Yes, Santa Monica Beach occasionally has rip currents, however, the mellow nature of the waves, lack of obstacles like rocks and trenches, abundance of lifeguards, and shallow sandy ocean floor make it one of the more tame Southern California beaches you can visit.

Surf etiquette isn’t something you pick up overnight, and the finer points often go unnoticed by those learning on their own. A professional lesson dives into the crucial dos and don’ts of the surf culture—like knowing who has the right of way and understanding the rotation of the lineup. Mastering this surf code will not only make your sessions more enjoyable but will earn you respect among your fellow surfers.