeles: Private Surfing Lesson

5. Los Angeles: Private Surfing Lesson

Experience a fully private surf lesson which is great for people who have always wanted to learn to surf or who just want to improve their surf game.  Even first-timers are welcome to join and with a private tour, you'll be able to learn at your own pace.  Learn from your professional certified instructor, who will help make you more comfortable on the surfboard and in the water. This lesson will meet in the world famous Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach or Redondo/ Torrance Beach where people of all ages gather to enjoy the beautiful Southern California sun and surf. Before your lesson, get outfitted with a wet suit and surfboard before heading down to the beach. Depending on your level, either go straight to the line up with the instructor or have an extended training session on the sand as you learn all the important aspects of surfing. Your instructor will teach you how to pop up on the board, educate you about the ocean and end the land lesson with the most important part - safety. After that, spend the remaining time with the instructor in the ocean. After the class, follow the instructor to an outdoor public shower where you will be able to rinse off. This private lesson can be booked for 1 or 2 people and basic swimming skills are required in order to join. You don't need to worry about your belongings, which will be securely stored in the locked surf school van. If you've always been interested in surfing and you prefer a private, customized experience, then this is the lesson for you!

Ventura: 1.5-Hour Private Beginner's Surf Lesson

6. Ventura: 1.5-Hour Private Beginner's Surf Lesson

Learn to surf at Mondos Beach with a private 1.5-hour beginner's surf lesson. Take advantage of the more gentle waves and generous space at Mondos Beach as you pick up the techniques and etiquette of surfing. Meet your instructor at the surf van located on Mondos Beach and get suited up in a wetsuit. Grab a longboard and walk to the sand for beach instructions. You'll be briefed on water and surf safety, etiquette, and proper technique before jumping into the ocean to catch some waves. Follow your instructor as they coach and push you into waves to give you an experience that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the gentle long breaking waves of Mondo Beach lending itself to longer rides for you. Your lesson is private so you or your group can have their own instructor and a more personalized experience.

Malibu Beach: Surf Tour in a Vintage VW Van

7. Malibu Beach: Surf Tour in a Vintage VW Van

Enjoy a truly unique Californian experience as you hop into a vintage VW campervan and head up north towards Malibu. Ride along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Southern California. Stop at Malibu Pier for a quick tour and at a few other great viewpoints along the way.  It doesn't matter if you've never surfed before or if you are an intermediate or advanced surfer, all of the guides are professional surf instructors and they will be happy to help you both on land and in the water. If you don’t feel like surfing you will still enjoy this experience by exploring the beach with its serene views and various wildlife. Surf and relax for a couple hours and then cook lunch at the van to renew your energy. You can also do a quick photoshoot with the van at different locations. Keep your eyes out as you sip a warm tea, usually sea lions, dolphins and a large variety of birds are spotted in this area.

Monterey: Private Surfing Lessons

8. Monterey: Private Surfing Lessons

Learn to surf in Monterey with experienced instructors. Receive all necessary equipment including wetsuits, comfort-fit booties, and a range of boards suited for all experience levels.  Choose between the following: Private Single Lesson Benefit from one-on-one instruction so you can quickly learn and apply the fundamentals of surfing. Discover optimal positioning, paddling, and pop up form. Enjoy a demonstration on the beach, followed by plenty of practice time on the water. Knowledge of surfer etiquette, board selection, reading surf reports, and oceanography will also be discussed. After completing their first lesson, you should be able to rent or purchase equipment and surf with confidence. Private Group Lesson (2-4 people) Choose this option to learn to surf as a group with your family or friends. Enjoy a similar lesson structure as the private single lesson, where you will cover all the basics. Watch a quick demonstration on the beach followed by some extended time on the waves with instructor guidance and supervision. Large Group (5+ people) The large group option is a wonderful way for large parties to experience surfing and also have access to additional equipment. Receive training with additional instructors involved to facilitate safety, guidance, and supervision at all times. Spend most of the lesson in the water so all participants have a chance to practice on the waves.

Solana Beach: Private Surf Lesson with Board and Wetsuit

9. Solana Beach: Private Surf Lesson with Board and Wetsuit

Enjoy a 2-hour private surf lesson at Solana Beach with your professional surf instructor. Catch some waves and learn when to paddle and when to pop up. Learn how to surf safely and effectively under the guidance of an instructor who will teach you the proper skills whether you are a beginner or already have experience. Learn important surfing etiquette and how to wipe out properly. After your lesson, you can relax on the pristine beaches and enjoy the views.

Los Angeles: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing and Tubing

10. Los Angeles: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing and Tubing

Start your day of water activities by taking off on the most advanced high-end wakeboarding boat, the Mastercraft X22, which will have you gliding across the water of Castaic Lake. Behold the amazing landscapes atop clear blue water and surrounded by mountains, the scenery here is perfect for some truly memorable holiday snaps. Whilst here, you will be able to try all the different watersports activities: wakeboarding, wake surfing, waterskiing, and tubing. The captain is a professional rider so he will be able to assist you with learning and improving your skills.

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Frequently asked questions about California Surfing lessons

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Other Sightseeing Options in California

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What people are saying about California

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 13 reviews

The experience was fantastic, and Ed, the instructor was great too. After the initial class and explanation of the basics, the instructor took his time with each of the students of the group, helping us catch the first waves. Then, each of us was free to keep surfing while the instructor watched on us and tried to help us improve the technique. It definitely made me enjoy surfing, even if it was my first time and I fell a lot. Be prepared for quite an intense class, it can be so tiring!

We had an absolute blast with these lessons! We were standing up in no time, and our instructor was so much fun and taught us a ton. We had a beautiful day in Pismo, and are so glad we booked this experience. We can't wait to go surfing again!

Eden and John were great instructors. perfect balance of helping us and keeping us safe with doing our own thing. highly recommended.

Very cool guides and great scenery! Allows even beginners a great surfing experience.

Beautiful experience, the instructors are really good !! Super recommended !!!!!