Pricilla was an amazing teacher! It was my first time surfing and didn't know how to get up on the board- she breaks down the steps and walks you through it starting from the basics. By the end I was standing on the board and caught some waves, I'd definitely recommend her as an instructor. read more

I'd last booked a group class with these guys just over two years ago, and had been going every few weeks up until I attempted to go again on my own with a much more experienced friend. That being a bit of a traumatic experience for me, and then the world turning upside down due to Covid 19, I held off on returning for a long time. I was thinking overjoyed that Priscilla and crew made it through the pandemic and are still teaching, as they have always made me feel safe and confident on the water. I definitely WON'T be waiting two more years to return. :-) Side note: these guys really took a hit from the pandemic, and are definitely worth the $60/person group class. I doubt you'll find more supportive and genuinely enthusiastic teachers than these guys. Have genuinely enjoyed them as teachers and people! read more

Malibu Longboards Surf School - Group surfing class with my ladies - Surfing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I LOVED this place. So to be fair I bought a Groupon for a 2 hour lesson but they deserve to be paid full price and next time I totally will. I am really bad with names but I'm sure other reviews will have them but anyway all of then were super nice and gave everyone attention. If they give you a tip on how to surf it's really for your benefit. So in conclusion, will visit again, super lovely, couldn't have asked for a better experience and I know I wasn't the best person to handle cause of my clumsiness and stuff. Pro-tip: go with clothes on because its a ground lesson first but have your bathing suit underneath. Arrive on time if possible because its counting per time and also it shows respect to the business and people working there. read more

Malibu Longboards Surf School - After Surf picture they were so nice to take. - Surfing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Priscilla was my point of contact in setting up my 2-hour lesson and Chuck took me and my classmates out on the water. I had a really fun experience and appreciate Chuck's patience and willingness to give me individual attention! I will definitely be looking at further lessons through these guys again. I can't say anything to the complaints in others' reviews about these guys being hard to reach via phone -- I initiated contact via e-mail and didn't have any problems scheduling my appointment and getting questions answered. I'm a total noob at surfing but I loved it! Try these guys out if you're looking to add some good times to your life. read more

Went to the location in Marina Del Rey, Christian was just perfect. Being someone who grew up in my family's marina on an island, I didn't want someone giving me a big long lesson. He was great! Easy to pay using my credit card and they text me the receipt. 2 hours out on the paddle board was great. We joked I even had an anchor on mine since it was last minute, last two boards one had a duct tape repair. Some snoop on the beach said you should get a refund. Bottom line, I had 2 great hours on the water and a great work out, money well spent. I loved the laid back style. Recommendation would be to get the inflatable life vests do people can get a better tan. read more

Loved it and definitely want to surf again after this experience! I decided to buy a surf lesson as a gift to my best friend and went with Malibu Longboards Surf School. Scheduled the day with Priscilla a few weeks before who confirmed the day before. Our instructors name was Gregory "G-Style" We were both pretty nervous as we're usually tanning on the sand as opposed to swimming in the ocean. G-Style met us in Malibu along with two other first time surfers, and we were provided a wetsuit (which was brand new) as well as a surf board. We walked down to the sand and practiced the steps to being able to ride a wave and off we went into the ocean. We were there for a couple hours and had the best time. I actually had a couple instances of standing on the board (along with many instances of nose diving straight to the bottom). G-Style was really helpful and so much fun! I can't wait to do it again. read more

My friend and I were excited to try something different; we live in California so why not take up some surfing classes? We went on Groupon and bought our sessions for a reasonable price. Everything was set in stone until we tried to make reservations. And this is how our planned adventure never happen: this place either never picks up or leaves you hanging. I have tried to contact their business for the third time already-- yet still no answer! The last time I called to book an appointment, Matt had finally given a call back, and said he would contact me back the same day to see if there were any openings. I never received a call. So here I am continuously calling again. If I knew how disorganized this place would be, We would have never bought this on Groupon! Until someone contacts be back, I will not be changing my review. Best advice is to MAKE SURE you get reservations first before purchasing a class session! read more

