I had such a great experience with Sunrise Surf, especially with my instructor Max! Booking online was super easy, and the school (Conor specifically) was really responsive and sent helpful info leading up to my first class. I'm in my 30s and had never surfed before so I was definitely nervous going into it. I did three one-on-one lessons with Max, and I couldn't have asked for a better instructor! He was awesome and made me feel comfortable right away. He was really attentive and gave me specific pointers after each attempt, so each try felt a little better. He was also super patient (I accidentally kicked him in the head probably more than once...) and was always supportive and cheering me on. Highly recommend them! I had so much fun and will definitely be back for more lessons with Max! read more

Amazing surf school. Both my daughters learned to surf in one three hour lesson. Bella became very comfortable and nearly independent after her second lesson. The staff is very friendly and spot on. I opted for the Will Roger's State Park location over the Venice Beach option and was very happy I did. In fact I recommend you try Will Roger's State Park. read more

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We did a one day camp with Sunrise just to see if my son would like it. He is six, and I wasn't ready to drop him off and leave him as he LOVES to run to the biggest wave. So I wanted to keep an extra set of eyes on him and ended up hanging around out of site so we wouldn't be distracted by me, but close by so I would feel comfortable knowing how he'd respond to the instructors. I think they were fine with me being even closer but I stayed a little further away so my child would really focus on them. Also, it was his first surf lesson so I didn't want to miss it! What I saw had me grinning the entire time. When my son wanted to push the limits and travel a little too far out where I was ready to run in after him, instructors were pulling the kids back. They had their eyes on him. And there was a dedicated staff member standing on the beach keeping their eyes on the entire group whenever they were in the water. And it was amazing to see my kid stand up on the board for the first time ever. And the way he jumped and kept going - it was clear he was SO happy the entire time. Not my kid, but there was clearly a little one who was not comfortable with the waves. I don't know the full story, but what I saw was an instructor holding that child the ENTIRE camp in the water. That kid got to be as close to the water as they were comfortable, the instructors never sat her aside to play in the sand, they were clearly trying to get her comfortable and making sure she had some water experience. Props to you all for investing in every child at every level. Props to the instructors, we hope to return if schedules allow this summer. The only request I have is to put kids in bright orange/yellow/green rash guards instead of the blue ones. It was easy to see the instructors in the orange, but I would feel better if we could REALLY see the kids from the sand in water safe colors. That's it - THANK YOU again for a great day. My son really loved it and was so proud of what he accomplished in that short time with you. read more

We love Sunrise! I'm so so grateful my son has the opportunity to learn from these top notch instructors and true surfers with so much Aloha Sunrise Surf Academy in Los Angeles/venice/Marina is truly a standout surf school! Unlike other programs where kids spend more time playing in the sand than actually surfing, Sunrise Surf Academy ensures that their students are in the water, catching waves and honing their skills from start to finish The instructors are passionate about not only teaching the technical aspects of surfing but also instilling life lessons learned from years spent in the ocean. This unique approach helps build confidence, independence, and a deep appreciation for living in the moment. If you're looking for an authentic, immersive surfing experience for your kids, Sunrise Surf Academy is the place to be. And the owners are super nice and kind and so are the kids that attend. Highly recommended! read more

Sunrise Surf Academy - My son has been going for 3 years and it's his fave thing to do all summer! Shaka Shaka - Surf Schools Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

My 10-year-old son and I just had a private lesson with Dane, one of their instructors. He was GREAT! My son learned quickly. Me? Not so much, lol. But we'll definitely be back as soon as possible! Loved this place. read more

My son and his friends go to this camp for three years now. Connor, Noah, Dane, and all the other staff are absolutely wonderful, and responsible. Their ratio of instructor to kids is 1 to 3 which means every kid gets a lot of attention. My son's surfing skills has improved so much and he always has fun at the camp. I highly recommend them. read more

Deeply disappointed. On July 29, 2025, I booked and fully paid $275 for a two-hour surf lesson scheduled for August 1, 2025, with Sunrise Surf Academy Malibu. On August 1st, due to a sudden medical emergency involving my young child, I had to take them to the emergency room. I immediately contacted Sunrise Surf Academy to explain the situation. However, the business refused to reschedule the session or issue a refund. They cited a 72-hour non-refundable and non-reschedulable policy. This response was both surprising and frustrating, as I was not informed of this policy at the time of booking. Neither was the policy stated in the booking confirmation email. There was no visible disclaimer on the booking page or during the payment process stating that the purchase was non-refundable and could not be changed under any circumstance. I only became aware of the policy when I requested for reschedule due to the emergency. The absence of the reminder of a 72hr cancelation policy is neglect at best and deceception at worst. Conor, the contact person even did not admit that the policy was not in the confirmation email. read more

