Los Angeles Group Surf Lesson 1 hr 45 min

Trade the shoreline for the Pacific and learn to surf with a local instructor in Los Angeles. Since 2002, lessons have welcomed beginners and those looking to build on a few previous attempts, with a straightforward approach designed to help you find your balance and catch your first waves.

Start on the sand with the basics: how to pop up, paddle, position yourself on the board, and share the water safely. You’ll practice the “Set and Step” technique to develop steady foot placement, then work toward a traditional pop-up. Your instructor also explains surf etiquette and ocean safety, including ways to guide your board into the lineup.

Then take your foam longboard and full-length wetsuit into the water. With coaching, work from assisted whitewater rides toward catching waves independently, taking off near the peak, and riding in the curl. Most beginner lessons take place in Santa Monica, whose sand-bottom beaches are described as a consistent, sheltered option; lessons are also available at other Los Angeles beaches. Choose a Los Angeles group surf lesson and take your first steps toward riding the Pacific with confidence.