Top California Surfing Lessons

Learn to surf at one of California’s most famous spots during this introductory surfing class at Venice Beach. This class is suitable for all levels, whether it's your first time surfing or you are advancing your skills. Spend some time training on the beach, then hop in the Pacific Ocean for instruction in the water, followed by time for practice.

Immerse yourself in the SoCal lifestyle—and learn the basics of surfing in an accessible, hands-on way—with private surfing lessons. Choose from multiple convenient class times, and meet your instructor right on the legendary Venice Beach. With personalized guidance, you’ll learn the basics on the beach before grabbing your board and trying out your skills in the waves.

Learn to surf in Pacifica, a picturesque town on the California coast just south of San Francisco. Your expert instructor covers all basics so that you can begin to catch some waves. Learn how to read the ocean, paddle out, pop up, balance and ride the waves, along with the etiquette of the surf world. Start practicing on the beach and in shallow waters before heading further out, with the assistance of your instructor available throughout your 3-hour lesson. Choose a morning or mid-day lesson that suits your schedule, with all necessary equipment provided.

Suitable for all ages and experience levels, this private surfing lesson in Newport Beach will teach you how to ride the waves. Surfboards and wetsuits are included, so you can simply show up and hit the water. Get a hands-on lesson from a professional instructor. Private tutorials can be adapted to all skill levels.

Learn how to hang ten with a surf lesson in Venice Beach. Before you head into the water, you’ll learn about board design and dynamics, ocean safety, surf etiquette, pop-up technique, and form. Plus, learn about California surf culture. The lesson includes all of the necessary equipment: surfboard and a wetsuit.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience when you take to the skies above Temecula on this small-group hot-air balloon experience. In the early morning, make your way to the departure point, and watch as your balloon inflates to its full size. After check-in, hop aboard the basket and set off with your pilot. You’ll soar over vineyards and rolling hills, can spot local landmarks as you go, and will learn more from the pilot's commentary.

Travel to Southern California’s Catalina Island by boat with this round-trip ferry service from Long Beach or San Pedro on the 'Catalina Express.' Enjoy views of the Pacific during the journey, and then spend the day exploring Catalina at your leisure. The ferry drops you in the town of Avalon, the main town on the island, home to shops, restaurants, hotels, activities and more. Select your departure point—Long Beach or San Pedro—when booking. This is a ticket purchase only, not a reservation for travel. To allow guests the flexibility of choosing their own travel time, guests must call in advance to reserve seats on a specific departure and return boat. You may return on the same day or stay overnight. We advise calling to make your reservations as soon as possible as boats often sell out.

See the sights of Hollywood on this tour by open-top Mercedes minibus or Ford Van with a canopy, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views as you go. Traveling with an on-board guide, you'll pass by attractions such as the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and movie studios. Plus, get a look at some of the mansions where past and present stars have lived.

It’s difficult to appreciate the beauty of Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards from between the vines—it’s much easier from the skies. Starting just after sunrise, step into your hot-air balloon to watch the valley come alive, floating up to 2,000 feet in the air. Enjoy coffee before and sparkling wine after, celebrating your silent journey gliding along the California horizon.

See the sunrise from one of the most impressive vantage points—the sky—during this Temecula hot-air balloon flight. Take off from Vindemia Winery with an FAA-licensed pilot, and soar above citrus groves vineyards. Afterward, touch down on the ground and enjoy a European breakfast in a private rose garden.

Get wet while learning to surf in Santa Cruz, a picturesque coastal California town popular with surfers. Your 3-hour lesson starts with the basics of how to paddle out, pop up, balance, and catch a wave, along with surfing etiquette and understanding the ocean. Your instructor has you practice on the beach before accompanying you into a spot with small waves that are ideal for beginners. Includes all necessary equipment and instruction.

An easy beach break with regular, predictable waves that don’t get too big, La Jolla Shores is one of California’s best destinations for learning to surf. Join an experienced instructor and no more than four other learners on a class that’s good for absolute beginners and intermediates alike. Your class includes your board and an Everyday California rash guard top, with full wetsuits available at an additional charge.