I found this company on Groupon, and I have always wanted try out surfing. I'm glad I gave it a try it was so much fun learning the basics of surfing. I must admit they are hard to get a hold of but they will reach back to you, you just have to give them time. (They text you, they don't call) But about the experience itself you will be in a group lesson and they spend like the first 30 min on the beach teach you how to paddle pop up and how to have your hands. Then after that they take you into the water one by on until everyone in the group is in the water. After that they take turns helping people ride the waves. Depending on the group size depends how many instructors you will have. My group had 4 and we had 11 people in the group. Give them a try they make you feel comfortable and you will have fun Plus in the end don't forget to leave them a tip read more

Last weekend My family (sister, daughter, brother in law and nephew) and I headed out to Venice for surf lessons. It was absolutely everything that we hoped it would be. A beautiful location, warm water and instructors who really wanted us to succeed. The fact that this company has been doing what they do for a very long time is evident in their organization and professionalism. There was a copy cat company at the same location and it looked like a circus in and out of the water. I highly recommend this company. They were a joy to work with from my first contact by text through to our goodbyes. Thank you Malibu Longboards! read more

This was an AMAZING first experience with surf lessons. My best friend and I took a class and had the time of our lives. The three instructors were great and very patient. If you want to have two hours of fun, I would highly recommend signing up! Shout out to Priscilla and Chuckles for making our experience a blast! Weeeeeeee! ;) read more

Utterly impossible to get a hold of this business. I saw that they had a groupon and wanted to buy some but wanted to do some recon first. I called and texted them to no avail. A week later I called BOTH of their listed phone numbers and of course nobody answers, but I left a voice message this time. The next day I got a very polite response via text from Priscilla but when I ask for the school's PayPal and ask to schedule my classes she disappears. And of course nobody picks up my calls or responds to my texts. I wont be trying this place again and will just pay the full price elsewhere Bc quite frankly - now I'm extremely concerned that they seem so supremely disorganized that even if I did schedule classes with them - I wouldn't be surprised if I showed up and nobody was there. read more

I purchased a Google Offer to try paddle boarding, I made an appointment a month in advance and confirmed the day before my appointment with Matt the owner. Come Saturday our appointment wasn't scheduled for the instructor, he was double booked with another group. There was another instructor in the water who refused to come out. So after waiting for an hour wearing a wet suit in the parking lot we decided to head to Shutters for a drink. The instructor was very nice and apologized, we weren't upset but I was disappointed when I emailed Matt back he didn't respond. We will try it again but use another company, there was a van next to us called Go LA or something they seemed super nice and organized. read more

Really awesome class, me and my brother took it as first time surfers and had a really great time. Has chill instructors that are really helpful for someone just getting started. I totally recommend for any new surfers or any still learning, very glad I chose this class. read more

I recently purchased a 'GroupOn' for Malibu Longboard. Right when the coupon was available, I called and scheduled with Matt. I am not a super strong swimmer and I have two left feet. When I made it to my class I was beyond nervous. The guys teaching the class made me feel so at ease and I had the most awesome feeling of accomplishment when I stood up for the first time on a wave. Thank you Malibu Longboard for my new found passion! You guys rock!!! read more

My 10 year old was in the surf camp at the Venice Beach location. Priscilla was very organized and made the registration process run smoothly. The instructors were very patient and hands on. My son was riding waves after the first hour of instruction. He called me on his lunch break to let me know that this was the BEST camp he's ever been to ... he absolutely loved it!!!! read more

Malibu Longboards Surf School - Riding waves after 1 hour of instruction! - Surfing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Spoke with Priscilla, apparently part-owner. After playing phone/ text tag- as texting is her way of communicating with clients- I tell her I would like to confirm my appointment. She tells me she doesn't see my name on the books. I called 2 weeks ago and spoke to a girl who booked my appointment. Priscilla explains that girl no longer works with them. So I guess on her way out the door, she took the appointment book with her?!?? I called Twice to confirm my appointment. No return call. Nope, Priscilla texts. So... I reply to her text, confirming my appointment. She doesn't respond. I call again. Voicemail was full. Again. She FINALLY calls back. Tells me she doesn't see my name on the books. Doesn't do much to help. Just says,"I don't have boards to rent out to you." Really!?!! Because you should have told me this the FIRST time I tried to confirm with you. It's the peak of summer. People will be coming to you. Make sure you have sufficient boards to rent out, intelligent staff, and a more organized system for appointments!!! I haven't even gone there, yet, and I'm already regretting doing business with this company. I can't say don't rent boards but this should be the last place you go to. I hope I get my money back. read more

