Are Surfing Lessons Worth It?

Here’s What You Need to Know Before Paddling Out

If you’ve ever stood on the sands of Venice Beach watching surfers carve waves and thought, “Could I do that?”, you’re not alone. Surfing captures the imagination like few sports can. But before you dive headfirst into the Pacific, there’s one question that nearly every new surfer asks:

Are surfing lessons worth it?

The short answer: Absolutely.The longer answer? Well, let’s break it down—because not all surfing journeys are created equal, and where you start matters.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Why surfing lessons are 100% worth it (especially in Venice Beach)

• What you learn during a lesson that YouTube can’t teach

• How surf lessons fast-track your progress (and minimize wipeouts)

• The costs involved (and how much you really save in the long run)

• Why Coyote Skate & Surf is Venice Beach’s go-to for surf lessons

Let’s paddle into it.

What You Think Surfing Is vs. What Surfing Actually Is

A lot of folks think surfing is just grabbing a board and heading into the ocean. Maybe you’ve watched a few tutorial videos online, figured out how to pop up on a board in your living room, and thought, “I got this.”

Here’s the truth: surfing looks simple—until you're actually out there.

Suddenly, you’re wrestling a board that doesn’t want to cooperate, waves that don’t care about your balance, and a sea of unspoken surf etiquette rules that can make or break your session (or someone else’s).

Without guidance, beginners:

• Struggle to catch waves

• Pop up too early or too late

• Paddle inefficiently and exhaust themselves

• Get in the way of experienced surfers (a huge no-no)

• Take months—or years—to improve

And that’s where lessons come in.

What You Actually Learn in a Surf Lesson (That You Can’t Get Online)

Sure, the internet has everything from “how to pop up” to “surf hacks for beginners.” But online tutorials are no match for real-time coaching. With a surf instructor, you get:

✅ Personalized Feedback

Your stance is off? Your pop-up is too slow? You’re paddling with spaghetti arms?A good instructor will correct it on the spot. You don’t need to guess what went wrong—you’ll know immediately, which means you get better, faster.

✅ Safety Fundamentals

The ocean isn’t a pool. It's a dynamic, sometimes unpredictable force. In a lesson, you'll learn:

• How to identify rip currents

• Where to position yourself in the lineup

• When not to go out

• How to fall safely

• Board control (so you don’t accidentally smack yourself—or others)

✅ Ocean Reading Skills

A big part of surfing is knowing which waves to go for and which to skip. Your instructor will teach you how to:

• Read sets and lulls

• Time your paddle-outs

• Spot clean shoulders and mushy sections

These are skills that take years to learn on your own—but just a few sessions with a pro will jump-start that process.

Fast-Tracking Progress: Why Surf Lessons Save You Time (and Frustration)

One of the biggest reasons people quit surfing isn’t that it’s too hard. It’s that they spend months flailing without improving.

Here’s what a structured lesson from Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons includes:

• Proper warm-up and land-based drills

• Hands-on water instruction

• Wave-catching assistance (yes, your instructor will literally push you into waves)

• Real-time corrections

• A breakdown of what you did right and wrong

The result? Most of our students stand up and ride their first wave in the first lesson. Compare that to self-teaching, where you might not even catch a real wave after five beach trips.

Is It Worth the Cost? Let’s Do the Math

A typical surf lesson in Venice Beach might run you anywhere from $80–$150 depending on whether it’s private or group.

Seems like a lot, right?

Let’s break it down.

DIY Surfing Costs More Than You Think:

• Soft-top surfboard rental: $30/day

• Wetsuit rental: $20/day

• Parking: $15/day (welcome to L.A.)

• Time wasted flailing in the water: Priceless frustration

By your 3rd or 4th trip, you’ve spent more than the cost of a lesson—but with none of the progress.

Meanwhile, with a pro instructor, you’ll likely:

• Catch your first wave

• Understand surf etiquette

• Avoid costly mistakes

• Gain the confidence to go solo much sooner

In short: surfing lessons aren’t just worth it—they pay for themselves.

Are Surf Lessons Worth It for Adults?

This is a common concern. We get a lot of adults who sheepishly ask: “Am I too old for this?”

Let’s put that myth to rest right now.

You are never too old to learn to surf.

In fact, adult learners often:

• Pick up technique faster (you follow instructions better than teenagers)

• Appreciate the mindfulness and physical challenge

• Avoid reckless habits that lead to injury

Whether you're 25, 35, or 55, surf lessons help you build a strong foundation. We even wrote a full blog post about why age 35 is not too old to learn to surf.

What About Kids? Are Surf Lessons Worth It for Them?

Absolutely. In fact, kids thrive in structured surf lessons.

Here’s why:

• They’re fearless (and fall better than adults)

• They learn surf etiquette early (less chance of bad habits)

• Surfing builds confidence, strength, and ocean awareness

Plus, surf lessons keep kids active, outdoors, and off their screens. What more could a parent want?

Check out our surf lessons for kids in Los Angeles to see how we make learning fun and safe.

Why Venice Beach Is One of the Best Places to Learn to Surf

Venice Beach might be known for its quirky boardwalk and Muscle Beach flex-offs—but it’s also a surprisingly great place to learn to surf.

Here’s why:

• Consistent beginner-friendly waves

• Mellow beach breaks (no reef or rock hazards)

• Lively surf culture (but not too intense)

• Plenty of parking and rentals nearby

Plus, you’ll get to say you learned to surf in one of California’s most iconic beach towns. Bragging rights included.

Why Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons Are the Best in Venice Beach

We know you’ve got choices when it comes to surf schools. So why do locals and travelers alike choose us?

🐺 Small Class Sizes

We keep our group lessons small so everyone gets attention. No shouting across the water here—you’ll get real coaching.

🐺 Experienced, Certified Instructors

Our instructors aren’t just great surfers—they’re great teachers. CPR-certified, ocean-savvy, and endlessly stoked.

🐺 All Gear Included

Don’t worry about hauling a board or wetsuit. We’ve got everything you need—just bring sunscreen and a towel.

🐺 Local Vibes, No Attitude

Whether it’s your first time in the ocean or your hundredth, we treat every student like family. No ego, no pressure—just fun and progress.

Want to see what real students think? Check out our reviews—we’re proud of every smile, high-five, and “I can’t believe I did it!” moment.

Common Questions We Hear About Surf Lessons

❓How many lessons do I need?

Many students are surprised by how much they improve after just one lesson. That said, 3–5 lessons give you a solid foundation to start surfing on your own.

❓What if I can’t swim well?

You don’t need to be Michael Phelps—but basic swimming comfort is essential. We stay in waist-to-chest-deep water for beginners.

❓Can I bring my own board?

Absolutely! But if you don’t have one, we provide soft-tops (which are way safer and easier for learning).

So… Are Surfing Lessons Worth It?

If you’ve read this far, you probably already know the answer.

Yes. 100 times yes.

Surfing lessons aren’t just worth it—they’re the difference between falling in love with surfing… or giving up on it before you really start.

At Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons in Venice Beach, we help beginners of all ages and backgrounds take their first steps into the surf lifestyle.

Whether you're a local Angeleno or just visiting, surfing is one of the most exciting, rewarding, and transformational things you can do in Southern California.

Don’t waste your first few sessions flailing in the whitewater—book a surf lesson and start strong.

🌊 Ready to Ride Your First Wave?

Check out our Surf Lessons in Los Angeles page to book your session today.Got questions? Contact us and we’ll help you paddle into the right program.

See you in the water,The Coyote Team 🐺