Southern California is a beach goers dream, and surfing plays a big part of the fun in the sun culture here. Give it a try with in one of the region's most iconic surf destinations that is also the site of a marine preserve. We'll teach you how to hang ten like the pro's in this mighty little beach town's pristine waters. Our local expert instructors will provide surfing fundamentals, along with a surf board, wetsuit and lots of fun!

Learn the basics of surfing in San Diego at a beach with gentle waves that are perfect for beginners. This semi-private surf lesson has a low student-to-instructor ratio for personalized attention from a highly trained team. Start on the beach to get a handle on surf essentials like safety, paddling, standing up, and wave etiquette, and then head out into the waves to put your new skills into practice.

Cut loose on the San Diego waves with this short and exciting surfing experience. Teach the whole family how to surf with this inclusive package: this roughly two hour lesson accepts anyone over the age of 7! Go from sand to sea in no time with the help of personalized coaching from your instructors. Don’t worry if you bail, though; the focus is on a fun and friendly atmosphere.

If you're new to surfing, get abundant attention from an instructor with a private surf lesson in San Diego. The customized session is geared toward each individual's age and experience to help get you paddling and standing up as soon as possible. Get comfortable with basics of wave safety, positioning, and surf etiquette right on the beach before heading out to try catching your first waves.

Suitable for all experience levels, this private surfing lesson in Malibu will have you catching waves in no time. Get hands-on instruction from a local surfer and lifelong Malibu resident, who can also give personalized travel tips. Learn the ins and outs of surfing, including paddling and standing, with the goal of riding waves.

Bring a towel and swimsuit down to Cass St in San Diego, and be ready to hang ten. Join this small group surf lesson with some of the best instructors in town to have a great time on the water. Surfing is one of San Diego’s most popular sports, so don’t have a chance to get out there and try it. After, the rest of the day is yours to explore as you like.

Have a real California surfing experience with a private instructor along the beautiful shoreline of Santa Barbara, California. This Viator tour will have you in the water, on a board, and hitting the waves. Never surfed before? No problem! This tour is open to all skill levels.

Kapowui, was awarded best surf school in Venice beach for the last 5 years in a row. Kapowui is a family run business and and an icon of southern California. We live, eat, and dream surfing and teach surfing because we want to share our love and stoke for the sport. This is a life choice for us and what gives our lives meaning. All of Kapowui's instructors are imbued with the Aloha spirit, live within blocks of the beach (4 of them live in surf vans), surf every day and have many years teaching experience. When we are doing a lesson with you, we are 100% focused and in the moment with you. At Kapowui we truly care about your experience. Whether surfing is a one time bucket list item or a new sport you want to pick up, we will have you up riding waves, 100% guaranteed! Additionally you will be immersed in the surf culture, giving you the opportunity to feel the true surfer vibe, while learning a skill you can use forever.

Learn the basics of surfing or take your current skills to the next level during a 2-hour class. Enjoy a private lesson with an instructor or take a group class with friends.  Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’ve been catching waves for years, everyone can benefit from the class.  There’s no need to get a wetsuit or surfboard past TSA as both are provided for you.

Learn the ins and outs of catching the perfect wave during a 2-hour surf lesson in La Jolla. Thanks to its holistic approach, the class is a great opportunity for everyone ranging from first-timers to advanced surfers. Advance your knowledge of surfing etiquette, techniques, safety, and more. Your instructor also teaches you how you can help ocean conservation to keep the waters safe for surfers and sea life alike.

Pismo Beach is a surfing hot spot, with riders coming from all over California to catch a wave here. While you could just watch surfers from the shore, it’s much more fun to experience the thrill for yourself with a surf lesson. Instructors will guide you through the basics and get you out into the water. Plus, there’s no need to rent equipment with a surfboard and wetsuit included.

Learn the basics of surfing with a beginner lesson that takes place at picturesque Stinson Beach. Your instructor provides a 2-hour lesson that covers fundamentals such as water safety, wave dynamics, paddling skills, surfboard positioning, stand-up and riding techniques, and surfing etiquette. Stinson Beach is located within a 1-hour drive of San Francisco and other Bay Area cities, making it convenient for both locals and visitors.