Planning a trip to Santa Monica Beach and thinking about trying surfing for the first time? In this episode of the Calabunga Podcast, Lucas Coleman breaks down exactly how to choose the best beginner surf lesson in Los Angeles—without getting lost in the sea of options.

Responding to a real listener question from a first-time visitor, Lucas explains what actually matters when booking surf lessons near the Santa Monica Pier—from why permitted surf schools are essential, to how the sandy-bottom waves of Ocean Park create one of the safest and most beginner-friendly learning environments in Southern California.

You’ll learn the three key factors that determine whether you stand up on your first wave: location, equipment, and (most importantly) quality instruction. This episode also dives into common mistakes beginners make when choosing surf schools, the truth about “push-only” instructors, and why proper technique is the difference between just trying surfing—and actually learning it.

Whether you're visiting Los Angeles for summer vacation, planning a bucket-list experience, or finally ready to give it a shot and try surfing after years of living near the coast, this episode gives you a clear, honest roadmap to getting started the realistic and right way!

Catch your first wave with confidence + and understand what makes it happen.

How to Choose the Best Beginner Surf Lessons in Santa Monica (Podcast Transcript)

If you’re planning a trip to Santa Monica Beach and thinking about learning to surf, this episode of the Calabunga Surf Lessons Podcast breaks down exactly how to choose the right surf school for beginners. In this transcript, Lucas Coleman answers a real listener question about finding the best surf lessons near the Santa Monica Pier, covering essential tips on permits, beginner-friendly wave conditions, proper equipment, and the kind of instruction that actually helps you stand up on your first wave.

Welcome back to the Calibunga Podcast, brought to you by Calibunga Surf Lessons, teaching high-quality surf lessons right here in Santa Monica near the Santa Monica Pier.

I'm Lucas Coleman, a professional surf instructor and the owner of Calibunga Surf Lessons. For more than 10 years, I’ve been teaching surf lessons right here at Santa Monica Beach, in front of Lifeguard Tower 26, just south of the Santa Monica Pier in a little community we call Ocean Park.

You’ll see those OP bumper stickers on VW buses cruising around—that’s the sandbar between Lifeguard Towers 26 and 28 that we call home.

This is where I make my living—and fulfill my passion—helping beginners learn how to surf safely and confidently.

I also coach intermediate to advanced surfers, including high-performance shortboarding and transitioning to hybrid boards. But my real passion is working with first-time surfers.

There’s nothing like watching someone catch their very first wave—the moment it clicks, the adrenaline hits, and they fall in love with surfing.

I’ve worked with students from all over the world—families visiting Los Angeles, total beginners, and locals who’ve lived here for years but are just now trying surfing for the first time.

How do you choose the best surf lessons in Santa Monica?

Today’s episode tackles one of the most common questions people search online.

This week’s listener question comes from Emily in Denver:

"I'm visiting Los Angeles this summer and I really want to try surfing for the first time. When I search online, there are a lot of surf schools in Santa Monica. How do I know which surf lessons are best for beginners like me?"

There are a lot of surf schools in Santa Monica, and it can feel overwhelming.

Not all surf schools are built the same—and knowing what to look for makes all the difference.

Do surf schools in Santa Monica need permits?

Right off the bat, this is critical.

Legit surf instructors in Santa Monica and Los Angeles are required to have a city permit—and there are only a limited number issued.

That’s going to separate trained, professional instructors from unlicensed operators.

You can ask directly, check city listings, or request proof. Instructors are required to have permits available.

If a surf school has a permit, it means they’ve been vetted, approved, and are operating professionally within the community.

What makes a surf lesson beginner-friendly?

When people search for the best surf lessons in Santa Monica, what they really want is simple:

They want the highest chance of standing up on their first wave.

Surfing is difficult and unintuitive, but with the right setup, most beginners can stand up in their first session.

There are three key factors that determine that success:

Why is Santa Monica Beach good for beginner surf lessons?

Location matters more than people realize.

Santa Monica—especially the south side of the Santa Monica Pier near Ocean Park—has a sandy ocean floor.

That creates:

  • Softer wave breaks

  • More predictable conditions

  • Safer wipeouts

Sandy-bottom waves are ideal for beginner surfers because they’re forgiving and consistent.

If your goal is to stand up on your first wave, you want mellow, clean, predictable surf—not chaotic or powerful conditions.

What surfboards are best for beginners?

Most beginner surf lessons use foam surfboards, often called foamies.

These boards are longer, wider, thicker, and softer than traditional fiberglass boards.

The bigger and more stable the board, the easier it is to stand up and find your balance.

Foam boards allow beginners to adjust their footing without immediately falling.

They give you margin for error — which is critical when you’re learning.

What does a good surf instructor actually do?

This is the most important factor.

A good surf instructor doesn’t just push you into waves.

They teach you how to surf—not just how to stand up once.

That includes:

  • Understanding how waves work

  • Proper paddling technique

  • Timing and positioning

  • Reading the ocean

Many beginners take multiple lessons and still don’t know how to surf because they were never actually taught the fundamentals.

If an instructor is just pushing you into waves, that’s not real instruction—that’s babysitting.

Real coaching builds technique that stays with you long after your first session.

How do you stand up on your first wave?

When you combine the right location, the right board, and the right instruction:

Most beginners stand up during their very first surf lesson—and understand how they did it.

That’s when everything changes.

You go from hoping to stand up once…
To wanting to improve, ride better waves, and push your limits.

That first wave opens the door to an entirely new lifestyle.

Final thoughts on choosing surf lessons in Los Angeles

If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles and thinking about learning to surf in Santa Monica:

Focus on safety, proper instruction, and beginner-friendly conditions—not just convenience or price.

If you have questions about surfing in Los Angeles or near the Santa Monica Pier, send them in—we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

If you’d like to learn in person, you can book a lesson with Calibunga Surf Lessons and even request to train with me directly.

Our goal is simple: help you stand up on your first wave and give you a skill you can carry for life.

Thanks for listening.

Surf’s up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The best beginner surf lessons combine a safe location, stable foam surfboards, and experienced instructors. South of the Santa Monica Pier, near Ocean Park, offers mellow sandy-bottom waves ideal for first-time surfers. Make sure your instructor is city-permitted for a professional experience.

  • Yes. Legit surf instructors in Santa Monica and Los Angeles are required to hold a city permit. Only a limited number of permits are issued, ensuring instructors are vetted, trained, and qualified. Always ask to see proof of a current permit.

  • Success depends on three factors: the right location (soft, predictable waves), the right board (long, wide, stable foam surfboards), and skilled instruction. A good instructor teaches paddling, timing, and wave reading to help you get up safely and confidently.

  • Yes. Foam surfboards, or “foamies,” are longer, wider, thicker, and softer than traditional boards. This provides stability and margin for error, making it easier for beginners to stand up and balance on the wave.

  • Many beginners stand up during their first lesson if the location, board, and instruction are right. Continued practice over a few lessons helps build confidence, technique, and the ability to surf larger or faster waves.

  • Absolutely. Calibunga Surf Lessons specializes in first-time surfers, even those who have never been in the ocean. Lessons focus on safety, confidence, and proper technique to ensure a positive first experience.

  • Look for:

    • City-permitted instructors

    • Beginner-friendly sandy waves

    • Foam boards for stability

    • Personalized, skilled instruction
      Avoid schools that just push students into waves without teaching technique.