This place is awesome! Bought a groupon with 3 other friends and easily scheduled an appointment for a Saturday morning at 9 AM! Our 2 instructors were super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful in the water. First, the lesson starts on the sand where you practice the logistical stuff like how to correctly stand up on the board once in the water. Once you hit the water both instructors swim around helping everyone individually. It was so much fun and great price!!! read more

Malibu Longboards Surf School - Group shot! - Surfing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Thought it was a little sketchy at first with the fact that you have to meet in a parking lot at a blue van but In the end it kinda made the whole experience more awesome. My instructor Alex was really laid back and a good teacher. His tactic is basically putting you in the water and having you experience it for yourself without wasting too much time on the sand. All of his pointers were spot on as well. Everything about it was everything I could ask for! read more

Malibu Longboards Surf School - First wave!! - Surfing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I bought a Goupon deal online for 2-hr board and wet-suit rental only (no lesson). The reason I am giving "yay, I am a fan" review is because I bought Groupon on Saturday late afternoon, called Sunday morning and asked if I can use it, they instantly said yes, come on over. When I arrived (little late, it was almost 10am), it was very easy to spot their blue van. The lady in charge instantly helped me to get a wet suit and they gave a board and I was on my way to ocean in 5 minutes. They were very helpful and friendly. The reason I gave 4/5 stars is because the board was little old and leash got unhooked towards the end (it is possible that I arrived late in the day, and they gave me whatever left over from people who actually rsvp'd in advance). Overall good experience, good price, very convenient location and I'll definitely repeat. read more

I used a Groupon for 2 hour surfing lesson. Matt is well experienced trainer. He taught the basics and kept a good eye on everyone early on. He gave good tips to rectify the mistakes I was making. He was very patient. Later on he left us to use the boards as long as we could, even though the Groupon was valid only for 2 hours. As part of the Groupon I was provided with wet suit and surf board which were in good condition. It was really cool of Matt to allow me to use my 4 month expired Groupon. The reason I give him 4 stars is because I feel he could have spent at least 30 mins more providing us tips or just watching us from the beach to ensure everyone remains safe. read more

I was referred to Malibu Longboards from a friend who had a great experience. I had just moved to the beach and have wanted to learn how to surf since I was a child. I called and decided I would book a Surf Camp Package which is essentially ten 2-hour sessions. I showed up for my first lesson and I met Priscilla, one of the owners, in the parking lot at 2600 Barnard Way. There were 5 of us total taking lessons, and our instructor Zach, who had grown up surfing, was really professional and made sure we all understood safety protocol and technique. We had a great session and I actually got up on my first wave! Mind you Zach lined me up and helped push me so I could catch it. He'd offer feedback and helpful advice wave after wave, I felt really supported without being over babied. By the time I had used up my sessions I felt ready to go on my own! Priscilla and Zach gave me good advice on what to look for when buying a surfboard and wetsuit, and I now surf on my own outside my house in Manhattan Beach, but have taken 9 people out so far to surf with Malibu Longboards. The group atmosphere is awesome, and all my friends have loved their lessons! It's also great to get a refresher, I've also had a lesson with Jason who is a great instructor as well. A couple lessons did have to be rescheduled due to weather (too rough conditions, rain causing polluted water) but they always notified the morning of if we had to rebook. No biggie, can't control Mother Nature! read more

Malibu Longboards Surf School - Group lesson with some local and international friends. We had a blast! - Surfing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I'm writing this after arriving home from my surf lesson. Priscilla was great setting up my appointment and when I arrived, helped me find a wet suit and board. For teachers, I was teamed up with Stephanie along with a few other students. Stephanie has been surfing for ten years and knows her stuff. I felt like I had a good understanding of how to surf by the time we hit the waves. While we were out there, she gave me a few recommendations on things I could improve. I was pretty focused on using the techniques she taught me and approaching the waves and pop ups without fear. Prior to my lesson, I was hoping to be able to get up at least once, and I left with about 15 successful pop ups :) I left the lesson feeling like I learned enough to build on my experience, so I'll be back for rentals! read more

