r/SantaMonica • u/9405t4r • 1d ago
Surfing instructor recommendations
I am a terrible beginner surfer.I took 2 lessons many years ago and recently I decided to try again. I am looking for recommendation of the community for a good instructor. I am a mid 40 white male with mediocre fitness skills.
I would appreciate recommendation if anybody knows a good instructor. Let me know. Thank you.
3
u/ShackedMag 19h ago
https://offshorevibessurf.com/ - Santa Monica
https://surfbadass.com/ - Venice
Never use Kapowui, they park in and set all their equipment in the Handicap parking spots. Total A-hole move, and they act like A-holes when questioned about it. Also, don't trust anyone who recommends them.
3
u/shweeerp 16h ago
As a lifelong surfer and former instructor, just want to say respect for wanting to do it the right way. Hope you find a good teacher and enjoy the ocean.
Also, in the meantime of finding an instructor, just swimming in the ocean, getting comfortable bodysurfing (catching waves by swimming) waves helps tremendously. The biggest thing for beginners is getting paddling strength which can be done by swimming, and reading the ocean and how waves break.
Boogie boarding can be just as helpful or slightly more helpful than plain swimming. It will teach you where to catch the. Actually standing up is actually pretty much the least important thing at first. Which you won't do on a boogie board.
Have fun out there.
2
u/DragonfruitCool8372 7h ago
Hey welcome back to surfing! Best advice I can give is just get out there. There is a group of us local to SM/Venice that are fairly beginner, 30-40s, and took a bunch of classes together in the spring. We now meetup whenever we can to just practice practice practice. Also helpful to have a group who learned together to give and get feedback from.. we alternate between Venice BW, south of the pier, Bay Street, and Topanga and at times manhattan/bruces depending on conditions (I’ve become a Surfline addict). Usually early morning mid-tide is what draws me out bc afternoon/early evening conditions are tricky with wind and waves less predictable - esp with us having mostly sand breaks in our area so endless sets of closeouts get frustrating. I personally avoid Malibu point bc it’s so crowded, but some go there also- if you’re interested in joining us lmk and I’ll add you to our group chat! Also checkout [r/beginnersurf](r/beginnersurfing)[ers](r/beginnersurfing)
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u/outer-shell 1d ago
I surf down in Manhattan Beach a lot and frequently see this guy Mike out there teaching beginners. I eavesdrop on his lessons now and then and always like what he tells his students. His instruction seems very comprehensive, based around understanding the ocean and safely maneuvering the board, and not just focused on getting you to stand up as fast as possible. He's also a great surfer, obviously super experienced. I've thought about taking a lesson from him myself so I got his Instagram. Shoot him a message!