Where Can Beginners Surf in Los Angeles?

A Surf Instructor’s Guide to Learning the Ropes

One of the questions I get asked more than anything else—besides “How do I stand up on the board without falling on my face?”—is:

“Where can beginners surf in Los Angeles?”

It’s a great question. And after teaching hundreds (maybe thousands!) of beginner surfers here in LA, I’ve learned exactly where to send folks for the best chance of a fun, safe, successful first session.

I'm the owner of Coyote Skate & Surf School here in Venice Beach. We specialize in teaching complete beginners—people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and backgrounds—how to surf with confidence and stoke. Whether you're a 10-year-old grom or a 65-year-old trying surfing for the first time (or for the tenth time!), we’re here to help you feel at home in the ocean.

Los Angeles is one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. But not every beach is beginner-friendly—and not every wave is created equal. That’s why I’ve put together this detailed guide on where to surf if you’re just starting out, along with some real talk about what to expect, what to bring, and how to fast-track your skills.

Let’s paddle in.

Why Los Angeles Is Perfect for First-Time Surfers

If you're starting your surf journey in LA, you're in luck.

We’ve got:

• Year-round waves

• Sandy-bottom beach breaks

• Mild water (by wetsuit standards)

• And a massive, stoked-out surf community

But more importantly, LA has several spots that are tailor-made for beginners. These are beaches where the waves are mellow, the crowds are friendly, and the ocean feels welcoming—even if it’s your first time on a board.

Let’s break down the best beginner-friendly surf spots in Los Angeles—and I’ll explain which ones we use the most for surf lessons at Coyote.

1. Venice Beach (North Jetty) — Our Home Break and a Beginner’s Playground

This is where we do the bulk of our surf lessons at Coyote Skate & Surf School—and for good reason.

Just south of the Venice Pier, the North Jetty area consistently offers small, soft waves that break over a sandy bottom. These are ideal conditions for beginners, especially those learning to paddle, pop up, and ride the whitewater for the first time.

Why we love it:

• Gentle waves year-round

• Easy beach access

• Consistent swell but not intimidating

• Lifeguard presence

• Laid-back vibe with lots of other beginners in the water

We’ve taught everyone from absolute first-timers to returning surfers looking to refresh their skills here. The conditions are forgiving, and the atmosphere is always full of positive energy.

And since it’s our home base, we know this break inside and out. Our instructors are out here every day, rain or shine (okay, mostly shine—it is LA), helping folks go from “never surfed” to “can’t stop surfing.”

2. Santa Monica (Lifeguard Tower 26) — Friendly, Central, and Great for Families

Just up the coast from Venice, Santa Monica is another beginner favorite.

The stretch of beach near Tower 26 is one of the mellowest and safest breaks in the area. It’s a popular spot for group surf lessons, and we love bringing families, kids, and total first-timers here.

What makes it beginner-friendly:

• Slow-rolling, consistent waves

• Sandy bottom with no rocks or reefs

• Big open beach with space to spread out

• Close to hotels, parking, and other amenities

We often offer private or group surf lessons in Santa Monica depending on the tides and swell. If you're staying nearby or coming with a group, this is a great place to catch your first wave.

Plus, after your session, you can grab a bite, walk the pier, or hit the Promenade—because surfing is only part of the LA experience.

3. El Porto (Manhattan Beach) — A Little More Power, A Lot More Fun (If You’re Ready)

El Porto is a beautiful stretch of beach in the northern end of Manhattan Beach. It has more wave energy than Venice or Santa Monica, which makes it a great next step for beginners who are ready to push their skills a little further.

I usually don’t bring total first-timers here—but for folks who’ve taken a few lessons, have their pop-up dialed in, and are starting to catch green waves, El Porto is fantastic.

Here’s what to expect:

• More powerful beach break with consistent swell

• Often better for intermediate surfers or confident beginners

• Crowded on weekends, so weekday mornings are best

If you're learning with us at Coyote and progressing quickly, we might bring you to El Porto for a confidence boost. It’s also a great place to start practicing positioning and reading the lineup.

4. Surfrider Beach, Malibu (First Point) — Classic Longboard Heaven (If You Can Handle the Scene)

Malibu’s First Point at Surfrider Beach is iconic. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re surfing in a postcard. And yes, the wave is long, soft, and perfect for beginners—on the right day.

Here’s the catch: it’s popular. Really popular. So while the waves are gentle and ideal for longboarding, the lineup can get a little competitive.

Still, here’s why we love it:

• Super long rides on small days

• Perfect for learning to trim and turn on a longboard

• Tons of surf history and classic California vibes

If you’re new but have good wave awareness and etiquette (something we teach extensively in our beginner surf lessons), Malibu can be a magical place to practice your glide. Just know that patience—and a willingness to wait your turn—go a long way here.

5. Topanga Beach — For Progressing Beginners (Watch for the Rocks)

Just north of Malibu, Topanga Beach offers a fun right-hand point break that can be great for more advanced beginners. It’s not ideal for total first-timers because of the cobblestone reef and tighter takeoff zone—but if you’re ready to graduate from whitewater rides, Topanga is a great spot.

Why it’s worth visiting:

• Long, consistent right-handers

• Beautiful scenery and mellow weekday crowd

• Great for building your turning and trimming skills

We occasionally do advanced beginner sessions here when conditions are small and friendly. Just be mindful of the rocks underfoot and always go out with someone experienced the first few times.

What to Look For in a Beginner Surf Spot

Not every beach is beginner-friendly, even if it looks calm on the surface. When choosing where to surf as a beginner, look for:

✅ Sandy bottom (not reef or rocks)✅ Soft, slow-rolling waves✅ No strong rip currents✅ Plenty of open space✅ Friendly, non-aggressive crowd✅ Lifeguard presence

The spots listed above all check most—or all—of those boxes, which is why we use them regularly in our surf programs.

Don’t Go It Alone: Why Lessons Make All the Difference

I’ve seen it a hundred times: someone rents a surfboard, paddles out alone, gets thrashed in the shore break, and leaves discouraged.

Here’s the thing: surfing has a learning curve. It’s not impossible, but it’s not intuitive either. Getting a lesson—especially on day one—can save you hours (or weeks) of frustration.

At Coyote Skate & Surf School, our instructors don’t just teach you how to stand up on a board. We teach:

• Ocean awareness and safety (how to spot rip currents, how to handle wipeouts)

• Proper paddling and positioning

• The mechanics of the pop-up

• How to catch, ride, and exit waves safely

• Surf etiquette so you feel confident in any lineup

We also make it fun. Surfing should never feel stressful. Our goal is to help you fall in love with the ocean, not to feel like you’re battling it.

We offer both private and group lessons, and we tailor every session to your level, whether it’s your first time in the water or your fifth.

And if you want to improve your balance and technique on land, check out our skateboarding lessons too. Surf skate training is one of the best ways to improve your surf skills between sessions.

When’s the Best Time to Learn to Surf in LA?

Los Angeles has surfable waves all year long, but for beginners, certain seasons are more forgiving than others.

Best seasons for beginners:

• Spring and Summer: Warmer water, smaller waves, mellow conditions

• Early Fall: Still warm, with better swell consistency and fewer crowds

What to avoid:Winter swells can get heavy and fast—not ideal for learning. Also, morning sessions are usually cleaner and less crowded.

We teach year-round, but if you're just getting started, booking lessons from April through October will give you the easiest conditions.

What to Bring to Your First Surf Session

If you're taking a lesson with us, we provide everything you need:✅ Soft-top surfboard✅ Wetsuit✅ Rash guard✅ Leash✅ Expert instruction

But if you’re going out solo, here’s your gear checklist:

• 8- or 9-foot foam board (more stability = more fun)

• 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit (depending on the season)

• Surf wax (unless your board has a grippy top)

• Leash to stay connected to your board

• Waterproof sunscreen—because the sun always shows up in LA

Final Thoughts from a Surf School Owner

If you’re wondering where to surf as a beginner in Los Angeles, my honest answer is: start where the waves are soft, the beach is sandy, and the people are smiling.

Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Malibu, and beyond—we’ve got no shortage of welcoming waves here in LA. And if you want a shortcut to progress, confidence, and just plain stoke, come take a lesson with us at Coyote Skate & Surf School in Venice Beach.

We’ve helped hundreds of people fall in love with surfing—and we’d love to help you too.

Whether you’re local or visiting, young or young-at-heart, there’s no better time to start surfing than now.

See you in the water 🏄‍♂️