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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At Calibunga Surf Lessons, every session is designed to support your individual surfing journey. We tailor our instruction to match your stamina, flexibility, learning style, and pace of progress. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, our goal is to help you grow in confidence, skill, and connection with the ocean.

Each lesson is crafted to build on your strengths and address your unique needs, making your time in the water more effective, safe, and rewarding.

To learn more about how our lessons adapt to you, [visit our Private Surf Lessons page] or feel free to contact us with questions.

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.