Do People Surf at Santa Monica Pier?

Surfing at the Famous Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles. With its Ferris wheel, arcade, street performers, and cotton-candy vibes, it’s a must-see destination for locals and tourists alike. But beyond the funnel cakes and photo ops, there’s another attraction: the waves rolling in at the base of the pier.

If you’ve walked along the beach, you may have noticed wetsuit-clad surfers paddling out just north and south of the pier. That sparks the common question: “Do people surf at Santa Monica Pier?”

The short answer is yes, people definitely surf here. But the longer, more helpful answer is: it depends on your experience level, what kind of surf you’re looking for, and whether you’re thinking about learning to surf for the first time.

As a Venice Beach surfer and instructor at Coyote Skateboard Lessons & Surf Lessons, I’ve seen hundreds of beginners take their first waves across Los Angeles’ beaches. In this guide, I’ll break down what surfing at Santa Monica Pier is really like, the pros and cons of this spot, whether it’s good for beginners, and why many surf schools (including ours) prefer Venice Beach for lessons.

By the end, you’ll know not only if people surf at Santa Monica Pier (spoiler: they do), but whether it’s the right place for you to paddle out.

Yes, People Surf at Santa Monica Pier

Let’s start with the basics: yes, you will absolutely see surfers at Santa Monica Pier.

From dawn patrol (early morning sessions before work) to evening glass-off (when winds die down and the waves smooth out), surfers paddle out every single day. Some are locals who’ve grown up surfing in the area, others are visitors renting boards, and plenty are beginners trying their luck for the first time.

Santa Monica has a rich surf history. Long before the pier became a tourist hub, early California surfers were testing their boards in these waters. It’s not Malibu-famous, but Santa Monica has been a part of Southern California surf culture for decades.

So if you’re wondering whether you’ll see surfers here—yes, you will. But the quality of waves and overall experience depends a lot on conditions and your skill level.

The Pros and Cons of Surfing at Santa Monica Pier

Like any surf spot, Santa Monica Pier has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s the breakdown.

Pros of Surfing Here

• Iconic Backdrop: Surfing next to the colorful Ferris wheel is a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. Few surf spots in the world have such a recognizable background.

• Gentle Waves: Especially in summer, the waves are often soft and forgiving, making it possible for longboarders and beginners to catch rides.

• Accessibility: The pier is in the heart of Santa Monica, with parking, restaurants, and shops just steps away. You can literally surf, eat a burger, and ride a roller coaster in the same hour.

• Beginner Energy: Many beginners try surfing here, so you won’t feel out of place paddling around in the whitewater.

Cons of Surfing Here

• Crowds: Santa Monica is one of the busiest beaches in Los Angeles. That means not only crowds in the water, but also tourists on the sand watching your every wipeout.

• Water Quality: Runoff near the pier sometimes impacts water cleanliness, especially after rainfall. Locals often check water reports before paddling out.

• Pier Hazards: The wooden pilings are not something you want to drift into. Strong currents can pull beginners closer to the pier than they realize.

• Inconsistent Waves: Santa Monica doesn’t get the same world-class swells that Malibu or Huntington Beach do. Some days it’s flat, other days it’s choppy.

Is Santa Monica Pier Good for Beginner Surfers?

This is the million-dollar question.

On paper, Santa Monica Pier looks like a dream for beginners. Gentle waves, soft sand, surfboard rentals just steps away. But in practice, it’s not always ideal for your very first surf session. Here’s why:

• Currents: Shifting riptides can make paddling back out a challenge for newbies.

• The Pier: Beginners often drift toward the pier pilings, which is both scary and dangerous.

• Crowds: Surfing with lots of other beginners can create chaos in the lineup. Boards collide, people drop in on each other, and it’s not the safest environment.

This is why most surf schools—including Coyote Skateboard Lessons & Surf Lessons—choose Venice Beach over Santa Monica Pier for lessons. Venice offers more room to spread out, cleaner water, and more consistent beginner-friendly waves.

If your main goal is to stand up on your first wave and feel that rush, Venice Beach gives you a far better chance than the pier.

👉 Related read: Is Santa Monica Good for Beginner Surfers?

Surf Conditions at Santa Monica Pier

If you still want to give Santa Monica a try, here’s what you need to know about the waves.

