Choosing the Right Surfboard & Gear for Learning to Surf in Los Angeles County (Santa Monica & Venice Edition)
If you’re planning to learn to surf in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or anywhere along the coast of Los Angeles County, the first thing to know is this: your equipment can make or break your surfing experience. The right surfboard and gear will accelerate your learning and help you have way more fun in the water.
At Calibunga Surf Lessons, we don’t just throw a rental board your way—we match your board and gear to your goals, your size, and the conditions at your chosen beach.
Surfing in LA: Why Location Matters for Gear
Los Angeles County is home to dozens of surf spots, but not all waves are created equal.
Here’s how local conditions affect your gear choice:
Santa Monica: Known for mellow, rolling whitewater waves—ideal for foam boards and longer boards that offer stability and easy paddling.
Venice Beach: Offers a more mixed range of waves depending on the tide and time of day. Still beginner-friendly, but slightly punchier—requiring slightly more maneuverable gear at times.
Dockweiler, El Porto, and Malibu: All within driving range, each with its own wave personality. Your instructor can help match the board to the break.
Foam Boards vs. Hard Tops: What’s Right for You?
For first-time surfers in LA, we almost always recommend a high-quality soft-top foam board, especially when learning at Santa Monica or Venice Beach. These boards are:
Easier to balance on
Softer and safer if you fall
Built to catch more waves (even in smaller conditions)
A perfect fit for the forgiving beach breaks we teach at
We keep a full quiver of boards at Calibunga—meaning whether you're 5’2” or 6’5”, we’ve got a board that will suit your height, weight, and ability level.
Wetsuits: Do You Need One in LA?
Many people do use one—even in summer. Southern California water can feel colder than you think, especially during longer sessions.
We’ll make sure you’re fitted with a suit that keeps you warm without restricting movement. And no, you don’t need to buy one to start—we provide everything you need.
Why Work with a Local Surf Instructor?
Because no two beaches in Los Angeles surf the same way, working with a local surf instructor makes a big difference. At Calibunga Surf Lessons, we help you:
Choose the best board for your height, skill level, and local conditions
Understand how the tide, swell, and wind affect Santa Monica and Venice Beach breaks
Practice safe techniques that respect local surf etiquette
Avoid buying the wrong gear or trying to learn on a board that isn’t beginner-friendly
Avoid These Common Beginner Mistakes
Too small a board: Hard to paddle, harder to catch waves
Wrong fin setup: More advanced fins can trip up a beginner
Rushing to a shortboard: Everyone wants to “look cool,” but the pros all started on long foamies—and you should too
No instruction: Trying to teach yourself at Venice Beach during a high tide with the wrong board can lead to frustration and injury
LA Surf Lesson Packages That Include Gear
When you book with us, your lesson includes board, wetsuit, rash guard, and personalized coaching—all tailored to where you're surfing. Our surf packages are designed to help you progress without needing to invest in your own gear right away.
Ready to Surf LA the Right Way?
Before you head to the beach with a random board, let us help you set up for success. Whether you're starting in Santa Monica, Venice, or somewhere else along the LA coast, we'll make sure you're on the right board, at the right beach, at the right time.
Book a lesson with Calibunga today and learn to surf Los Angeles with the right gear—and the right local guide.
