What Surf Is Good for Beginners?

A Venice Beach Surf Coach Breaks It Down

Hey, I’m Will—owner of Coyote Surf School in Venice Beach, and just your average 34-year-old who lives to surf, travel, and turn first-time surfers into full-blown wave chasers. If you’re new to surfing, you’ve probably Googled “What surf is good for beginners?” at least once (or a hundred times), and let me tell you—you’re not alone.

This post is all about helping you understand the ideal surf conditions for beginners, how to recognize beginner-friendly waves, and where you can find the best beginner surf in Los Angeles (spoiler: Venice Beach is a top contender). So let’s paddle out—metaphorically—for now.

What Surf Is Good for Beginners?

Let’s get one thing clear: not all surf is created equal. What looks like a dream wave to a seasoned surfer can feel like a hydraulic washing machine to a first-timer. So what exactly makes surf “good” for beginners?

1. Small, Rolling Waves

The ideal wave for a beginner is:

• 1 to 3 feet high (measured Hawaiian style)

• Soft and mellow—not dumping or barreling

• Rolling in slowly, with a long face

These types of waves give you the time to pop up, balance, and ride—not get hurled into Neptune’s locker.

2. Sandy Bottoms Over Reefs or Rocks

Beach breaks with soft sandy bottoms are your best friend. Why? Because wiping out (which you will do) is a lot more forgiving on sand than sharp reef or jagged rock.

👉 Our Venice Beach surf lessons are taught on a classic sandy-bottom break that’s ideal for beginners.

3. Consistent Whitewater

Before you even start catching green waves, whitewater (aka the foam after a wave breaks) is your training ground. It’s perfect for learning how to balance on your board, practice popping up, and understand wave timing.

Best Surf Conditions for Beginners

Let’s get a little nerdy—but don’t worry, I’ll keep it fun. Here are the conditions you want to look for when planning your first few sessions.

✔️ Wave Height

Look for 1–3 ft on the surf report (5 ft if you’re feeling brave and the waves are soft). Anything bigger is going to feel like a monster when you’re starting out.

✔️ Wave Period

The wave period is the time between waves. For beginners, 8–12 seconds is your sweet spot—enough time to paddle out without getting annihilated.

✔️ Wind Direction

You want offshore wind (blowing from land to sea) or no wind at all. Offshore winds groom the waves and make them cleaner and easier to ride.

✔️ Tide

Each beach is different, but generally, mid-tide is best for beginners. At Venice Beach, mid to high tide usually gives us the best shape for learning.

Best Beginner Surf Spots in Los Angeles

Here’s the million-dollar question: Where should a beginner actually go to surf in L.A.?

As the owner of Coyote Surf School in Venice Beach, I’ve surfed just about every spot in LA County, and I’ve taught hundreds of first-timers. Here’s my go-to list:

🌊 Venice Beach

• Why it’s great: Consistent waves, sandy bottom, mellow vibe

• Best for: First-time surfers, foamboard warriors

• Bonus: After your session, grab tacos on the boardwalk—trust me.

🌊 Santa Monica Beach (near Tower 20)

• Why it’s great: Soft rolling waves, easy parking

• Best for: Practicing whitewater and first green waves

• Nearby: Santa Monica Pier and bike rentals for post-surf fun

🌊 El Porto (Manhattan Beach)

• Why it’s tricky: Bigger swell, but can be okay on a small day

• Tip: Go with a surf coach or on a calm morning

• Best for: Graduating from beginner to intermediate

🌊 Malibu First Point

• Why it’s famous: Long, peeling right-handers

• Downside: Can get crowded, but totally worth it

• Best for: First green wave rides (with some patience)

What Type of Surfboard Is Best for Beginners?

Let me make this easy: Get a foamie.

Here’s why:

• Soft top = safer falls

• 8 to 9 feet = more stability

• Wider = better balance

At Coyote Surf School, we provide high-quality soft-top boards for every lesson, sized for your weight, height, and ability. You don’t need to buy anything before you try—we’ve got you.

Want to learn more about boards? Check out our upcoming post: “Best Surfboards for Beginners in California” coming soon to our blog.

Should Beginners Take Surf Lessons?

This might sound biased… because it is. But hear me out.

Surf lessons save you hours, days, or even weeks of trial and error. Surfing is 90% ocean knowledge and 10% standing up on the board. A good coach (like the crew at Coyote Surf School 😉) will teach you:

• Where to paddle out

• How to avoid dangerous rip currents

• The pop-up technique that works for you

• How to read and time waves

If you’re serious about surfing—or even just want to avoid looking like a total kook—book a lesson with us and we’ll take care of the rest.

My Personal Journey (And Why I Teach Surfing)

A little backstory: I started surfing at 23, but I didn’t get good until I started traveling and learning from locals in places around the world. I realized that the right people make all the difference in this sport.

That’s why I opened Coyote Surf School. I wanted to create a surf school in Venice Beach where people feel welcomed, safe, and stoked to learn—no pressure, no ego.

Every coach on our team is handpicked because they love what they do. We teach with humor, patience, and a healthy dose of high-fives.

FAQs: What Surf Is Good for Beginners?

❓ Can beginners surf year-round in Los Angeles?

Absolutely! LA has relatively consistent swell and mild water year-round. Just bring a wetsuit (we provide them if you need one). Here’s our full post on the best months to surf in LA.

❓ Is it safe to learn to surf alone?

If you're brand new, take a lesson first. Once you’ve got the basics and understand the break, go practice in friendly whitewater. But never surf alone in unfamiliar conditions.

❓ How many lessons does it take to stand up?

Some people stand up in their first lesson. Most take 2–3 sessions to really dial it in. Our beginner surf packages are designed with this learning curve in mind.

Final Word: Start Small, Stay Stoked

If you’re asking, “What surf is good for beginners?” the real answer is this:

The best surf for beginners is anywhere you feel safe, supported, and stoked to keep trying.

Whether that’s soft whitewater in Venice Beach or your first green wave at Malibu, it’s all part of the ride. Start small. Take your time. Laugh at the wipeouts. And when you’re ready, come surf with us.

Book your Venice Beach surf lesson today and let’s catch some waves together. I’ll see you out there. 🤙