Beginner surf lessons for gourps and families in Santa Monica

Calibunga

The Best Santa Monica Surf Lessons for Beginners, Families & Visitors

Sign up now and get FREE surfboard & wetsuit rental with every lesson at Santa Monica Beach.

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Sign up now and get FREE surfboard & wetsuit rental with every lesson at Santa Monica Beach. 〰️

Why Take Surf Lessons in Santa Monica with a Top-Rated Local Surf School?

Calibunga Surf Lessons offers private and group surf lessons in Santa Monica, Malibu, and Venice Beach at some of the most iconic surf spots in Los Angeles. Our surfing lessons aren’t cookie-cutter. Every surf session is personalized to your comfort level, whether you’re a first-time surfer or building on past experience.

We teach our surf lessons near the Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Park Beach — beginner-friendly surf breaks with soft, rolling waves and sandy ocean floors. Lessons include a soft-top board built for stability, full wetsuit for warmth, a pop-up demo on the sand, and hands-on coaching in the water. Your surf instructor stays with you, helping you catch wave after wave. No extra fees. No stress.

We’re proud to be one of the top-rated surf schools in Santa Monica, proudly boasting exclusively authentic 5-star reviews. Many students become friends and return again and again. If you're searching for surf lessons in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, or Venice Beach, we’re here to get you started — safely, confidently, and with good vibes all around.

Our Surf Lessons –

Private, Group & Family Options

  • Looking for the best surf lessons in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu or Los Angeles? Calibunga Surf Lessons delivers top-rated private surf lessons with expert one-on-one coaching, perfect for beginners and those looking to improve fast.

    We specialize in surf lessons in Santa Monica, just steps from the Santa Monica Pier and Loews Hotel, on safe, beginner-friendly waves ideal for learning. Whether you're visiting Southern California or you're a local ready to dive into the surf lifestyle, our experienced surf instructors customize every session to your skill level, pace, and goals.

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    Each surf lesson includes detailed coaching in paddling, pop-ups, wave reading, ocean safety and surf etiquette. We include free surfboard and wetsuit rental so you can show up ready to ride and leave with real surf skills. Unlike big corporate surf schools, we offer a boutique, local experience with personalized instruction, faster results and more fun.

    From family-friendly surf lessons in Los Angeles to Malibu private surf coaching, we serve everyone — solo travelers, couples, families and kids. Our clients consistently say we’re the most fun, professional and effective surf school on the coast.

    Learn to surf in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu or anywhere in Los Angeles County with Calibunga Surf Lessons, your local choice for beginner surf classes, advanced surf coaching and authentic SoCal beach vibes.

  • Create unforgettable memories with beginner-friendly family surf lessons in Santa Monica, right by the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Our expert instructors tailor each session to your group’s pace and comfort level, making it perfect for families and friends new to surfing. Experience teamwork, fun, and the thrill of catching your first waves together at one of Southern California’s safest and most popular beginner surf spots. Whether you’re locals or visiting tourists, our family surf lessons near Santa Monica Pier provide a supportive, welcoming environment to learn surfing in Los Angeles.

  • Bring your crew for a fun and supportive group surf lesson in Santa Monica, perfect for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team-building, and special events. Our experienced instructors create an energetic yet safe environment, ensuring everyone enjoys learning to surf near the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Whether you’re locals or visitors, our group surf lessons offer a memorable Southern California experience with expert coaching and top safety standards.

  • Ideal for team retreats, coworker bonding, youth groups, and networking events, our Santa Monica group surf lessons help build confidence and foster teamwork while having fun riding the waves near the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy expert instruction in a safe, supportive environment designed for all skill levels.

  • For those eager to develop genuine surf skills in Southern California, our Santa Monica surf lesson packages provide the perfect mix of value, safety, and skill progression. Starting with a foundational land lesson, you’ll learn essential techniques like paddling, the pop-up, and ocean safety before catching your first wave. Choose from 3-, 6-, or 10-lesson bundles that take you step-by-step through advanced skills such as wave reading, turning, riding parallel, and board control. Our lessons take place at beginner-friendly, iconic spots like Santa Monica Pier, Sunset Point, and Malibu—ideal locations for tourists, locals, and visiting surfers. Each lesson includes free surfboard and wetsuit rental, expert coaching, and clear milestones to guide you from your first paddle out to confident wave riding. Whether you’re new to surfing or looking to sharpen your technique in Los Angeles, our safe, supportive surf lessons will have you riding waves with confidence.