Our son started to enjoy surfing and being at the beach after few days at the surfing camp during summer. I'm happy to see him growing in the wonderful and supportive camp environment. read more

Sunrise Surf Academy - Surf Schools Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

I can't say enough amazing things about sunrise surf academy! It has been so great for my 7 year old son! We started at will rogers last summer and loved it so much that we continued to do their weekend shreds and now the Venice location which has been great!! The counselors are fun and encouraging and I always know that when I drop him he is in the best hands!! But most of all they really care and support each surfer that walks onto the beach and for my son it has been nothing less than amazing!! I can't thank them enough!! read more

Sunrise Surf Academy - Surf Schools Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

Sunrise Surf Academy is Amazing - Go Venice! I have only excellent things to say about Sunrise. My son has been going to the Venice location summer after summer since he was 9 years old (he's almost 13 now), learning to surf and connecting with the wonderful instructors, the beach, and the ocean. I never feel concerned dropping him off. I always know that he is well cared for, respected and encouraged. They truly care about their students. His skills improve year after year. He has been to the awesome Will Rogers location, but the Venice location is his favorite. He loves the waves there, and the beach is beautiful south of the Pier. It's an easy drive, or scooter and bike ride. He also did Fall Shred Camp and is now excited for Spring Shred Camp in Venice. This is hands down the best surf school in LA. We tried others before Sunrise and nothing comes close to this. Thank you, Conor, Luc, Noah and everyone else on the crew. Thank you, Sunrise, for everything you do! read more

Sunrise Surf Academy - A couple of years ago in Venice with Sunrise - Surf Schools Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

My son LOVES this camp and it is his favorite! He has been surfing with Sunrise Surf Academy for years now and it is so nice to see him ride waves and smile big. I trust Conor and other instructors providing safe and fun lessons and camps. Kids are in great hands for sure. The instructor to student ratio is good and I like that it is somewhat intimate. The camp offers hot lunch program and it is delicious! read more

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Amazing surf camp! I'm so so grateful my son has the opportunity to learn from Newport Surf Camp instructors and true surfers with so much Aloha. Great quality instructors and lots of fun. The staff is very friendly and spot on. The instructors are passionate about not only teaching the technical aspects of surfing but also instilling life lessons learned from years spent in the ocean. This unique approach helps build confidence, independence, and a deep appreciation for living in the moment. If you're looking for an authentic, immersive surfing experience for your kids, Newport Surf Camp is the place to be. And the owners Jonny are super nice and kind and so are the kids that attend. He does such a great job making the kids feel comfortable and excited about surfing. Highly recommended! read more

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This was one of the best experiences of my life. I got to the beach and they were there with a wetsuit which kept me warm the whole session. We did a lesson on the sand and I learned so much. I stood up first try! Best coach I've ever had! Thanks Sunrise for the unforgettable experience! Epic morning read more

Sunrise surf is fantastic! My three kids have all loved their surfing experiences with the instructors who are fun and patient and total pros. My daughter in particular was very nervous about getting into the water after being splashed by a wave and they really made her feel so comfortable to get back on theboard and get back in. She now loves it. We are so grateful to sunrise for everything they do. read more

James is the best instructor!!! Thank you Sunrise Surf Academy! Great technique, kind, patient.

Took my kids to get lessons. Had Connor - he was awesome. Got them up on the board in minutes and was informative, positive, and friendly. It was at the Palisades location. They have first timers riding the breaks so it's pretty safe. I'd recommend for sure! read more

Summer is here and our group of boys wanted to surf. After a terrible experience at another well known camp in SM we were referred to Sunrise by other moms with similar experiences. Connor or Luke picked up the phone whenever I called and were incredibly informative answering all my questions. We had a great private lesson and a custom pod. I had a few friends that had their kids (age 5+) try the day camps and everyone had great reviews. I observed that Luke (co-founder) was always there managing the instructors and the ratio of teachers and students were always on par. They never over booked their students like other places. All in all Sunrise was great for any parent that wanted a fun+smooth experience of sending there kids to surf camp. FYI the kids had so much on-water time that EVERYONE learned to stand om day 1!!!! read more

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My daughter went this summer snd absolutely LOVED it! She had never surfed before but after only two days, she was up on the board and having a blast. She's super fair skinned but the wetsuits provided covered her up so the only thing we needed to do is just put on sunscreen. Best part is, Sunrise has this awesome colored zinc sunscreen that all the kids bought to wear like cool little surfers - coolest sunblock ever ;) Her friend joined her too and now they can officially go surfing together! read more

