With a number of surf schools and instructors to learn from, Santa Monica offers beginners a stellar selection of resources. All visitors have to do is glance at the waves by Santa Monica Pier to see the immense popularity of surfing in the area. With that said, whether you're looking for private or group lessons, there are tons of opportunities to hone your surfing skills on nearby shores.
It's important to remember that the waters of Santa Monica can sometimes be crowded with surfers, so hitting the waves earlier in the day or during the week can guarantee you some more open water. Additionally, before setting off for a day of surfing, it's always a good idea to go online and check the surfing conditions in Los Angeles. The ocean swell, tides, and the wind are all factors that affect the water's surfing conditions. Also, the waters of Santa Monica Bay tend to be on the chillier side, so we recommend wearing a wetsuit to keep warm in the water.