Los Angeles County · Boutique surf instruction
GoSurfing
Manhattan Beach Pier
GoSurfing is a licensed and insured surf instruction company at the Manhattan Beach Pier, founded in 2020 by Manhattan Beach native Tommy Ostendorf. It's a branch of BeachSports, a South Bay youth summer camp company running since 1995.
Private lesson prices
Adapted private instruction (60 minutes, board and wetsuit included): $100 for one person, or $425 for a 5-lesson package. The school says adapted lessons cost the same as its standard private lessons.
Where they teach
Manhattan Beach Pier, north side.
1125 N. The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Who runs GoSurfing
Founder Tommy Ostendorf grew up in Manhattan Beach and has more than 20 years of surf instruction experience. GoSurfing launched in 2020 as part of BeachSports, which has run youth summer camps in the South Bay since 1995. The school says it is licensed by the LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors and follows the county's insurance and staff protocols.
What's on offer
Learn-to-surf lessons for first-timers, families and groups; "surf better" private or small-group sessions; surf coaching for the next level; and camps starting at age 7. GoSurfing also offers adapted instruction, built from years of surf-therapy work, on the same schedule and at the same rates as private lessons.
There's also surf consulting out of the water: choosing a board and wetsuit, lineup etiquette, which spots and tides suit your level, fixing common problems like nose-diving, and planning surf trips.
Manhattan Beach Pier for learners
Manhattan Beach is an open, west-facing beach break that picks up both winter northwest and summer south swells, so it's more consistent than Santa Monica. The pier holds sandbars on either side. Our break data shows it can get punchy, so for first lessons look for days rated Poor to Fair at 1–3 ft, and save Fair-to-Good days for coaching sessions.
Who it's best for
South Bay families, adults who want steady progress through a 5-lesson package, and surfers with disabilities who want instruction from a team experienced in adapted surfing.
Local tips before you go
Lessons meet on the north side of the pier. Parking in downtown Manhattan Beach is metered and busy in summer, so plan to arrive early.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where GoSurfing teaches.
FAQs
Where do GoSurfing lessons meet?
At the Manhattan Beach Pier, north side (1125 N. The Strand).
How much is a private lesson?
Adapted private instruction is $100 for 60 minutes, or $425 for five lessons, the same rate as standard private lessons.
Is GoSurfing licensed?
The school says it is licensed by the LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors and insured.
What age are camps for?
Camps start at age 7.
Not sure which day to book?
Small, clean 1–3 ft waves are perfect for learning. Ask BODI which day looks mellow, or check the other schools.
More surf schools in Los Angeles
- Surf Academy · Los Angeles (South Bay)
- Santa Monica Surf School · Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and Malibu
Breaks near GoSurfing
Nearby surf spots with live BODI forecasts, tides and wind.
Manhattan Beach Pier
Manhattan Beach · Beach break around a pier · All levels
Best: 2–5 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
El Porto
Manhattan Beach · Beach break · Intermediate
Best: 2–6 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Hermosa Beach Pier
Hermosa Beach · Beach break around a pier · All levels
Best: 2–5 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Sources
Facts checked against the school's website, October 7, 2026. Written by the Surfing Tomorrow Team.
Prices, schedules and booking rules can change. Confirm your reservation details with GoSurfing before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.