`Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast: Learn, Surf, Explore Santa Monica Waves`

Listen to the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast

Episodes, Tips & Transcripts

Welcome to the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, your go-to guide for mastering the waves at Santa Monica Beach. Join our expert instructors as we share surfing tips, ocean safety advice, and behind-the-scenes stories from the pier, perfect for beginners learning their first pop-up or experienced surfers refining technique. Each episode is paired with a full transcript on our blog, giving you in-depth insights, surf lesson guidance, and practical tips to make the most of your time in the water. Listen, learn, and get ready to ride the waves with confidence and style!

Ask A Question

FAQ

Visit Blog

Return Home

In this first episode of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, host Lucas Coleman welcomes listeners to the ultimate guide for surfing at Santa Monica Beach. Discover what this podcast is all about: from beginner surf lessons and ocean safety tips to behind-the-scenes stories from the Santa Monica Pier. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your technique, this episode sets the stage for what’s coming in future episodes, including surf lesson guidance, tips for reading waves, and insights from experienced instructors. Check out the full episode transcript on our blog to follow along and get the most out of your surfing journey!

Visit Episode Blog

Book Your Lesson

Episode Transcript

In this episode of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, we answer a question we hear all the time from visitors and first-time surfers: what are the best beaches to surf in Santa Monica? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the most popular spots along Santa Monica Beach, including areas near the Santa Monica Pier that are ideal for learning how to surf. We discuss where beginners can find smaller, more manageable waves, how local surf conditions affect different sections of the beach, and what new surfers should know about safety, crowds, and surf etiquette before paddling out. If you're planning your first surf lesson or looking for the safest and most accessible places to practice surfing in Los Angeles, this episode offers practical tips from experienced instructors who teach surfing at Santa Monica Beach every day. You can also visit the accompanying blog post for a full transcript and additional beginner surf tips.

Visit Our Blog

Write Us

Episode Transcript

Spring Break 2026 in Los Angeles is here! 🌊 Heading to Santa Monica or the LA area and wondering what to do? This episode covers the best activities for families, groups, and couples, with insider tips that only locals know. From beginner surf lessons on Santa Monica Beach to unforgettable beach memories, we show you how to make your trip one to remember.

If you’re visiting with kids or family, you’ll love exploring the historic Santa Monica Pier, enjoying rides, games, and quality time on the sand. For groups of friends, Spring Break energy starts on the waves — then take it to the night with live music at Jamison’s Pub, amazing Mexican food at Lula’s, or even join the local Midnight Runners meetup for a fun evening workout.

Couples visiting for a romantic getaway should check out Malibu’s Sunset Restaurant for a sunset dinner, experience breathtaking views at the Griffith Observatory, and enjoy the Penmar Golf Course summer concert series. Whether you’re searching for “things to do in Los Angeles Spring Break 2026” or “Santa Monica family activities,” this episode gives you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip.

Visit Blog Post

Ask A Question

Episode Transcript

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 try surfing after years of living near the coast, this episode gives you a clear, honest roadmap to getting started the right way.

Visit Blog Post

Ask A Question

Episode Transcript

How long does it actually take to learn to surf? In this episode, Lucas Coleman — professional surf instructor and owner of Calabunga Surf Lessons at Santa Monica Beach — answers a question from Amanda in Phoenix, Arizona. Lucas breaks down exactly what happens during a first surf lesson, from the sand lesson and pop-up technique to catching your first whitewater wave. He explains why most beginners are able to get to their feet on their first day, what progression looks like beyond that first ride, and how his coaching philosophy keeps every session personal, technical, and fun. Whether you're a bucket-list surfer or looking to seriously progress, this episode is a great place to start.

Visit Blog Post

Ask A Question

Episode Transcript

📍 Santa Monica Beach — Lifeguard Tower 26 📍 Sunset Point, Malibu 🌐 calibungasurflessons.com 📞 323-433-1220 📸 @calibungasurflessons

Visit Blog Post

Ask A Question

Episode Transcript

Learn the essential rules of surfing right of way and understand who has priority when catching a wave in this episode of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast. We break down one of the most important parts of surf etiquette—knowing whose turn it is, avoiding drop-ins, staying safe in the lineup, and respecting other surfers in the water.

Whether you're taking beginner surf lessons in Santa Monica, learning to surf in Los Angeles, or improving your ocean awareness and surf etiquette, understanding surfing right of way is critical for both safety and confidence. This episode covers inside position, paddling priority, peak positioning, split peaks, and how local surfers apply these unwritten rules every day.

If you've ever asked “Who has the right of way in surfing?” or “How do I know when it’s my wave?” this episode gives clear, practical answers that every surfer should know before paddling out.

Perfect for beginners, intermediate surfers, and anyone looking for professional surf lessons near the Santa Monica Pier, Malibu, Venice Beach, or throughout Los Angeles.

Calibunga Surf Lessons offers private surf lessons, group surf lessons, beginner surf coaching, and advanced surf training focused on ocean safety, wave reading, and real surf progression.

Visit Blog Post

Ask A Question

Episode Transcript