I recently organized a beach day for my company and Priscilla & her team of helpful, passionate surf coaches made our experience amazing! She was prompt on the setup side of things, responding to emails and even texting to confirm. At the last minute, I had to adjust the number of surfers in our group, and she was able to accommodate us. Once we got to the beach, the coaches were patient but also excited, regardless of how many times they pushed us into waves to see us wobble and fall time and time again. I'd highly recommend this crew for your next surf lesson. read more

Everything was great, my 7yr old and I had great time. Priscilla have helped us to schedule at the right weather and ocean\wave conditions. The instructor was awesome, but can't remember his name(sorry young instructor), but he was awesome, very patient provided plenty of tips and was patient even with my 7yr old tantrums. Less then an hour and eventually we both were able to stand on the board. Good job instructor, sorry for not remembering your name. But your were awesome (-; read more

Whew! Let's face it, you're already pretty psyched when you get to The beach to start; the crew here makes you more comfortable.... They give options for pop ups, let you know the hurdles of "doing it your way" and why other options work Better. Here's what they did that was fantastic: it was a beginning group course: knowing the more times you get out to the wave you'd improve your chances, they took time to explain how to get out into the surf, hand position on board, paddling through whitewash.... Cuz no matter how many times you pop up on the Board on shore, don't mean squat if you keep getting your a&& handed to you busting through surf to get out there. They share how to prep getting ready. They also kept moving through the crew and have you a chance to go on your own. Something to be said for not smothering people to help them build confidence... Would've added stretching to the end AND I'm getting older, I add stretching to everything. Going back for a private :) read more

Great and affordable surf lessons! So much fun! The teachers were fun and friendly, they gave you as much help or independence as you wanted. I would definitely do it again! read more

Malibu Longboards Surf School - Surfing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Just got back from the beach! I called on Friday night to see if we could buy the groupon for 2 paddle boards and wetsuits and use it on Sat. The lady told me of course, and we could see their blue van out in the beach parking lot at 10am. They even texted me before I left the house letting me know they'd be 15 min late (so thoughtful). Matt was so nice, and when I mentioned this was only our second time paddleboarding he even gave us a quick lesson on the sand on how to get out in the water. I recommend going during the off season, people are a lot chiller in the water about accommodating newbies. The experience was amazing, we are definitely going back for the surfing lessons! read more

Despite my ridiculously irrational fear of sharks, I decided it was time to try out surfing after living in Southern California for a few months. I found Malibu Longboards on Groupon, and called to make reservations for myself and three friends. Priscilla was very accommodating and informative, texting me the night before with reminders and the set time for our lesson based on tide conditions. Jason was an awesome instructor for our first time surfing. We started out with 30 minutes on the sand, going over basics of how to control the board and pop up. After that, he took introduced us to the water one by one, making sure that each had the basics down before bringing the next out. He stayed out in the water with us for a long time, always giving tips and holding the board for us when we needed it. Priscilla came out in the middle of the lesson and shot a few pictures of each of us on her iPad, which was awesome! We spent a few hours in the water, and when it was time to head out, we were worn out and had all caught some waves. By the end, I felt confident in coming back to surf without an instructor (which shows just how comprehensive the lesson was), but I will definitely come back to Malibu Longboards in the future for more lessons. I loved it so much, I bought my own board and wetsuit the next week. The price, which included the gear and lesson, was fantastic, and so was the experience. I would definitely recommend Malibu Longboards to anyone who is looking to get out on the ocean! read more

We tried surfing on our own with no success. After one lesson with these guys we were able to stand up and ride some waves. They are a good group with a great attitude. They are local and very resourceful with knowledge of the area and places to surf. read more

I purchased a Google Offer for me and my boyfriend and scheduled a noon lesson. We called them at 12:15 when they still weren't there and they were surprised to hear that we were there waiting for them, but told us they'd be "rolling in" in about 30 minutes (45 minutes late). 12:45 comes and goes with no sign of Matt, so we called again. Apparently, they got "messed up" earlier in the day and lost track. Unacceptable. I'll be getting a refund from Google and I already scheduled a surf lesson with aqua surf, who are awesome! read more

