How Long Do Surf Lessons Take?

Everything You Need to Know Before Hitting the Waves in Venice Beach

If you're itching to jump on a board and ride the waves, one of your first questions is probably: "How long do surf lessons take?" Whether you're planning a one-off session, looking to build a new hobby, or trying to impress your friends on your next beach day, knowing what to expect in terms of time is crucial. At Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons in Venice Beach, we get this question all the time.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from the typical length of a single surf lesson to how many lessons you might need to actually feel confident on the board. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some insider tips, frequently asked questions, and a breakdown of what happens minute-by-minute during your session.

Ready to find your surf timeline? Let’s dive in.

How Long Is a Single Surf Lesson?

The Standard Lesson Duration

Most beginner surf lessons last between 1.5 to 2 hours. That sweet spot allows for:

• A quick land-based warm-up and safety briefing

• In-water coaching and wave practice

• Breaks and hydration

At Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons, our standard Venice Beach surf lessons run 90 minutes, which we’ve found to be the perfect amount of time for maximizing fun while avoiding total wipeout fatigue.

Why Not Shorter?

Surfing isn’t like jumping into a pool. You need time to learn ocean safety, paddle technique, and standing up—all before you even catch your first wave. Anything shorter than 1.5 hours leaves you with barely enough time to get your sea legs.

Why Not Longer?

You might think, “Why not go all out and book a 3-hour session?” While we love the enthusiasm, surfing is physically demanding. Most beginners tap out after 90 minutes of paddling and popping up. Trust us: your shoulders will thank you.

What Happens During a Surf Lesson?

Here's a rough breakdown of what happens during a typical 90-minute beginner surf lesson in Venice Beach:

0–15 Minutes: Beach Basics

• Meet your instructor

• Get fitted with a board and wetsuit

• Safety briefing

• Dry land training (popping up, stance, paddling form)

15–30 Minutes: Paddle Out

• Enter the water with your instructor

• Practice paddling and sitting on your board

• Learn how to read waves and maintain position

30–75 Minutes: Catch Waves

• Start catching whitewater waves

• Stand up (or at least try to!)

• Get individualized tips from your instructor

75–90 Minutes: Cool Down

• Paddle back in

• Recap what you learned

• Ask questions about your next steps

Want to know how many lessons it takes to consistently stand up? Check out our blog: How Long Does It Take To Learn To Surf?

How Many Lessons Does a Beginner Need?

It Depends On Your Goals

If you just want a fun one-time experience, one 90-minute lesson is perfect. If you want to become an actual surfer (not just a vacation poser), you’ll need a few more.

General Timeline:

• 1 Lesson: Learn the basics, stand up once or twice

• 3–5 Lessons: Consistent pop-ups, better wave judgment

• 6+ Lessons: Comfort in the water, steering, catching green waves

Our Recommendation:

Most students at Coyote Skate & Surf start with a 3-pack of lessons. That gives you enough time to build skills and confidence without overcommitting.

Explore our beginner surf lesson packages for Venice Beach.

Group vs. Private Lessons: Does the Format Affect Lesson Length?

Yes and no. Both group and private surf lessons are generally 90 minutes, but the learning experience can feel very different.

Group Lessons (Up to 4–5 students per instructor):

• Same 90-minute window

• Shared attention

• Great for families and friend groups

• More time waiting for your turn

Private Lessons:

• Still 90 minutes, but more efficient

• Personalized feedback

• Faster progress

• Ideal for kids, shy beginners, or quick learners

Want to compare? Read our blog: Are Skate Lessons Worth It? (Spoiler: Surf Ones Are Too)

What About Kids’ Surf Lessons?

Surf lessons for kids (ages 5–12) also run about 60–90 minutes, depending on the child’s energy level and attention span. For younger kids, we sometimes shorten lessons slightly to ensure safety and keep things fun.

We offer kid-friendly surf lessons in Venice Beach with patient instructors who specialize in making sure the groms have a blast.

Check out our kids surf lessons for more details.

How Long Until I Can Surf On My Own?

Confidence Comes with Time

If your goal is to go solo and paddle out without an instructor, you’ll likely need 5–10 lessons, plus some independent practice. That varies depending on your athleticism, comfort in the water, and how often you practice.

At Coyote Skate & Surf, we focus on empowering students to graduate from lessons to independent surfing.

Many of our students go from first-timer to confident solo surfer within a month.

Factors That Affect How Long Surf Lessons Take (and How Fast You Learn)

1. Fitness Level

Surfing is a full-body workout. The better your stamina, the more you can learn per session.

2. Ocean Conditions

Choppy or flat conditions may reduce water time. But we always adjust our teaching style based on the day’s conditions.

3. Mindset

The more relaxed and open-minded you are, the more fun—and productive—your lesson will be.

4. Frequency

Like anything, consistency matters. One lesson a month? Progress will be slow. Weekly sessions? You'll be carving in no time.

Pro Tip: Combine Surfing with Skateboarding to Learn Faster

Learning to surf and skate together can accelerate your progress. Skateboarding builds balance, muscle memory, and board control—all transferable to surfing.

At Coyote Skate & Surf, we offer combo packages that blend surf and skate instruction for maximum learning.

What to Bring to Your Surf Lesson

Don’t worry, we provide all the gear—but here’s what else you should bring:

• Towel

• Sunscreen

• Water bottle

• Change of clothes

• Stoked attitude

Final Thoughts: Your Surf Journey Starts Here

So, how long do surf lessons take? While the standard session runs about 90 minutes, the real answer depends on your goals. Whether you’re looking for a bucket-list experience or you're serious about becoming a surfer, time in the water is always time well spent.

At Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons in Venice Beach, our experienced instructors, small class sizes, and beginner-friendly approach make learning to surf easy and fun.

Ready to start paddling?

Book your first surf lesson in Venice Beach today.