Sunrise Surf Academy - My daughter at Sunrise Surf Academy - Surf Schools Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

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I can't recommend Sunrise Surf Academy enough!  I took a private lesson with Conor this summer and not only did he get the clumsiest girl in  the world up on the board, he had me riding a wave all the way into the shore!! Although I fell quite a bit, I couldn't have felt safer in anyone's hands. I highly  recommend the surf camp or multiple lessons because I haven't been able to stay away from the water since. read more

Sunrise Surf Academy - sunrise surf academy!! - Surf Schools Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

Amazing experience at this phenomenal surf camp. All three of my kiddos aged 9-13 had the time of their life. The coaches were experienced and knew how to relate and instruct children. They went from absolute beginners to catching and riding waves within days! Could not have asked for more! Thank you Sunrise Surf Academy for an experience of a life time. We will be back next year - for sure! read more

Great instructors really good guys!! My daughter really enjoyed the short board surf lessons!! read more

My wife and I had a great 2 hour lesson with Leah today. We are middle aged and not surfers, but she kept encouraging us we got up on the boards! Great experience. read more

They donated very generously to our local school and gave the kids the most incredible experience! Children of all abilities and confidence levels had so much fun and left feeling accomplished! Kind, enthusiastic instructors who were so attentive in the water so I felt my kids were very safe. A great set up and I'd highly recommend! read more

We were grateful for a wonderful opportunity to learn from a professional surfer. Ty sunrise!

I booked Sunrise Surf for my lessons for my family - three teenagers, my husband & myself on our recent vacation to LA. We have never surfed before. I looked at all the surf lesson websites and called a few places. The reason I booked with Sunrise Surf is that Connor was so kind, answered all my questions, and made me feel comfortable. The other plus is that they automatically give you 2 instructors for 5 people. The other surf operations allow you to add an instructor or seemed to think 1 instructor would be enough. We definitely needed 2 instructors. Paco and Mika were stellar and were in the water, coaching us every step of the way. We have different abilities & they were very thoughtful about how they were instructing us. Another plus is that the surf lessons are at the quiet, less touristy beach (with ample parking!) at Will Rogers beach in Palisades. I absolutely recommend Sunrise Surf for lessons. read more

In a word ... fantastic! The Sunrise Surf team goes beyond having talented surfers - the instructors are amazing with kids, and surfers of all levels. They share the pure joy of success with the kids, gently encourage them, building their confidence to push to the next level, AND excited to learn more! I've also seen that ocean safety is always a priority. Hands down the best surf experience we've had! read more

My son attended 2 weeks of their summer camp and one week of a pod summer camp with his school best friends and had the best time. Great quality instructors and lots of fun. read more

My two kids took couple lessons with sun rise surf academy so far , Conor one of the founders is amazing , he takes his time with the kids to get them comfortable in the water , make sure they are safe and encourages them a lot , the kids have lots of fun during his lesson. We have tried other multiple camps in the area , but it is the first time that they are asking for another lesson on their own . There's a lot of positive energy , and smiles during the lesson . Cheers read more

We are loving Sunrise Surf Academy's summer camp. The counselors are amazing...they interact with the kids all day. They encourage but do not force them to surf. The kids are in the water 90% of the time. Will definitely sign up again and again!!!! read more

My granddaughter came to came for a week in the Palisades and loved it. Seemed professional, safe and like a good time. She will be going back next year! read more

These guys are awesome. Conor and Ani taught my kids and they're in love with surfing now.

My family and I came to Venice on our summer vacation for a few weeks looking to live the California lifestyle. I grew up near the beach but we live in New Mexico. we wanted our daughter to experience the ocean deeply with confidence and joy; and hopefully learn how to surf and play in the waves. Sunrise Surf Academy and the instructors provided 6 hours of surf instruction and beach time fun. She is 7 years old and left every day with a huge smile on her face. Putting our daughter in Sunrise Surf Academy gave her the opportunity to meet kids of all ages and connect with water. Meanwhile, my husband and I got some much needed yoga and together time. We will definitely be signing her up again when we come back to Los Angeles for a visit. To quote my daughter on why she had fun, "The instructors were good at teaching us how to surf and keeping the water out of our noses." read more

One of the best surf schools in the LA area. My two kids went surfing with Sunrise 6 consecutive days. They even wanted to go before our flight. It was so easy to book lessons with Conor on such last minute notice. He always responded asap. The kids really progressed and enjoyed. Pico and Mica were very patient and fun. I highly recommend Sunrise Surf! read more

