Is It Worth Getting Surf Lessons?

Will Ermish
14 minutes ago
4 min read

Here's the Honest Truth from Venice Beach

Surfing Dreams Meet Salty Reality

You've seen it in movies, on Instagram, maybe even while walking along Venice Beach — that effortless glide across a perfect wave. And now you're asking yourself the question: "Is it worth getting surf lessons?" Whether you're a total beginner or you've tried paddling out once or twice, you're not alone in wondering if professional instruction is worth your time and money.

Spoiler alert: yes, surf lessons are absolutely worth it — and we're going to explain why, especially if you're learning to surf in Los Angeles. At Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons, we’ve taught thousands of students how to paddle, pop up, and ride their first wave with confidence (and style).

In this post, we’ll break down:

The benefits of surf lessons vs. learning on your own
What to expect from a professional surf school
How surf lessons save you time, pain, and frustration
Why Venice Beach is one of the best places to learn
What makes Coyote Skate & Surf different

Let’s dive in. Or, better yet — let’s paddle out.

Why Learning to Surf Solo Is Harder Than It Looks

If you're thinking, "How hard can surfing be? I can just watch some YouTube videos," you're not wrong — but you're also not totally right. Surfing is not intuitive, and learning solo can be:

Dangerous: The ocean doesn’t come with instructions. Rip currents, rogue waves, and boards flying around like medieval weapons can make for a rough first outing.
Frustrating: Most people spend their first few sessions paddling in circles, missing waves, or wiping out repeatedly.
Slow: Without feedback, you don’t know what you’re doing wrong — so progress is painfully slow.

And worst of all? Many people give up before they ever get the joy of riding a wave. That’s a tragedy we take personally.

What Happens During a Surf Lesson?

At Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons, here’s what a typical beginner session looks like:

1. Land Drills & Safety Briefing

Before you ever get in the water, we teach you:

Ocean awareness and how to read waves
How to avoid getting caught in a rip current
Paddling technique and pop-up mechanics
Board handling and etiquette (aka: not being that person)

2. In-Water Coaching

We’ll be right there with you in the water:

Helping you catch the right waves
Giving you real-time tips to improve your balance and timing
Making sure you’re safe and having fun

3. Instant Progress (Seriously)

Most students stand up during their first lesson. And nothing beats that moment when you ride your first wave.

Check out our testimonials page to hear what students have to say after just one session.

7 Reasons Why Surf Lessons Are Totally Worth It

1. Faster Progress

Surfing has a steep learning curve — but lessons flatten it. What might take you weeks to figure out on your own, you’ll learn in a single 90-minute session.

2. Personalized Feedback

Your coach watches your pop-up, your paddling form, and your wave positioning, giving tips specific to your body and skill level.

3. Ocean Safety

Knowing how to identify rips, avoid hazards, and stay calm in wipeouts is crucial. We teach you how to stay safe and confident.

4. Proper Equipment

We provide soft-top boards and wetsuits that are beginner-friendly and beach-approved — so you don’t waste money renting the wrong gear.

5. Builds Confidence

With someone cheering you on (and correcting your stance), you’ll feel 10x more confident going out alone after your lesson.

6. It’s Way More Fun

Falling with friends is funny. Falling alone is just…sad. Group or private lessons make surfing a fun, social adventure.

7. Local Knowledge

We teach you how to read the Venice Beach surf report, understand tides and swell direction, and pick the best spots for your level.

Why Venice Beach Is a Great Place to Learn to Surf

Venice Beach isn’t just famous for its skatepark and bohemian spirit. It’s also one of the best beginner surf spots in Los Angeles. Here’s why:

Consistent waves year-round
Gentle, rolling whitewater perfect for newbies
Surf culture everywhere, from the boardwalk to the burrito stands
Lifeguard-patrolled beaches for extra peace of mind

Check out our full guide: Is Santa Monica Good for Beginner Surfers?

Surf Lessons vs. Surf Schools: What to Look For

Not all surf lessons are created equal. When choosing a school, here’s what matters:

Certified Instructors: Our team is CPR-certified, ocean-savvy, and endlessly stoked.
Small Class Sizes: We keep things personal. You’ll never be one of 10 students lost in the foam.
Flexible Scheduling: We offer morning, afternoon, and sunset sessions.
Local Vibes: We’re a Venice Beach-born business. No corporate surf camps here.

Want the inside scoop on whether group or private lessons are better for you? Read: Are Skate Lessons Worth It?

The Cost of Surf Lessons: Are They Worth the Money?

We get it. Surf lessons cost money. But so does frustration, wasted time, and unnecessary hospital bills (yup, we said it).

Think of lessons as an investment in:

Your safety
Your fun
Your future surf trips (Bali, anyone?)
Your ability to look way cooler at the beach

Our lessons at Coyote Skate & Surf start at just $130 — and include all the gear, coaching, and good vibes you need.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your surf lesson now

Who Should Get Surf Lessons?

Everyone from total beginners to self-taught surfers stuck in a plateau. If you:

Can’t seem to stand up
Feel unsure in the water
Don’t know how to pick the right waves
Want to learn faster and safer

...then yes, surf lessons are for you.

And yes, even if you're over 35 — here’s proof you’re not too old to learn

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Getting Surf Lessons?

1000% yes. Especially if you're learning at Venice Beach with Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, a good instructor makes every wave more fun.

We’re here to help you: