We were going to spend the day at the beach and my middle boy wanted to surf. He's only been one other time and it was three years ago so I wasn't comfortable just renting a board and letting him go by himself. I did some looking and Golden Wave had great reviews plus I liked the detail in their website so I gave them a call and they let him join the group lesson today. He has autism and sometimes gets overwhelmed but these guys made him feel comfortable from the get go. The instructors were patient and really made it enjoyable for everyone. They spent time with each student individually, giving them tips and helping them work on technique. I believe that their group lessons are mostly done on the weekends. They seem to really care about the students having fun and they kept it positive for everyone. They also offer private lessons if you prefer strictly one on one. I love that the instructors really pay attention to each surfer and meet them at their level. So it doesn't matter if you are brand new or not, you can do group or private lessons. Here are some basics. First, keep in mind, the instructors can't control the ocean, so some days will have bigger waves than others. You can book online easily and the waiver is quick to fill out. I looked at so many surf schools and this place has some of the best prices around. I think it's best to use the Venice pier parking, which is currently $18, especially if you're going spend some time here. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to check out while you're here and it's nice to be able to park close by. You will check in with them at the black and yellow truck and they will get you wetsuits and boards. They have a few different boards depending on your level and plenty of wetsuits. Make sure you bring sunscreen and maybe a bottle of water. It's a pretty short walk from the truck to the water, much shorter than the walk we had at La Jolla anyway. They spend the first part of the lesson on the sand, teaching a little bit of technique before you go out into the water. Once in the water, the instructors will work with each surfer. There is even an option for pictures and videos which you can add at the time of booking! After the time is up, everybody heads back to the truck to turn in all the equipment. The instructors do accept tips so if you enjoyed your time, I would definitely consider showing your appreciation. My son enjoyed it so much that will be back in a couple days. Give them a shot and I think you'll love the experience. read more

Golden Wave Surf School - Surfing is closer to the pier than the swimming area is. - Surf Schools Near Me

We books a two hour lesson with Alex, had a great experience. Alex is very helpful and clear with instruction, and also very encouraging to make you feel safe. Also much cheaper than other options we saw online. Definitely would recommend! read more

What can a say beside Awesome!!! What a great time we had with coach Alex at Golden Wave Surf School! Looking for some surfing classes for our kids before summer is over plus not wanting to pay a fortune we found Golden Wave Surf School at https://goldenwavesurfschool.com Booking was easy and fast on their website, I could select the time and the date that I wanted plus the more people in my group the less expensive for each of us. Alex was attentive and fun, I like the fact that he didn't let me quit just because I was frustrated, but keep giving me support and showing me how to do it until I was able to stand on the surfboard by myself. It was a very very fun day, we all had a fantastic time and I am looking forward to come back and enjoy some more waves soon! I would absolutely do it again and definitely recomend them... Thank you for the amazing time Date: July 2021 Alex can be reach directly by text at +1 424 217 0734 read more

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My friends and I love learning to surf with Alex, he's an awesome teacher and always pushes you to continuously improve, giving great feedback and tips. The fact that the lessons are 2 hours long also helps a ton as you get more time in the water to learn as much as possible during each lesson. read more

Golden Wave Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me

I had never surfed once but by the end Iw as catching everyw ave that came in! Highly recommend! Such a fun two hours!

My friend and I found this surf school online. We had two classes with Alex and we are both already able to catch the waives and to stand up and surf. In sum, it was an amazing experience. Alex and the team teach you to surf and then give you valuable tips based on your performance. They point out your mistakes and make sure you correct them. They also film you and can send you the videos so you can watch them yourself and share with friends. Overall, an amazing experience. Highly recommended! read more

Had an amazing experience with Alex and Guy. Both were extremely good teachers and helped us catch a few waves despite it being our first time out. They taught and encouraged with humor and a real surfer chill kindness. We were a bit late due to traffic and they were really accommodating as well. Would highly recommend! read more

Alex & Guy were TERRIFIC teachers & instructed beginners on the safety of surfing, spatial separation, and proper surfing techniques as the waves approach. The students receive plenty of ashore & shore practice. I am an East Coast native that never previously surfed. They will not intimidate or embarrass you. They understand you never surfed before. If you want to experience something different, something for fun, & something to learn; wherein, you remove your daily problems & trivialities of life for a few hours- this is the place for you! You will not become an expert surfer in 2-hours- so do not beat yourself up when you are in the water. Simply listen to what they tell you. Go for it! Have fun! read more

After reading all the reviews I was excited to try surfing out. I wanted to do it the very same day which was on a Thursday and since there was no group class after 5 pm, I booked a private class, since it was available as an option on their website. I book the class and receive a text from Alex stating that it's windy so can we do it the next day at 8am, I was a little disappointed but was like alright no worries let's do it at 8am I arrive and reach the spot and another trainer named Diego was present, I was under an assumption that Alex would be the trainer, anyways I didn't mind and we head to the beach. First 10 mins Diego shows me how to stand on the board, your feet direction, angle, how fluid you need to get yourself up on the board. Then we hit the waters, he was identifying the waves and telling me to catch it, but I still couldn't figure out how to understand the waves and which one would be the one to catch. We were able to catch a few waves which I was happy about, it was really a good feeling when you catch the waves. Now we were done with it and we were cleaning the board and tying the leash on the board, I was having some difficulty holding the board properly and the trainer starts to use derogatory and insulting terms towards me with no respect at all and This is the reason why I am giving 2 stars. The Trainer was alright and seemed pretty irritated, he needs to be patient and learn how to talk to customers specially if they're beginners. Ruined my first experience at the very end. read more

Got group class with this serfing school - it's was cool! The coach Alex was polite, friendly and told me and another group how to stand up on a board and ride a wave. After 30 min in water and few shots almost everybody got the right way how to serf! Thank you Alex and his school for great experience! 100% recommend! read more

Golden Wave Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me

I had an amazing time at my group lesson with Todd!! He's a super chill instructor, incredibly knowledgeable and helped our group have fun immediately. 10 out of 10 would recommend. I'll be back for more lessons with friends until I'm comfortable enough to buy my own board and start going by myself. It was serene chilling out in the water with the pelicans flying over us trying to catch some waves. If you've ever thought that you might like surfing book a lesson. You owe it to yourself! read more

My sons and I had a fantastic lesson with Martin, it was their first time out, and he made it a great experience.

We worked with Alex on a Monday morning. Beach was very empty and waves were good for beginners. Left learning how to catch white waves!

We had a great time with Todd! He was so fun and energetic, and was super patient with us! A great day out on the water :)

This was brilliant. Everything was provided. The teachers actually want to teach you. Alex was professional, patient, and engaging. Also, he was really funny and the lesson was just really fun!! He gave us a lesson, got us in the water, then saw where we needed help. Gave more individual specific instruction and then got us out in the water again. He didnt watch the time and we got more than ours money worth. I really cant recommend him and his school more. I will be going back for a bundle. Really GREAT! Thank you Alex! read more

Recently my husband and I decided to take surfing classes. I have to say, we were nervous but after the first few minutes it was so much fun. Alex was very patient and took his time teaching us the basics. We will continue taking classes with them and recommend everyone to these guys. read more

Golden Wave Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me

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I had a great surf experience with Alex! I'm a beginner and I booked a private lesson. He was very patient, detailed and helpful. I will definitely come back to take another lesson here :) read more

Friendly and approachable instructors, manageable class size (ours was 6, the next was 4). Todd was great at bouncing between different students needing different types / amounts of help. 100% real deal. Def looking forward booking another lesson ‍ read more

Wonderful, wonderful experience. If you wanna surf in Venice, definitely go through these guys!! read more

Golden Wave Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me

I arranged a private group lesson for me, 2 brothers and my husband for my birthday with Golden Wave Surf School (on Christmas Day, thank you for being open by the way. ) We all had exposure to surfing before, but surf conditions and environment can be dramatically different for beginners depending on where you go, so it is best to have some guidance to accelerate a learning process. We had a great time and received customized advice as individuals from Nik at Golden Wave Surf School. It was a good investment and we will be returning to advance our skills! read more

Hi! I just had my first experience of surfing. Alex show and explain me how to stand on board. Well, after my second try I stayed in a board good! Highly recommend this guy! Very professional, friendly and easy to learn with him! read more

Just took a lesson and now i want more and more. All I got to say is wow. I full in love in Surfing. I was absolutely terrified to do it but Alex made me feel extra comfortable. He was super supportive and pacient of me as we were in the water and better yet I was able to ride a lot of waves by the end! I had such a blast and am so happy that I gave this company a go. Would definitely recommend to my friends and I will be definitely signing up for a package deal! read more

It's my second time to take Nik's class. He's a really good coach and responsible. He will give every one instructions. He also told me why I should do this or that when surfing, I think it's very useful, and finally I can stand up on the board by myself. The class is better than I thought!! A wonderful surfing experience! read more

Golden Wave Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me

Alex was great! Very knowledgeable and friendly. He had our entire group riding waves within minutes. He was care about each of us it make me feel save. He tailors the lesson to each individual so everyone can progress at their own rate. If you want to learn surfing with a personal touch I would definitely recommend Alex and his surf school. read more

I really enjoyed surfing in LA. Alex, thanks you for a great surf day with your . I booked a lesson at last minut but had no problem in getting lessons. And after year of surfing without instruction I do feel I now surf with better control under my body and feeling of the board. I look forward to surfing with you again Thanks. read more

I started surfing after 2nd lesson!!! I tried it before by myself, but my technique was no good. I highly recommend this surfing school! They always know the best spots, that feet your needs. Good sense of humor and safety! 5 stars for sure) read more

My 15 year-old daughter had been anxious for a surfing lesson for a very long time. When we contacted Golden Wave Surf School we were thrilled at the price of a private lesson and the availability. Alex met us at a very convenient location and immediately started with the basics. It was a beautiful day and after two hours of learning on the beach and in the waves we had one very happy, tired kid. Alex has a great way with students and was professional and personable at all times. My daughter wants to have another lesson soon and it will be Golden Wave Surf we contact! Can't recommend them highly enough. read more

Cool experience! We took a package of five sessions We started at Venice Beach in Los Angeles - we have learned to get up on the board on the beach. After a few minutes of training came to the "whitewater" - a training wave before entering the real green. After a couple of sessions Alex sent us to train on real waves on Malibu beach. Five days every day we went out into the ocean and did not get out of the water. The learning process went very quickly - Alex followed the technique from the shore and on the water, telling where are the waves, we are sitting together in the line-up and waiting for set waves, Alex helped to catch a wave. The fourth lesson I took my first "green" wave, and then another and another ... During these days, we were afraid, we have a lot of rowing, caught balance, our hands, press back are pumped, we looked around, saw the sunset - but the most cool it when we got to take the wave and experience the feeling that you glide through the water. I recommend! read more

It was the very first surf experience for me. Very enjoyable. Alex told me the basics and we start practicing. I catch my first wave very soon after! It was amazing feeling. Thank you, Alex. I would definitely recommend everyone to get a lesson with Golden Wave Surf School. read more