My son started private lessons with Connor, who not only made him confident in the water, but ignited a deep love for the ocean and surfing. Every single staff member is experienced, calm, fun and knows how to put any child at ease in the water, all while teaching valuable and necessary skills such as balance, flexibility, safety and of course, surfing. My son looks forward to this camp more than any other camp out there. Connor, Luc and others offer surf lessons all year. This is truly a gift. If you live in CA, or if you're only visiting-you will be missing out on one of the greatest pleasures of living here if you don't get your child on board (literally)! I have enormous gratitude for Sunrise Surf Academy and the amazing staff. read more

Both of my sons took surf lessons with Conor starting at ages 9 and 11. Not only did he teach them how to surf, he instilled a real love for the ocean. His lessons are always fun and he has a keen ability to sense their comfort levels and abilities. He pushes them to improve, without causing stress or fear. They're now enrolled in his summer camp and love it! I've recommended Sunrise Surf Academy to several friends, and heard similar reviews of their other instructors. Will definitely continue to recommend them in the future! read more

We brought a group of 17 college students out to surf. Most of them were extremely nervous about surfing but all of them had a wonderful time thanks to the great instructors at Sunrise Surf Academy! I recommend this group of instructors to any first time surfers as they will help you through the process of understanding how to surf and figuring out the mechanics of it. All of the students were ready to get back on a board as soon as they could after their first wave! read more

I just had a mother/daughter surf lesson with Conor from Sunrise Surf Academy. It was a wonderful experience! As a woman in her mid forties, I was a little reluctant to get out for a FIRST attempt at surfing. Conor was patient and encouraging. Before we even hit the water he gave us a full tutorial on the beach to familiarize us with the board and water safety. Once I was out on the water, I had a blast!! He was able to talk me through with very precise direction and actually got me standing up a few times! I am now looking forward to getting back out on the waves and will book more lessons with Conor to help me continue to improve. If you have been considering hitting the waves for the first time, or improving your skills, I couldn't be more confident in suggesting Conor. I am so happy to have been able to scratch surfing off my "Bucket List" and am excited to develop new skills under Conor's guidance! Thank you for a fun day on the waves, Conor and Sunrise Surf Academy!! Andrea read more

Mom approved and the "best time ever" exclaimed by my tween. I was skeptical about the lack of reviews of Sunrise Surf Academy and reached out to the owner, Conor, before booking. Not only did he answer all of my questions but offered to do the lesson himself. My 12 year old daughter had the most wonderful and memorable experience surfing at Will Rogers! Thanks to the land lesson and Conor's watchful eye, she felt confident to paddle out and stand up to ride waves. He explained waves come in sets, signaled her when to paddle, and gave a big push if needed to catch the waves. The 90 minute lesson flew by and she did not want to exit the water. She immediately asked if we could extend the lesson since she was having the "best time ever." More importantly, as a parent, I was impressed with the whole operation from the ease of booking, the cost, Will Rogers Beach, the safety protocols, and the quality of the instruction. Will Rogers Beach is an easy meeting place with a spacious paid parking lot, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Conor was on-time wearing a mask, with surfboards, and a wetsuit that fit my daughter. He taught her how to put the wetsuit on and carry a surfboard along with a land lesson covering ocean safety, paddling, and getting up to a standing position. After 15 minutes of land lessons, they hit the water together to surf. The time went by really fast. I learned from my daughter that Conor has been surfing since middle school when he was a Junior Guard and he is graduating from Cornell this year. Conor has a great personality and is truly gifted with kids and helicopter moms. Overall, a wonderful, fun experience for my daughter and a great value for the cost! read more

My seven-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son just finished a weeklong camp with Sunrise Surf Academy in their Palisades location. My kids have enrolled in many beach camps at Will Rogers in the past. We could not have been happier with the experience with Sunrise. My kids were so happy, loved it every day and were nicely worn out at the end each day. They have already asked me to sign them up for next year. They made so much progress with their surfing skills. I spent a few hours watching my kids surf and the camp counselors were thoughtful, flexible, fun, and highly attentive to all the kids. Conor (one of the owners/operators) was extremely responsive throughout the entire process. It was apparent that he has a lot of experience running a surf camp. I felt completely safe having my kids under their staff's care and the environment that the kids are surfing in is extremely safe with calm, shallow manageable water for beginners but also has more challenging options for the more advanced students. The student-counselor ratio is very high (3:1 when surfing I believe). I would highly recommend this surf camp without hesitation. read more

My friend and I took a lesson with Luc, and it was such a positive valuable experience! It was only our second lesson, and Luc made sure to ask us about where we were at with our experience, he gave us super helpful feedback throughout the lesson on how to improve, he made us feel very comfortable and safe by how attentive and kind he was, and he even followed up after the lesson to answer my questions about surf spots and board recommendations. Only good things to say! Great experience. read more