Frequently Asked Questions About Surf Lessons In Santa Monica and Malibu County.

Weather, Water Quality & Ocean Condition Cancellations for Surf Lessons in Los Angeles County

While Los Angeles County is known for its sunny weather and consistent surf, there are times when ocean conditions are not safe for lessons. At Calibunga Surf Lessons, we monitor local weather patterns, tides, and ocean water quality daily at all of our teaching locations, including Santa Monica Beach near Lifeguard Tower 26, Venice Beach, and Sunset Point in Malibu.

Occasionally, surf lessons may be canceled or postponed due to rain, strong tides, poor visibility, or high bacteria levels in the water, especially after storms. These decisions are made by our experienced instructors based on their knowledge of local ocean conditions and their commitment to student safety.

If your lesson needs to be canceled due to unsafe conditions, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. Our goal is to give you the best possible experience in the safest environment, whether you are learning to surf in Santa Monica, Malibu, or Venice Beach.

Calibunga is here to help you enjoy the ocean with confidence. If the waves or weather don’t cooperate, we’ll work with you to find the next best opportunity to get you back out there.

Restroom and Shower Facilities at Our Surf Lesson Locations

Yes, both of our main surf lesson locations in Los Angeles County provide access to public restroom facilities. At our Santa Monica Beach location near Lifeguard Tower 26, outdoor freshwater showers are also available, making it easy to rinse off after your session.

We recommend that all students use the restroom and prepare before checking in for their lesson. This helps keep the session running smoothly and ensures you can maximize your time in the water.

Whether you’re joining us in Santa Monica or Malibu, we want your experience to be as convenient and comfortable as possible from start to finish.

What to Bring to Your Surf Lesson in Santa Monica or Malibu

For your surf lesson with Calibunga, we ask that you bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and drinking water. These personal essentials will help keep you comfortable and prepared before and after your time in the water.

We provide everything else you need for your lesson, including a soft-top surfboard, a full wetsuit, and hands-on instruction from our experienced team. Whether you're taking your first lesson at Santa Monica Beach or Sunset Point in Malibu, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on learning and having fun.

Storing Personal Belongings During Your Surf Lesson

During your surf lesson, you’re welcome to store personal belongings securely inside our equipment vans. If you're traveling with extra bags or luggage, that’s no problem — we’ll make space to help keep your items safe while you're in the water.

Please note that while we take precautions, Calibunga is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. We recommend leaving valuables at home or keeping them with you whenever possible.

Whether you're surfing in Santa Monica or Malibu, we aim to make your lesson as worry-free as possible from start to finish.

What to Expect After You Book Your Surf Lesson

When you sign up for your surf lesson online, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the important details. This includes your exact lesson location with a GPS map link, your instructor’s name, and contact information in case you need to reach us.

If you still have any questions before your lesson in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or Malibu, feel free to give us a call. We’re happy to help make sure you feel fully prepared and excited to hit the waves.

Surf Lesson Package Policy

Although our surf lesson packages are non-transferable and non-refundable, they offer exceptional value and a unique opportunity for personal growth. Each session is designed to build confidence, ocean awareness, and real surfing skills in a supportive and fun environment.

Whether you're booking lessons in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or Malibu, you're investing in more than just time in the water — you're gaining hands-on coaching, personalized attention, and a memorable experience at some of the best beginner-friendly surf spots in Los Angeles County.

Surf Lesson Packages: Policy and Value

Our lesson packages are non-transferable and non-refundable, but they are designed to offer exceptional value and an unforgettable learning experience. Whether you're surfing in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or Malibu, each session provides hands-on coaching, personalized instruction, and real opportunities for growth and confidence in the water.

We’re committed to delivering lessons that are not only fun but truly transformative — helping you build real surf skills in some of the most iconic beaches in Los Angeles County.

Surf Lessons for Kids in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu

We generally recommend our surf lessons for children aged seven and older, based on safety, strength, and overall readiness. However, we understand that every child is different. If your younger child is enthusiastic about surfing and comfortable in the water, we’re happy to discuss whether a lesson would be a good fit.

Many families have found success with younger surfers at our Santa Monica and Malibu locations, where gentle waves and soft sandy bottoms create a safe and supportive environment. If you think your child is ready to catch their first wave, give us a call — we’d love to help make their surfing experience safe, fun, and unforgettable..