Lucas-Colema-Teaching-Surf-Lessons-In-Los-Angeles-At-Santa-Monica-Beach

Meet Lucas Coleman: The Instructor Behind Calibunga Surf Lessons:

Meet Lucas, the local surf coach behind Calibunga Surf Lessons — a top-rated surf school based in Santa Monica and serving Venice and greater Los Angeles. A lifelong surfer who caught his first wave at the San Diego YMCA surf camp, Lucas has taught over 1,000 beginners right here in LA. His personal, proven teaching method is designed for all ages and confidence levels, with lessons that are fun, focused, and totally custom. Whether you're a first-timer or just want to try again, Lucas and his handpicked crew are here to help you fall in love with the ocean — one wave at a time.

Safe Gear & Expert Surfing Instruction

We provide top-quality beginner surfboards and full wetsuit rentals, specifically designed to suit the unique wave conditions of Santa Monica and Malibu. These boards make learning easier and safer, helping you catch waves with confidence. Every Calibunga instructor is professionally trained in ocean safety, rip current awareness, and first aid. Our lessons take place at beginner-friendly, safe surf spots near the Santa Monica Pier and Loews Hotel, perfect for newcomers ready to experience Southern California surfing in a supportive environment.

Sign up with Calibunga Surf Lessons and learn to surf on a selection of beginner surfboards at Santa Monica Beach

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Sign up with Calibunga Surf Lessons and learn to surf on a selection of beginner surfboards at Santa Monica Beach 〰️

What Our Students Say

Young surfers enjoying a safe, exciting surf lesson on Santa Monica’s iconic beach.

Where to Find Us & How to Book

We meet at Santa Monica Beach, in front of lifeguard tower 26, near the Loews Hotel and the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Lessons are available daily, and all bookings include a surfboard, wetsuit, and professional instruction. Reserve online in just a few clicks — it's fast and easy.

Calibunga Surf Lessons meets students just south of the iconic Santa Monica Pier at Lifeguard Tower 26 — one of the safest, most beginner-friendly surf spots in Los Angeles. This easy-to-find location has nearby public parking and walkable access from Ocean Park, Main Street, and many Santa Monica hotels and vacation rentals.

Our Santa Monica surf lessons take place on a wide, sandy beach with mellow, consistent waves — ideal for first-time surfers, families with kids, curious travelers, or anyone looking to learn to surf in a relaxed, scenic, and safe environment.

We also serve surrounding areas, offering surf lessons in Venice Beach, Ocean Park, and occasionally Malibu, depending on wave conditions and student experience level. Every lesson includes a free surfboard and wetsuit rental, and your instructor will meet you at the beach with everything you need, ready to paddle out.

Surf Lesson Locations: Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu & More

 

📍 See the map below for the Santa Monica Pier Parking, our main surf lesson teaching location is at Lifeguard Tower 26 in Ocean Park, or contact us for real-time updates on conditions and meeting points.

Personalized surf coaching in the calm waters just south of the Pier in Santa Monica.

What to Expect at Your Surf Lesson

Every Calibunga surf lesson begins with a land-based introduction where we walk you through the technique of surfing—from board position and paddling, to popping up and reading the wave. This foundation is essential to build confidence and learn quickly once you're in the water.

After the land lesson, we head into the ocean at Santa Monica Beach—home to mellow, waist-deep waves ideal for beginners. Your instructor stays by your side the entire time, offering real-time coaching, encouragement, and adjustments as you ride wave after wave.

This isn’t a “touristy” surf conveyor belt. Calibunga offers a boutique, hands-on experience that’s fully personalized to each individual. We limit group sizes, give you focused attention, and treat every lesson as a chance to truly connect you with the ocean. Whether it's your first wave or your hundredth, you’ll feel supported and stoked every step of the way.

Summer 2025 Surf Lessons in Santa Monica –

Book Your Spot Today!

Have questions about surf lessons in Santa Monica?
We’re here to help! With over 10 years of surf coaching experience right here at Santa Monica Beach, the Calibunga team is happy to answer your questions and help you decide if a private or group surf lesson is right for you. Kick off Spring & Summer 2025 with a great experience near the Santa Monica PierWhether you're planning a trip to Los Angeles, organizing a group event, or looking for a fun outdoor activity near the Santa Monica Pier, we’ll provide expert, personalized guidance.

📞 Call today to speak directly with one of our certified surfing instructors and start your journey with one of the top-rated surf schools in Los Angeles.