Los Angeles County · Surf school and kids surf camps
Santa Monica Surf School
Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and Malibu
Santa Monica Surf School was started by Santa Monica native Nick Ostrogovich and teaches private lessons, group lessons and summer kids camps. It describes itself as the only surf school in Los Angeles certified by the International Surfing Association.
Lesson prices
Group lesson: $85. Private lessons: $130 (1 person), $210 (2), $290 (3), $360 (4), $400 (5). Summer camp weeks are listed at $425 ($85 per day). Surfboard and wetsuit are included.
Where they teach
Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and Malibu are listed lesson areas. Confirm the meeting beach when you book.
Who runs Santa Monica Surf School
The school calls itself a passion project of Nick Ostrogovich, a Santa Monica native who wants students to learn the history of surfing in Santa Monica as well as the skills. Its coaches are certified through the International Surfing Association (ISA) and in CPR, and the school says its team brings more than 45 years of combined surf experience. It reports coverage in the LA Times, Surfer Magazine and Time Out.
What a lesson looks like
Private lessons are built for adults and kids, beginners and surfers who want to clean up their technique. Group lessons put you in the water with friends, or with new ones, and the school also runs corporate and team-building sessions. You bring a swimsuit and towel; the board and wetsuit are provided.
Summer camps run Monday to Friday through the school break, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and cover water safety along with surfing skills.
Why Santa Monica is a good place to learn
Santa Monica Bay faces southwest and is partly shaded from the big northwest winter swells by Point Dume and the Palos Verdes peninsula. That's why the beach break around the Santa Monica Pier is often small and soft when the rest of the coast is pumping. Our break data puts the friendly learning size here at about 1–3 ft, and the morning is usually cleaner before the afternoon sea breeze.
If Santa Monica is flat, Venice and Manhattan Beach often pick up a little more swell. Check our Santa Monica Pier and Venice Pier forecasts before you go: a Poor-to-Fair rating with light wind is ideal for a first lesson.
Who it's best for
Families, first-timers and visitors staying near Santa Monica will find the group lesson the easiest entry point. Private lessons get cheaper per person as your group grows, so a family of four pays $90 each. Parents looking for a full week of structure can look at the summer camps.
Local tips before you go
Parking near the pier fills early in summer, so give yourself extra time. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring water and sunscreen. Ask which beach your lesson is at, since the school works across four different areas.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where Santa Monica Surf School teaches.
FAQs
How much is a lesson at Santa Monica Surf School?
Group lessons are $85. A private lesson is $130 for one person, with group pricing up to $400 for five people.
Is equipment included?
Yes. The school provides the surfboard and wetsuit.
Are the coaches certified?
The school says its coaches are ISA and CPR certified.
Do they run kids camps?
Yes. Summer camps run Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and are listed at $425 per week.
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
- Kapowui Surf Club · Santa Monica / Venice border
- Cali Surf School · Los Angeles and Orange County beaches
- Badass Surf School (BASS) · Venice Beach, Los Angeles
Breaks near Santa Monica Surf School
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 Pier
Venice · Beach break around a pier · Intermediate
Best: 2–6 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 →
Topanga
Malibu · Right-hand point break · Intermediate to advanced
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 Santa Monica Surf School before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.