Personalized Surf Instruction Tailored to You

When you sign up for your surf lesson online, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the important details. This includes your exact lesson location with a GPS map link, your instructor’s name, and contact information in case you need to reach us.

If you still have any questions before your lesson in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or Malibu, feel free to give us a call. We’re happy to help make sure you feel fully prepared and excited to hit the waves.

Bring Your Own Surf Gear or Use Ours — Your Comfort Comes First

At Calibunga Surf Lessons, we offer high-quality soft-top surfboards and full wetsuits for all beginner and intermediate students. However, you're absolutely welcome to bring your own surfboard or gear if you prefer. Whether you're surfing at Santa Monica Beach, Venice, or Malibu, our goal is to make sure you feel confident and comfortable in the water.

We’re here to support what works best for you. If you have a board you love or a wetsuit that fits just right, feel free to use it during your lesson. Just let us know in advance so we can tailor the session accordingly.

Can I Take Surf Lessons in Santa Monica or Malibu if My English is Limited?

Absolutely! At Calibunga Surf Lessons, we welcome students from all over the world, no matter your English level. Our surf lessons in Santa Monica Beach, Malibu, and Venice Beach are primarily demonstration-based, meaning you’ll learn by seeing and doing, not just by listening.

Every year, we teach dozens of international visitors who have little to no English-speaking ability—and they still have an amazing time catching waves. Surfing is a universal sport, and our friendly instructors use clear demonstrations, hand signals, and encouragement to make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and excited in the water.

Many of our students visit Los Angeles from places like Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Mexico, China, and Canada, and they all leave with big smiles after riding waves for the very first time.

So whether you’re here for vacation, studying abroad, or just looking for an unforgettable activity during your trip to California, you can enjoy a beginner surf lesson in Santa Monica or Malibu—even if English isn’t your first language.

Tip: Booking a surf lesson package will give you more time in the water to build confidence, making it a fun and memorable highlight of your trip.

Where is the Best Place to Take Surf Lessons in Los Angeles?

The most popular spots for beginner surf lessons in Los Angeles are Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, and Malibu. At Calibunga Surf Lessons, we teach in these world-famous locations where waves are friendly for first-timers and conditions are safe for learning. Locals and tourists alike choose Santa Monica and Malibu because of their mellow waves, sandy beaches, and iconic ocean views.

We have hand-selected the most optimal surf lesson locations to give you the best chance of the most rides on your first surf lessons in LA. Check out our LOCATIONS page for more detailed information.

Are Surf Lessons in Santa Monica Good for Beginners?

Yes! Santa Monica surf lessons are some of the best in California for beginners. The waves here are typically smaller and more consistent, which helps new surfers build confidence without being overwhelmed. Our instructors break everything down step-by-step, so even if you’ve never touched a surfboard before, you’ll be riding waves in no time.

Do You Offer Private Surf Lessons in Malibu and Venice Beach?

Yes, we specialize in private surf lessons in Malibu and Venice Beach, as well as Santa Monica. Private lessons are perfect if you want one-on-one attention, personalized feedback, and a more relaxed pace. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or someone looking to improve your technique, private lessons give you the fastest results.

How Many Surf Lessons Do I Need to Learn to Surf?

Every student is different, but most people feel comfortable standing up and catching waves within their first or second lesson. For long-term progress, we recommend signing up for a surf lesson package in Santa Monica or Malibu, which allows you to practice regularly and turn surfing into a true skill and workout routine.

Can Kids Take Surf Lessons in Los Angeles?

Yes! We love teaching kids to surf. Our family-friendly surf lessons in Santa Monica and Venice Beach are designed with safety and fun in mind. The waves in these areas are gentle and perfect for children. Surfing is a fantastic way for kids to build confidence, learn ocean awareness, and make lasting memories on their trip to Los Angeles.

What Time of Year is Best for Surf Lessons in Malibu and Santa Monica?

The good news is that you can surf in Los Angeles year-round! For beginners, the best time is often late summer through early winter, when Santa Monica and Malibu have smaller, beginner-friendly waves. September through December often brings warm weather and mellow surf, which is perfect for lessons. Our team teaches year-round, so no matter when you visit, we’ll help you catch your first wave.