Beginner Surf Guide

Beginner Surf Spots in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California · 2 beginner-friendly breaks

Fair for Beginners

1.2 ft · 8 mph w · 68°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

1.2 ft

Ideal 1-2 ft learner surf

8 mph w

Light wind

68°F

Warm

Rising (3.9 ft)

Low-to-mid tide fit

Moderate

Decent learner setup, but check the details before paddling out

Best Beginner Breaks in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Beach

beach1.2 ft today

Santa Monica is a source-backed LA beginner beach on small, clean mornings, with the usual caveat that crowds and shorebreak change the call.

Why beginners love it:

✓Wide sand-bottom beach
✓Soft whitewater on small mornings
✓Surf-school ecosystem
✓Easy public access

Use official beach lots or nearby paid parking and expect summer congestion. Lifeguards Best: 6-10am, earlier if possible

Will Rogers State Beach

beach0.6 ft today

Will Rogers is a source-backed LA beginner option when the surf stays small, clean, and softer than nearby beachbreaks.

Why beginners love it:

✓Wide public beach
✓Often softer than punchier LA peaks on small days
✓Official parking and facilities
✓Good low-stress whitewater option

Use LA County beach lots and arrive early during busy beach seasons. Lifeguards Best: 6-10am, earlier if possible

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

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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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