I had a group lesson with Matt. Matt would be ideal to take a private lesson from, however I was in a group lesson with 5 people. We were spread out too far to receive individual help. The lesson started 15 minutes late when the late class members had arrived and the class ended 20 minutes early when Matt told us he was going back to the parking lot but I was welcome to stay and use the board. I could have just as easily rented a surfboard, but I actually needed help surfing. I found it odd that an instructor after only spending a few minutes with each person individually would call it quits 1 hour and 25 minutes after a 2 hour lesson began. Matt was a really nice guy, however the ratio of 1 instructor to our class size wasn't enough to have a successful lesson and ending it early only lessened my chances of being able to learn to surf. read more

We (my partner and I) had a great experience! Our teachers- Priscilla and Chris- were excellent. Priscilla taught us several different pop-up techniques and we did some guided practice before heading out to the water. Chris and Priscilla helped each person individually in the water, giving us tips about timing and our own body mechanics to help us improve our form and stability. I was pretty terrible at it, but the experience of just being in the water and feeling yourself riding the waves was really great. The foam boards the school uses were great for us - they floated well (even when my form was bad) and didn't hurt too badly when I tumbled from the board. I felt really safe practicing with the instructors there to help. Priscilla and Chris also monitored wave conditions, so we could move to calmer areas when we needed to. They were both really good natured and encouraging, but also firm enough to communicate how important fundamentals were to safety. If you've ever thought about trying surfing, but felt too nervous- just do it. You'll have so much fun, regardless of how good you get. read more

I only give the second star because Matt did teach me the basics of surfing so I have to give a little credit there. Otherwise, I'm really irritated with this company. I bought 3 Groupons (having no idea I wouldn't need the extra lessons past the one) and the first went fine, the second was okay but in bad surf conditions (they don't care at all about scheduling in the right conditions) and the third was horrible. I wasn't told the location had changed, so missed part of the lesson while I was trying to get there. Then there were no waves once I got there, so the instructor told me to reschedule. All the while I was trying to coordinate with the school to get more advanced lessons, either a private instructor or just give up and get my money back. The company stopped responding to me while I was trying to schedule, I tried 4 times to schedule, and I've never gotten them since. Never got to use the 3rd lesson so totally lost the money. Go to any other school. There are plenty out there. read more

The best way to sum up our Stand Up Paddleboarding lesson with Malibu Longboards is "It's like a group of surfer dudes decided to get together and teach". Nicolette T & I came across ML's SUP lesson on Bloomspot. Reservations can be done over the phone or via email (just make sure you follow up with them, or twice, if you don't get a confirmation). Don't bother looking for any information on their website which is a hot mess. On the day of, look for a light blue van parked in the parking lot West of Crescent Bay Park (which we only found out because we called when we didn't know where to go after we parked). There isn't really a sign in or introduction process, and they'll just need you to sign a waiver (they didn't sign us in or ask for our Bloomspot coupon). You can request for a wetsuit or life jacket, though I recommend the latter as it can get very hot (and their wetsuits stink). Nicolette T & I were never given a life jacket even though we asked for it, which is fine, as we're both good swimmers, but you would think they would have some sort of precaution. Bring a hat to wear while SUPing (if possible, don't wear your glasses/sunglasses as chances of losing them are really high if you fall) and avoid bringing any valuables as your stuff will be left in driver's seat of the "locked" van - from my observation, the door was closed, not locked, because someone was pretty much there at any time, BUT, any decent looking person can just walk up and take anything, under the pretense of being a student, and I don't think they'll even notice! The instruction for SUP was really quick then we're sent out on the water. The instructor helped each of us get in the water (to overcome the waves breaking) then pretty much left us alone. He was SUPing along with us but at no point gave any other pointers and pretty much the only thing he said to us was to paddle till the buoy (located west of the pier), and when we got there, we rested on our boards for a few minutes, then turned back around towards shore. We didn't start the land based instruction till maybe 12:20-12:30 and we were back around 1:50. It took us a while to get to the buoy as it was a windier day, but I wonder if we were any quicker whether we would be done with the "lesson" way early. When we were done, we had to drag the boards and paddles to the black tent, and we went on our way without a goodbye of sorts. Needless to say, this was a very awkward "lesson". If I were to do it again, I would probably go to Marina del Rey or anywhere with calmer water as I spent most of the time on my knees because it was just too difficult to maintain my balance with the waves. And oh, I probably would go with another school with a more organized process and more formal instruction. read more

