
2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica worth booking?
2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica is a 2-hour experience in Santa Monica, United States, from $185 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (25)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $185 per person
Most surf schools will get you to stand up your first time surfing. They all say so. And for your typical surf instructor, it’s easy to get someone on their feet. Here at our Surf School, we teach you how to actually rea
What you get
About this experience
Most surf schools will get you to stand up your first time surfing. They all say so. And for your typical surf instructor, it’s easy to get someone on their feet. Here at our Surf School, we teach you how to actually read & ride a wave, starting from your very first lesson. Reading waves and knowing where to be are the most crucial aspects of surfing. Fostering the knowledge of the ocean is how you truly develop the ability to become a real surfer. That being said, if surfing is something you want to kick off the bucket list or to do on vacation with friends or family, no one on our team has taught this sport for less than 5 years. Our focus is getting you to surf not just anywhere on the wave, but on the best, most fun part of the wave. We are 100% the only surf school that custom-makes their boards (made in California) specifically for optimal learning as a beginner or intermediate. We have the warmest, cared for wetsuits, and we're all American Red Cross certified!
What's included
Included
- Use of SCUBA equipment
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santa Monica
Look for the classic blue VW bus with our name on it! PARKING: use the smaller short-term lot on the north side of the lot for $1 an hour (two hours max). There is also a general lot for the entire day if you’d prefer.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 35 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Look for the classic blue VW bus with our name on it! PARKING: use the smaller short-term lot on the north side of the lot for $1 an hour (two hours max). There is also a general lot for the entire day if you’d prefer.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Badass Surf School
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
BASS is BEST
Jake and his staff were amazing! We couldn't think of any better way to be Californian than to have the kids surf. We are from Florida - and it was the kids first visit to the west coast. While I had researched different surf schools prior to our trip, we opted for flexibility in our schedule and didn't book anything prior to our arrival. We saw BASS set up on the beach for their summer camp. And even though we met Jake at about 3pm, after having taught a whole day of camp, he put in full effort to teach my kiddos how to surf for over 2 hours...at the LAST minute. He was incredibly knowledgeable, showed safety in each step, and had a great time! He knew my kids names, worked to make sure they got the most of their time, recognized their personalities immediately and had big smiles on all their faces at the end. Jake's incredible partner even agreed to come and help with the lesson with no notice. The entire time the kids were surfing, they were swimming back and forth between the kids to keep them moving (we had a 2 to 1 - student to teacher ratio). I'm super impressed and so glad we 'ran' into him on the beach.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the amazing time Rachel! Maggie and I were certainly tired after a long week of surf camp but your kids great surfing and their personalities helped us push through! They are RIPPERS
via Tripadvisor
Perfect!
I wouldn't change a thing! Despite the minor language barrier, I felt incredibly comfortable. Jake, my instructor, did an excellent job explaining the basics. Thanks to his tips and tricks, I went from being a complete beginner who had never set foot on a surfboard to catching my own waves and surfing independently after just 3 lessons! :) I had a blast and always felt secure.
Response from the operator: Thank you Sofie! You made amazing progress in three days. So happy you got the couple of bombs on day three and the one at Sunset Point day two. Had a lot of fun teaching you 🤙🏼
via Tripadvisor
Perfect Conditions
2 hours of fun and learning - expert tuition and a great bloke - Cheers Jake - good luck in all that you do ! Stephen and Jimmy
Response from the operator: Just three blokes and some waves 🐸☕️
via Tripadvisor
Loved it! Highly recommended
I’ve always dreamed of learning how to surf and since taking a few lessons with Badass Surf I can honestly say my surfing has improved every single time. Every class I’ve stood up on the board, started learning to read waves, and left with a big smile on my face. If you’re looking for supportive and knowledgeable instructors who will help you every step of the way, this is the place to go. Super grateful for Jake and his team of instructors, couldn’t be happier with my experience!
Response from the operator: 🔥🔥🔥 review, and after like 8 lessons hahah have fun taking your surf knowledge to the cape, Cici!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome!
Legit. They were on time, clear instructions on where to meet, brought all the gear, gave a good lesson on wave timing, pop ups, and swimming out. Then it was into the water with great supervision but enough freedom and flexibility to go for it and really learn by practicing. Throughout, we felt well taken care of and safe. It was sad when the lesson ended but we’ll be back for sure.
Response from the operator: thank you nathan!! super stoked surfing together. see you next time you come out (literally next weekend lmao) 🤙🏼🙏🏼
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $185 to $810
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Monica.
How much does 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica cost?
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Prices start at $185 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santa Monica usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santa Monica is not rushed.
Is 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santa Monica, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santa Monica can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santa Monica and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santa Monica within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Santa Monica?
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Santa Monica is where most LA coast tours start: beach bike and e-bike rides to Venice, surf lessons, food walks on Third Street and open-top runs up Pacific Coast Highway. On Outty we rank every Santa Monica experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops and Free Time, Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica, Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Santa Monica?
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March to May and September to November, dodging the June marine layer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Santa Monica?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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