Los Angeles County · Surf school
Kapowui Surf Club
Santa Monica / Venice border
Kapowui teaches year-round on the border of Santa Monica and Venice, with every lesson including a surfboard, wetsuit and instructor. It says it is an ISA-certified member and one of the few LA County permitted, licensed and insured surf schools.
Where they teach
Lessons meet on the Santa Monica / Venice border. Venice Beach lessons run June through September.
2701 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Santa Monica lessons year-round, 7 AM to 3 PM (the site also lists 7 AM to 4 PM). Venice Beach lessons 7 AM to 3 PM, June through September.
The Kapowui crew
Kapowui describes its instructors as surfers who live within blocks of the beach (four of them in surf vans), surf every day and bring the Aloha spirit to each lesson. It says it's a certified member of the International Surfing Association and holds an LA County permit, license and insurance to operate.
What a lesson looks like
Kapowui offers beginner, intermediate, group and private group lessons in 1-hour, 1.5-hour and 2-hour lengths. The first 30 minutes happen on the sand: board design, how waves work, ocean safety, surf etiquette and the pop-up. Then you go in the water, and the school guarantees you'll be up and riding.
Pricing is all-inclusive with no hidden fees, and you'll get a confirmation email with the date, time and spot, plus two reminder texts and emails.
Reading the Santa Monica / Venice border
The sandy bottom between Santa Monica and Venice is forgiving, which is why Kapowui teaches there. Our Santa Monica Pier and Venice Breakwater forecasts usually show this stretch running smaller than the South Bay, with the friendliest learning size around 1–3 ft.
Kapowui itself notes that tide, swell and wind matter and that mornings are usually better than evenings. Pick an early slot on a day our forecast shows light wind.
Who it's best for
Ages 6 and up. A good fit for visitors staying in Santa Monica or Venice who want a bucket-list first wave, and for locals who want to move from beginner to intermediate with the same crew.
Local tips before you go
Barnard Way runs along the beach just south of Ocean Park, so there's beach parking nearby, but it fills on summer weekends. Bring a towel and sunscreen. If you want to surf in Venice, book June through September.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where Kapowui Surf Club teaches.
FAQs
What's included in a Kapowui lesson?
Surfboard, wetsuit and instructor. The school says pricing is all-inclusive.
What is the minimum age?
Lessons are for ages 6 and up.
How long are lessons?
1 hour, 1.5 hours or 2 hours. The first 30 minutes are on the beach.
When are lessons offered?
Year-round in Santa Monica, and June through September in Venice Beach. Mornings are usually best.
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
- Santa Monica Surf School · Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and Malibu
- Badass Surf School (BASS) · Venice Beach, Los Angeles
- Cali Surf School · Los Angeles and Orange County beaches
Breaks near Kapowui Surf Club
Nearby surf spots with live BODI forecasts, tides and wind.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica · Beach break around a pier · Beginner to intermediate
Best: 2–4 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Venice Breakwater
Venice · Beach break beside a breakwater · Intermediate
Best: 2–6 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Venice Pier
Venice · Beach break around a pier · Intermediate
Best: 2–6 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 Kapowui before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.