What are the best beginner surf spots in Santa Monica?

The top beginner-friendly surf spots in Santa Monica include Santa Monica Beach, Will Rogers State Beach. These spots feature gentle waves, sandy bottoms, and manageable crowds, making them ideal for learning to surf.

Is Santa Monica good for learning to surf?

Yes! Santa Monica offers excellent conditions for learning to surf with consistent small waves, surf schools, and beginner-friendly beaches. The area is known for its welcoming surf community and accessible beach breaks.

Do I need a wetsuit for surfing in Santa Monica?

Wetsuit requirements in Santa Monica vary by season. Summer typically calls for spring suit or 3/2mm, while winter requires 4/3mm. Water temperatures range from 55-72°F throughout the year.

Beginner Surf Guide

Beginner Surf Spots in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California · 2 beginner-friendly breaks

Great for Beginners Today

0.5 ft · 9 mph wsw · 63°F

Based on conditions at Santa Monica Beach

Use this page to find the cleanest beginner window, not the biggest score.

Right Now at Santa Monica Beach

0.5 ft

Ideal for learning

9 mph wsw

Moderate chop

63°F

Cool - wetsuit recommended

Rising (3.2 ft)

Rising

Moderate

Decent conditions – worth a paddle if you’re keen

Best Beginner Breaks in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Beach

beach0.5 ft today

Will Rogers State Beach

beach0.5 ft today

Best Months for Beginner Surfing

Spring

Decent

Mar-May

2-6 ft57-60°F3/2mm

Mixed 2-6 ft waves — look for calmer days. 57-60°F water, 3/2mm recommended.

Summer

Decent

Jun-Aug

2-6 ft63-68°Fspring suit

Mixed 2-6 ft waves — look for calmer days. 63-68°F water, spring suit recommended.

Fall

Decent

Sep-Nov

3-8 ft62-68°F3/2mm

Mixed 3-8 ft waves — look for calmer days. 62-68°F water, 3/2mm recommended.

Winter

Decent

Dec-Feb

4-10 ft56-58°F4/3mm

Mixed 4-10 ft waves — look for calmer days. 56-58°F water, 4/3mm recommended.

Safety Tips for Santa Monica

Rip Currents

Look for channels of darker, choppy water. If caught, swim parallel to shore - never fight the current.

Marine Life

Shuffle your feet when entering shallow water to avoid stingrays, especially in summer months.

Rocks & Reef

Stick to sandy beach breaks as a beginner. Check with locals or lifeguards about underwater hazards.

Etiquette

Stay on the inside as a beginner. Don't paddle into the lineup. Give right of way to surfers already riding.

Gear & Lessons

Board Guide

Soft-top foam board, 8-9 ft for adults
7-8 ft for teens and smaller adults
Avoid fiberglass boards until you can consistently pop up

Wetsuit Guide

Check the water temperature above for today's recommendation
Boardshorts/bikini for water above 70°F
3/2mm fullsuit for water below 60°F

Recent Beginner Sessions

Be the first to share your beginner session in Santa Monica! Log a session with a photo and it could be featured here.

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Santa Monica

: The top beginner-friendly surf spots in Santa Monica include Santa Monica Beach, Will Rogers State Beach. These spots feature gentle waves, sandy bottoms, and manageable crowds, making them ideal for learning to surf.
: Yes! Santa Monica offers excellent conditions for learning to surf with consistent small waves, surf schools, and beginner-friendly beaches. The area is known for its welcoming surf community and accessible beach breaks.
: Wetsuit requirements in Santa Monica vary by season. Summer typically calls for spring suit or 3/2mm, while winter requires 4/3mm. Water temperatures range from 55-72°F throughout the year.

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