Can I Learn Surfing in 3 Days?
- Will Ermish
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Yes, and Here's How
So, you're dreaming of riding waves and wondering: Can I learn surfing in 3 days? The short answer is yes — with the right approach, instruction, and attitude, you can stand up and ride your first wave in just a few sessions. At Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons in Venice Beach, we teach beginners how to surf faster, safer, and with way more fun than you'd expect.
But before you wax up your board and throw on a wetsuit, let’s break down what to expect over a 3-day surf journey and how to get the most out of it.
Why 3 Days is the Magic Number for Beginner Surfers
Three days is the perfect starter window to learn surfing because it gives your body and brain time to absorb the basics without overwhelming you. Here’s what typically happens:
Day 1: Learn surf safety, ocean awareness, board handling, paddling, and pop-up techniques on the beach.
Day 2: Practice catching whitewater waves, refine your pop-up, and start riding straight in to the beach.
Day 3: Begin paddling into your own waves, angle your board, and ride down the line.
If you’re in good shape, reasonably coordinated, and take a lesson from a qualified surf instructor (ahem, like us at Coyote), three days is enough to go from total beginner to actual surfer.
What You'll Learn Each Day (Breakdown from Venice Beach Pros)
Day 1: Welcome to the Water
Land Lesson: Pop-up technique, board parts, stance, ocean safety, and etiquette.
In the Water: Riding prone on the board, paddling technique, feeling the wave energy.
Our surf lessons in Venice Beach are designed to build your confidence gradually. You’ll spend time getting used to the board, timing the waves, and finding your balance.
Check out our Beginner Surf Lessons page to see how we structure Day 1 for success.
Day 2: Stand Up and Ride
Water Time: You’ll start catching whitewater waves, practicing your pop-up in real-time.
Coaching Focus: Timing, foot placement, weight distribution.
By the second day, muscle memory starts to kick in. Don’t worry if you wipe out a lot—everyone does! Your instructor will be right there, giving you immediate feedback and helping you adjust.
Pro tip: Bring snacks. Surfing burns a lot of calories.
Day 3: Paddle Power & Real Rides
Ocean Time: You might start paddling into your own waves.
Skill Focus: Reading waves, positioning, staying in the pocket.
This is the day everything starts to click. With the fundamentals down, we coach you on catching green waves and beginning to angle your rides instead of just going straight.
Even if you don’t become Kelly Slater overnight, you’ll leave with real surf skills and enough stoke to last you weeks.
How to Maximize Your Progress in 3 Days
1. Take Lessons from a Professional Surf School
Surfing isn’t easy to teach yourself. A good instructor will keep you safe, help you learn faster, and make the process way more fun.
Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons offers private and small group lessons right here in Venice Beach. We keep it local, personal, and focused on you.
2. Show Up Early, Hydrated, and Energized
Surfing is physically demanding. Sleep well, eat something light before your lesson, and drink plenty of water.
Oh, and bring sunscreen. Trust us.
3. Listen More Than You Talk
Surf instructors have seen every mistake in the book. Listening carefully and following directions will help you make the most of your water time.
4. Go With the Flow (Literally)
Waves change, the ocean is unpredictable, and sometimes Mother Nature has her own plans. Roll with it. You’re learning to work with the ocean, not against it.
What Gear Do You Need to Learn Surfing in 3 Days?
At Coyote Surf Lessons, we provide everything you need:
Soft-top surfboard (ideal for beginners)
Wetsuit (yes, even in sunny LA the water can be chilly)
Leash, wax, and professional instruction
If you decide to continue after three days, we’ll help you choose your first personal board and suit.
Is 3 Days Enough to REALLY Learn to Surf?
You won’t be pulling into barrels or launching airs just yet, but yes—you can genuinely learn to:
Stand up and ride whitewater waves
Paddle effectively
Read basic surf conditions
Stay safe and have fun
That’s real surfing.
Many of our students come for a 3-day surf intensive while visiting LA. They leave totally hooked.
Where Should You Learn to Surf in LA?
Venice Beach: LA’s Most Iconic Surf Spot for Beginners
Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons is located right at Venice Beach, one of the most beginner-friendly surf spots in Los Angeles.
Consistent waves
Sandy bottom (no sharp reef)
Chill, inclusive vibe
Close to great food and fun things to do
You can even take a skateboard lesson on the boardwalk after your surf session—because we teach that too! Check out our skateboard lessons here.
Common Questions About Learning to Surf Fast
1. What if I’m not athletic?
No worries. We’ve taught people of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Surfing is more about mindset than muscle.
2. Is 3 days enough for kids to learn?
Absolutely! Kids often pick it up even faster than adults.
3. Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic swimming skills are important, yes. But we keep all beginner lessons in shallow, controlled conditions.
Keep Surfing After Your 3-Day Crash Course
Once you’ve caught the bug, don’t stop! Here’s how to keep progressing:
Take a weekly lesson
Rent a soft-top and surf solo
Join our Venice Beach Surf Club for locals and visitors alike
Our instructors will give you personalized tips on what to work on next.
Final Word: Can I Learn Surfing in 3 Days?
Yes. 100% yes. With the right instruction, the right conditions, and the right mindset, three days is plenty of time to get a taste of real surfing.
And if you take your lessons with Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons, you’ll get more than just a skill—you’ll walk away with a memory you’ll never forget.
Ready to give it a go?
Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons
Venice Beach, California
Surf — Skate — Stoke
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