• Wave Size: Generally waist- to chest-high, though winter storms can bring larger surf.

• Best Board: Longboards and foam boards are the way to go—shortboards struggle with the softer waves.

• Seasons:

  • Summer: Smaller, friendlier surf. Great for mellow longboarding.

  • Winter: Larger, more powerful waves. Better for experienced surfers.

• Water Temperature:

  • Winter: 58–62°F → You’ll want a 3/2mm wetsuit.

  • Summer: 65–70°F → A spring suit or no wetsuit on warm days.

• Best Times: Early mornings (less wind, fewer crowds) and evenings just before sunset.

In other words: Santa Monica Pier is usually surfable, but conditions vary a lot depending on season, tide, and swell.

Local Surf Etiquette Near the Pier

Santa Monica has its own surf culture, and if you paddle out, it’s good to know the unwritten rules:

1. Stay Clear of the Pier: Don’t get too close to the pilings. It’s not only dangerous for you but makes locals nervous.

2. Right of Way: The surfer closest to the breaking part of the wave gets priority. Don’t drop in on someone else’s ride.

3. Control Your Board: Beginners often let go of boards during wipeouts. Always hold onto yours to avoid hitting others.

4. Smile and Chill: Santa Monica has a friendly vibe. Respect the lineup and you’ll be welcomed.

Think of it like skateboarding at a crowded park—you need to respect flow, give space, and be aware of others.

Why Venice Beach is a Better Learning Spot

Even though people surf at Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach is widely considered the better place to learn. Here’s why:

• Wider Beach Break: More space means less chance of drifting into hazards.

• Consistent Whitewater: Perfect for practicing your pop-up without worrying about steep waves.

• Beginner-Friendly Scene: Venice has long been the go-to beach for surf schools and travelers learning to ride their first wave.

• Community Vibe: Venice is a mix of locals, artists, skaters, and surfers. It’s less touristy than Santa Monica and has a welcoming energy.

And most importantly—it’s where we teach at Coyote Skateboard Lessons & Surf Lessons. Our Venice Beach surf lessons give beginners a safe, fun, and supportive environment to learn faster and enjoy every moment.

👉 Related read: Is LA Good for Surfing?

The Benefits of Taking Surf Lessons

If you’re wondering whether you should just rent a board at Santa Monica Pier and figure it out yourself, here’s why lessons are worth it:

• Faster Progress: With proper instruction, most beginners stand up on their very first lesson.

• Safety: Instructors keep you away from dangerous riptides and teach you how to fall safely.

• Technique: Learning the correct pop-up and paddling techniques saves months of trial and error.

• Confidence: Knowing someone is watching your back makes it easier to relax and focus on the fun.

• Local Knowledge: We know when and where the best beginner waves are breaking.

At Coyote, we’ve taught everyone from kids to retirees. No matter your age or athletic background, surfing is within reach—especially when you start with guidance.

Other Popular Surf Spots Near Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier isn’t the only game in town. If you’re exploring Los Angeles surf culture, here are some nearby options:

• Venice Beach: Best for beginners and home to our surf school. Wide sandy stretches, playful waves, and a lively surf/skate culture.

• Malibu (First Point): A legendary longboarding wave with peeling rights. Crowded but iconic.

• Topanga: A fun right-hand point break for intermediates. Great vibes but often packed.

• Manhattan Beach: A consistent beach break with a more local feel. Good option south of Santa Monica.

• El Porto: Known for heavier waves—popular with more advanced surfers.

Exploring different breaks is part of the journey, but if you’re brand new, Venice is the best first stop.

Final Answer: Do People Surf at Santa Monica Pier?

So, let’s circle back to our big question: Do people surf at Santa Monica Pier?

Yes, absolutely. Locals and tourists alike paddle out here every day. On small summer days, you’ll see longboarders gliding across mellow waves. On bigger winter swells, experienced surfers test their skills.

But is it the best place to learn to surf? Not quite. Between crowds, currents, and the pier itself, Santa Monica isn’t the easiest or safest place for beginners.

If you’re serious about catching your first wave, head a few minutes south to Venice Beach. And if you want expert guidance, come surf with us at Coyote Skateboard Lessons & Surf Lessons. We’ll help you skip the frustration and get to the fun part: actually riding waves.