We booked a Paddle Boarding session, but got almost no help or pointers how to work the boards. The place may be good for experienced folks but definitely not a place for beginners as they don't have anybody explaining the technique. read more

I had a great time at my first lesson on Saturday 8/29. The group of people I would learn with was also super fun and supportive. Stephanie was our instructor. A beautiful tall Swiss woman with 10 years of experience under her belt. Priscilla helped us first by picking out our wetsuits and helping us all feel comfortable. Then Stephanie took us through about a 15 minute demonstration on the sand before letting us loose in the water. She was encouraging and helpful. I can't wait to go back and get out there again. I only got up for a second or two. My arms felt like jello. But it was really fun and I loved every second! read more

I wanted to get surfing lessons for my kids while we were in LA for Spring Break, "surfed" thru Groupon to find deals on surf lessons and I stumbled upon Malibu Longboard Surf School. As always with using a Groupon I am leary due to a really bad experience in using one for getting my hair colored. We were running late to our 10 a.m. appointment (LA traffic SUCKS) called Matt and he was very accommodating and told us to take our time. We met him in the beach parking lot and the kids got dressed into their wet-suits. Matt took them to the beach and on the sand taught them how to stand up on the surfboards then took them out to the ocean. Matt was very patient, personable and knew what he was doing! The kids loved their lessons and Matt. I highly recommend Malibu Longboards Surf School for anyone wanting to learn how to surf!! read more

Very reasonably prized and they are flexible with scheduling. I love that I can text them to make arrangements instead of having to call. They are very accommodating and their instructors are great! I really like Stephanie. The lady who does the scheduling, Priscilla, is really helpful and nice. read more

This is an update to my previous post. Malibu Longboards finally kept their appointment for Groupon this time for my friend on 7/8/15. Her lesson was with Greg & Priscilla. The problem? When my friend showed up, they told her that the Groupon only covered for the rental of the paddleboard. They charged her an extra $20 for the actual lesson. What's the problem with that? The Groupon deal stated this: "$30 for a three-hour standup-paddleboard rental package with a standup paddleboard, a paddle, and a wetsuit." Since she went through all this hassle to get an appointment they finally kept (3 times!), she didn't want to leave over $20. Another problem was that she felt misled on where the lesson would be. On Groupon, the deal is for "Malibu Paddle Surf," but they either take you to Venice Beach (by default) or Marina del Rey (pay extra). Venice Beach can have rough surf because it's in the open ocean, whereas Marina del Rey is calmer because it's protected. However, Greg & Priscilla told her she would have to pay extra for a lesson in the marina. These people had plenty of time to contact her to confirm location and prices. But they didn't...until she showed up. Wow....these people are unscrupulous! read more

We got to know about Malibu Longboard Surf School from our hotel concierge. So pleased with all our lessons. Jason and Prescilla made our experience remarkable. Jason picked us up from our hotel every morning on the dot. Priscilla welcomed us with clean wetsuits and perfect boards. Jason gave us several different pop-up and safty techniques before spending 1.5 in water. Jason paid close attention to each of us. This was our first surfing lesson and within the first 30 min in the water three of us (including my two teenage boys 13 and 15) got up and had good forms. Jason helped us individually and having him guide us with our paddling and timing made a huge difference in our experience. I can say that with confidence because after three days of taking lessons with Jason on Venice Beach, we became adventurous and drove to Malibu Beach...called up Surf Shack ( Surf Shack on Malibu beach (Pier #3) - Sean the owner was a sweet talker and knowing how much a bad experience we had that afternoon, he offered us free board and suites for the next day... knowing we are going to leave to go back to east coast... we paid 30% more for less time spent in the the shallow, rocky Malibu beach, with no booties... and had to walk our heavy boards hour away back to his shop... I do not recommend Surf Shack AT ALL. If you are new and wanted to learn from the pros, where they take your time seriously, call Malibu Longboard Surf School. Thank you Jason & Priscilla :) read more