One of the biggest challenges every beginner surfer faces isn't standing up on the board—it's getting out to the waves in the first place.

In this episode of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, professional surf instructor Lucas Coleman explains how to paddle through breaking waves safely, efficiently, and with far less effort. Whether you're taking your very first surf lesson in Santa Monica, learning to surf in Malibu, or simply trying to improve your paddling technique anywhere in Southern California, these beginner surfing tips will help you conserve energy, avoid common mistakes, and build confidence in the water.

Lucas covers how experienced surfers read wave sets before paddling out, why timing is one of the most important surfing skills, when to walk your board into the water instead of paddling, how to position your surfboard when approaching an oncoming wave, and why staying relaxed and controlling your breathing can dramatically improve your surfing.

You'll also learn how to identify safer opportunities to paddle past the break, understand the impact zone, and recognize when ocean conditions are simply too large for beginner surfers.

If you've ever searched for how to paddle through waves while surfing, how to get past the break, beginner surfing tips, how to paddle out on a surfboard, or how to surf in Santa Monica, this episode answers those questions with practical advice from years of teaching thousands of first-time surfers.

Whether you're planning your first surf lesson in Los Angeles, taking a surf lesson in Santa Monica or Malibu, or simply looking to become a better surfer, this episode provides the foundational knowledge every beginner should have before paddling out.

Calibunga Surf Lessons provides private surf lessons, beginner surf lessons, family surf lessons, and surfing instruction in Santa Monica, Malibu, and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. New episodes of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast explore surfing fundamentals, ocean safety, surf etiquette, wave reading, paddling techniques, surfboard selection, and everything beginners need to become confident surfers.

Rip currents are the number one ocean hazard for swimmers and beginner surfers along the Los Angeles coastline — and most people have no idea what to do when they get caught in one. In this entry-level episode of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, we break down exactly what a rip current is, how to spot one before you ever get in the water at Santa Monica Beach, and the simple steps to escape one safely if you do get caught. No panic, no complicated technique — just the clear, straightforward knowledge every beginner surfer and beachgoer in Los Angeles needs. If you're planning surf lessons in Santa Monica or just heading to the beach this summer, this episode could save your life.

If you're thinking about taking surf lessons in Santa Monica or anywhere along the Los Angeles coastline, safety comes first — and this episode covers exactly that. The Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast breaks down the absolute basics every beginner surfer needs before paddling out at Santa Monica Beach: how to read ocean conditions, what rip currents look like and how to escape them, proper leash use, how to handle your board around other surfers, and the surf etiquette rules that keep LA's lineups safe and fun for everyone. Whether you're a total beginner booking your first surf lesson in Los Angeles or a parent prepping your kid for the water, this is the episode to start with.

What is the best surfboard to buy if you are a complete beginner surfer? In this episode of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, Santa Monica surf instructor and Calibunga Surf Lessons owner Lucas Coleman breaks down exactly what to look for when buying your first surfboard — and why the advice you get at a surf shop is not always the advice that's best for a beginner. Should you get a big board or a small board? A foam surfboard or a fiberglass surfboard? A longboard or a shortboard? Lucas explains why board size and volume matter more than anything else for beginner surfers, how nose shape and tail shape affect stability and control, and why a soft-top foam surfboard is almost always the right call for someone just learning to surf. Whether you're shopping for a beginner surfboard in Los Angeles, looking for the best foam surfboard for beginners, trying to figure out what size surfboard to buy, or searching for beginner surf tips in Santa Monica — this episode will save you time, money, and frustration. Calibunga Surf Lessons offers private and group surf lessons year-round at Santa Monica Beach and Sunset Point in Malibu. Every lesson includes a soft-top board, full wetsuit, and hands-on coaching. Book at calibungasurflessons.com or call 323-433-1220.

What are the best fun outdoor things to do in Los Angeles in the summer of 2026? In this episode of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, Santa Monica local and professional surf instructor Lucas Coleman shares his insider guide to the best outdoor activities in and around Los Angeles this summer — from Santa Monica Beach and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, to Malibu, Venice Beach, Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign, Marina del Rey, and beyond. Whether you're a family visiting LA from out of town, a tourist planning a summer trip to Southern California, or a local looking for fun things to do in Santa Monica this summer, Lucas covers the best beaches in Los Angeles, the best hikes near Santa Monica, kayaking in Marina del Rey, biking the strand, things to do near the Santa Monica Pier, and of course — surf lessons in Santa Monica for beginners of all ages. If you're searching for fun things to do in Los Angeles with kids, outdoor activities in Santa Monica, things to do in Malibu, or the best summer activities in Southern California in 2026, this episode is your go-to local guide. Calibunga Surf Lessons offers private and group surf lessons year-round at Santa Monica Beach and Sunset Point in Malibu. Book at calibungasurflessons.com or call 323-433-1220.

When you're out in the water for the first time, how do you know whose turn it is to catch a wave? In this episode of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, Santa Monica surf instructor Lucas Coleman breaks down one of the most confusing parts of learning to surf — surf etiquette and wave priority in the lineup. What is dropping in? What is snaking? Who has the right of way on a wave? What is the crown of a wave and why does everyone paddle for it? Lucas explains the unwritten rules of surfing that every beginner needs to know before paddling out on their own — and why learning these rules with a professional surf instructor in Santa Monica will change your surfing forever. Whether you're searching for beginner surf lessons in Los Angeles, surf etiquette tips for beginners, or surf lessons near the Santa Monica Pier, this episode is essential listening before you hit the water. Calibunga Surf Lessons offers private and group surf lessons year-round at Santa Monica Beach and Sunset Point in Malibu. Book at calibungasurflessons.com or call 323-433-1220.

How old do you have to be to learn to surf? In this episode of the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, professional Santa Monica surf instructor Lucas Coleman answers one of the most common questions beginners ask before booking their first surf lesson. Whether you're looking for kids surf lessons in Los Angeles, adult surf lessons in Santa Monica, beginner surf lessons near the Santa Monica Pier, or surf lessons for older adults in Malibu — the answer is the same: there is no age limit to learning to surf. Lucas breaks down what age is best to start surfing, what to expect from a first surf lesson at any age, and why Santa Monica Beach is one of the best places in Southern California to learn to surf for the first time. Calibunga Surf Lessons offers private surf lessons and group surf lessons year-round at Santa Monica Beach and Sunset Point in Malibu. Book online at calibungasurflessons.com or call 323-433-1220.