Photo courtesy of Island Surf Camp.
Surfing has been a defining part of Southern California culture since the 1950s, and there are a variety of opportunities for newcomers to get into the water with surfing lessons in Los Angeles.
Surfing was first brought to the mainland by surfing icon George Freeth, who surfed at the Huntington Beach Pier as a publicity stunt in 1907.
Then came the emergence surf rock, the Beach Boys and TV shows like Gidget, transforming surfing from an underground culture to a national sensation.
Surfing has come a long way, and for those who want to be a part of one of L.A.’s favorite sports—without risking life or limb—there surfing lessons are offered at several beaches in the L.A. area.
Go Surf LA
Peater Paris, owner and head instructor of Go Surf LA is a world-renowned surfer who has taught more than 1,500 people in Southern California, Central America and South America. He speaks Spanish fluently, making him a great option for Spanish-speakers.
Photo courtesy of Island Surf Camp.
Go Surf LA offers private and group lessons for $80 seven days a week, giving students a chance to beat the weekend beach crowd and avoid any potentially embarrassing wipeouts. Most beginner lessons are held at Santa Monica Beach, close to hotels and entertainment options like Third Street Promenade.
Wetsuits and soft-top boards are included. It’s guaranteed that students will stand up on their boards, otherwise Go Surf LA gives students their next lesson free. Stand-up paddle board lessons are also offered.
Islands Surf Camp
Islands Surf Camp offers surfing lessons at Will Rogers State Beach with a collection of professional surfers, state beach lifeguards and aspiring marine biologists. That list includes Nathan Carroll, a professional surfer for 12 years and a National Scholastic Surfing Association National Champion, and international competitor Chad Compton, who was the youngest ever to grace the cover of Surfer Magazine at age 15.
Islands Surf Camp hosts group lessons and has provided lessons at company gatherings for Google, Facebook, Yelp, ESPN and more. Surfboards and wetsuits are included with a $125 single-day surf lesson. Discounts are available for groups and multiple-lesson packages.
Learn to Surf LA
Learn to Surf LA has taught thousands of people of all ages and skill levels how to surf with year-round lessons that promise every student will ride a wave during their first day. With an experienced, qualified staff of international surf instructors, Learn to Surf LA is one of the best-rated surf schools in the LA area. Both private and group lessons covering techniques to catching waves are available for those who have dreamed of learning to surf
Learn to Surf LA has five locations: Los Angeles, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica and Venice. Lessons start at $120 and include foam longboards and full-length wetsuits that will keep surfers warm, even in mid-winter.
Campsurf
Campsurf at Manhattan Beach was founded by professional surfer Jimmy Miller, who started surfing at age seven and served as an L.A. County Lifeguard for 15 years. All lessons are held at Rosecrans Avenue in Manhattan Beach. Group and private surf lessons start at $90 and include a surfboard and wetsuit.
Surf Academy
A collective of women surfers, Surf Academy was founded in 2000 by Mary Setterholm, a U.S. Surfing Champion and Hermosa Beach Walk of Fame Honoree. Since Mary has moved on to earn her Masters Degree from Harvard University, her protege Marion Clark and Jamie Shindle have inherited Surf Academy, continuing to offer exclusive lessons for men, women, teens and children of all ages.
Surf Academy has four locations: Santa Monica, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach and Huntington Beach. Lessons start at $72 and include a soft surfboard, wetsuit, leash and a friendly instructor, available seven days a week, year-round.
