Los Angeles surf school
Sunrise Surf Academy
Los Angeles
LA surf school offering 'Shredder' (90 min) and 'Frother' (2 hr) lessons for individuals and groups.
Lesson prices
$145 for 90 min (1-on-1), $185 for 2 hours.
Where they teach
Santa Monica / Venice
About Sunrise Surf Academy
Sunrise Surf Academy teaches around Santa Monica and Venice. It offers two lesson lengths with fun names: the 90-minute "Shredder" and the two-hour "Frother," for individuals and groups. The school asks students to book at least 48 hours ahead.
Choosing between Shredder and Frother
The Shredder is the right size for a first try: enough time to learn the basics on the sand and catch plenty of whitewater waves. The Frother adds half an hour, which helps if you want more practice in the water, are learning with a friend, or already stand up and want to work on catching green waves.
A typical lesson covers paddling, the pop-up, how to fall safely, and reading the waves, then lots of practice with your instructor helping you time each wave.
Santa Monica and Venice waves
Santa Monica Bay is shaped like a big curve, and the Palos Verdes peninsula and Malibu shelter it from many swells. That's why waves here are often smaller and softer than in the South Bay or Orange County, which is good news for beginners. The piers and breakwaters help hold sand in place and can make small peaks nearby.
Look for 1–3 ft on our Santa Monica Pier and Venice Pier forecasts, with light wind. Mornings are usually calmest. On small days the bay can go almost flat, so check the forecast before you book.
Who it's best for
Visitors staying on the Westside, LA locals who want to learn close to home, and groups of friends who want an easy, mellow first session.
Local tips
Use the public lots near the piers and arrive early in summer. Water quality in the bay can drop after rain, so check the water-quality note on our forecast pages and skip the water for a few days after a storm. Keep well away from the pier pilings.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where Sunrise Surf Academy teaches.
FAQs
How early should I book?
At least 48 hours before the start time.
How much does a lesson cost?
$145 for a 90-minute private lesson or $185 for two hours.
What's the difference between Shredder and Frother?
Shredder is a 90-minute lesson; Frother is two hours.
Are Santa Monica's waves good for beginners?
Often yes. The bay is sheltered, so waves are usually smaller and softer than the South Bay or Orange County.
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
- Kapowui Surf Club · Santa Monica / Venice border
- Badass Surf School (BASS) · Venice Beach, Los Angeles
- Cali Surf School · Los Angeles and Orange County beaches
- GoSurfing · Manhattan Beach Pier
- Surf Academy · Los Angeles (South Bay)
- CampSurf · Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles
Breaks near Sunrise Surf Academy
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 →
Prices, ages and booking rules change often; always confirm with Sunrise Surf Academy before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.