Is Santa Monica Good for Beginner Surfers?
- Will Ermish
- Jun 10
- 5 min read
(Yes—and Here’s Why)
By the team at Coyote Surf Lessons in Venice Beach
If you’ve ever strolled along Ocean Avenue, gazed out at the sparkling Pacific, and wondered, “Is Santa Monica good for beginner surfers?” you’re not alone. In fact, that question pops up a lot in our surf lessons here at Coyote Surf Lessons in Venice Beach. And spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding yes—with a few caveats, a couple of pro tips, and some local wisdom that’ll make your first surf experience not just good, but epic.
So grab a snack, settle in, and let us give you the full breakdown on why Santa Monica is one of the best places to learn to surf in Los Angeles—especially if you’re just starting out.
Why Santa Monica Is a Hotspot for Beginner Surfers
Santa Monica’s sandy beach break and mellow waves make it an ideal training ground for first-timers. Here’s what makes it shine:
1. Gentle Waves
Unlike the heavier reef breaks you’ll find farther south or north, Santa Monica’s waves tend to break soft and slow—perfect for newbies trying to figure out how not to face-plant every 5 seconds.
2. Sandy Bottom
There’s no reef or sharp rocks lurking under the surface here. Just clean sand. That means fewer wipeout injuries and more confidence for you when you're learning to pop up.
3. Consistent Swell
Santa Monica sees steady swell year-round, especially during spring and summer. That means a reliable supply of rideable waves without being overwhelmed by big surf.
4. Lifeguard Supervision
Many surf spots around L.A. don’t have the same level of lifeguard coverage that Santa Monica does. That’s a win for safety—especially when you’re just starting out.
5. Vibes Are Friendly
Let’s face it—some L.A. surf spots have a local-only vibe. Santa Monica? Not so much. Everyone from tourists to toddlers is out there catching foamies, and no one’s giving you stink-eye for not knowing your nose from your tail.
Surfing Conditions in Santa Monica (And What They Mean for Beginners)
Let’s dig into the actual surf conditions and how they stack up for beginners:
Factor | Why It’s Good for Beginners |
Wave Height | Typically 1–3 feet—ideal for learning |
Wave Type | Mostly mushy beach break—easy to catch |
Water Temperature | 60–70°F year-round (wetsuit recommended) |
Crowds | Can get busy, but there’s plenty of room |
Tides | Mid-tide is your best bet for soft waves |
Pro tip: For your first lesson, aim for mid-morning on a mid-tide day with low wind. That’s the golden window where Santa Monica really shines for beginner surfers.
Best Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots in Santa Monica
While the Santa Monica coastline is pretty user-friendly across the board, these are our top spots for first-time surfers:
1. Santa Monica Beach at Bay Street
This is our go-to spot for beginner surf lessons. It’s centrally located, close to the Santa Monica Pier, and known for its super gentle break.
2. Tower 20 (Ocean Park Blvd.)
Just a bit south, this stretch offers slightly more space and mellow waves with long shoulders—great for practicing pop-ups and carving your first turns.
3. North of the Pier
A little more exposure to swell here, but still manageable. If you’re feeling a bit more confident, you can test your skills on waves that pack a tiny bit more punch.
Is Venice Beach Better Than Santa Monica for Beginners?
Great question—and hey, we’re a little biased (we’re Coyote Surf Lessons in Venice Beach), so we’ve gotta represent our home break.
Venice Beach Pros:
Slightly less crowded south of the Pier
More surf culture—you’ll feel like part of a salty tribe
Access to both beginner and intermediate waves, depending on where you paddle out
Closer to Coyote Surf HQ (convenient if you're booking private or group surf lessons)
Santa Monica Pros:
Softer, smaller waves
More tourist infrastructure (parking, showers, food)
Easier access if you're staying near the Pier or 3rd Street Promenade
Verdict? Start in Santa Monica if you’re brand new, then come hang with us in Venice once you’ve got your sea legs!
What to Bring for Your First Surf Lesson in Santa Monica
Whether you’re joining a Coyote group surf lesson or going solo, here’s a quick checklist:
Wetsuit (we provide these!)
Foam surfboard (softer = safer)
Sunscreen (reef-safe, please!)
Towel
Post-surf snack (nothing builds hunger like paddling around for an hour)
We always recommend starting with a lesson, especially if it’s your first time. Learning from a certified instructor isn’t just safer—it’s way more fun.
What Makes a Surf Lesson in Santa Monica Different?
Here’s the honest truth: surfing is hard. But surfing in Santa Monica makes it a lot easier, and a lot more enjoyable. Why?
Consistent wave shape = more chances to pop up
Warmer water = less shivering, more surfing
Chill beach vibe = less pressure to “perform”
Epic views of the pier, the Ferris wheel, and the Santa Monica Mountains = unforgettable experience
Add in some dolphins cruising by and the occasional film crew setting up on the sand, and you’ve got an iconic Southern California memory in the making.
When’s the Best Time of Year to Learn to Surf in Santa Monica?
While you can surf year-round, here’s the season-by-season breakdown for beginners:
Season | Surf Conditions | Notes |
Spring | Small to medium waves, warming water | Ideal for learning |
Summer | Gentle surf, busiest crowds | Great for foamie sessions |
Fall | Best combo of waves + weather | Less crowded |
Winter | Bigger swells, colder temps | Better for advanced surfers |
For beginners, we always recommend late spring through early fall for the most consistent and forgiving conditions.
Want a deep dive? Check out our full post on the Best Months to Surf in Los Angeles.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Santa Monica (And How to Avoid Them)
Paddling too far out
Stick to the inside waves! No shame in catching whitewater—it builds your balance and timing.
Trying to surf on a shortboard
Leave the potato chips to the pros. Start with a long, floaty foam board.
Ignoring ocean safety
Always check the surf report and be aware of rip currents. If you’re unsure, ask a lifeguard or book a lesson.
Wearing the wrong wetsuit
Too thick and you’ll overheat. Too thin and you’ll freeze. Go for a 3/2mm suit for most of the year in Santa Monica.
Skipping warmups
Cold muscles = sluggish pop-ups. Do 5–10 minutes of stretching and movement before hitting the water.
Surf Lessons in Santa Monica vs. Surf Lessons in Venice Beach
At Coyote Surf Lessons, we serve Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and the whole Westside of Los Angeles. We know every break, tide, and swell pattern like the back of our saltwater-wrinkled hands.
Here's what we offer:
Private surf lessons for beginners who want 1-on-1 coaching
Group surf lessons (fun, social, great for families or events)
Surfboard rentals and wetsuit packages
Local instructors who know how to teach, not just shred
And yes—we’ll even meet you in Santa Monica if that’s your preferred break. (But if you’re ready to explore more surf spots, Venice Beach is just a short ride down the coast.)
Final Verdict: Is Santa Monica Good for Beginner Surfers?
Absolutely. It’s:
Soft
Forgiving
Accessible
Fun
Safe
Scenic
If you’re a total beginner wondering where to get your feet wet, Santa Monica is hands-down one of the best places to learn how to surf in L.A.
And if you want to make that first wave count, book your lesson with the salty dogs at Coyote Surf Lessons in Venice Beach. We’ll get you standing, stoked, and smiling before you can say “Hang ten.”
Ready to Catch Your First Wave?
Come join us for a surf lesson at Santa Monica or Venice Beach. Whether you’re brand new or just getting back into the sport, we’ve got the boards, the wetsuits, and the jokes (some of which are actually funny).
Let’s turn your “someday” into “surf’s up.”
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