Discover Surf Lessons, Rentals and Beginner Friendly Waves at Torrance Beach
Torrance Beach is one of the most desirable spots to learn how to surf, whether you’re a novice who wants to learn the basics or just looking for a refresher course.
Less crowded than most of Southern California’s other beaches, Torrance Beach offers 1.5 miles of beautiful coastline, incredible views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and plenty of local businesses eager to help you learn all about the great sport of surfing. There are also shops nearby where you can rent or buy a variety of surfing gear.
If you’re thinking of visiting the area soon, surfing lesson classes fill up quickly. So get stoked (super excited), check out the cooking (good surf conditions) at Torrance Beach and takeoff (take off) on a fantastic experience. Make your plans to visit our beautiful city and incredible beach soon!
SURF SCHOOLS IN TORRANCE
The groms (kids) just finished another long school year and you’re looking for a way to keep them busy during the summer. How about surfing school? We’ve highlighted a few gnarly spots to consider for Surfing 101.
Private and group surfing lessons are available for all ages and abilities year-round at Aqua Surf School. Teaching anyone ages 4 and above, the experienced instructors at Aqua Surf offer private classes or up to a group of six, with surfboards and wetsuits included in the price.
The often-gentle waves off Torrance Beach make it an ideal location for novice surfers. Instructors at Wavehuggers are specially trained to make beginners feel comfortable during the 1.5- and 2-hour private lessons, with up to seven people allowed during a training session. Equipment is included.
“Safety and Stoked-ness” are the goals at South Bay Surf Sessions. The owner and lead instructor, Steve, has received five-star reviews on his teaching ability and level of knowledge. No matter your age, South Bay will provide a fun, interactive surfing time that will leave you wanting more.
Single 90-minute lessons and multi-class packages are available at Surf With Joey. Led by owner Joey Jennings, the initial lesson covers safety, paddling techniques and proper stance, with instructive and friendly feedback as you begin your surfing adventure. And if you want to learn to skateboard, they teach that, too.
Soul Performance offers training from beginner to pro level. Personalized coaches provide expert instruction, even if you’ve never touched a surfboard. Once you master surfing, you can take kiteboarding and skateboarding, too.
SURFBOARD AND WETSUIT RENTALS IN TORRANCE
One of the best-known surf shops in Torrance, Olympus Board Shop rents surfboards and wetsuits — as well as paddleboards, foil boards, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. From a half-day to a long-term rental, you’ll find a great selection of quality equipment to use during your stay in Torrance. Contact Olympus for information about surfing lessons.
Once you’ve mastered the art of surfing, you’ll want to get your own gear. JMJ Wetsuits sells, well, wetsuits. From the Surf Fullsuit that will keep you warm in any weather, to timeless classics such as the Smoothie Beavertail Jacket and the Smoothie Farmer John, JMJ has them all.
The name might be Bark Paddleboards, but the renowned Torrance company is known as much for their short and longboards as they are for their paddleboards. Used in many competitions throughout the world, the boards — and the family of board makers — have earned respect from beginners and professionals alike.
SURF CAMP FOR KIDS IN TORRANCE
Kids love playing on the beach, building sand castles and throwing a frisbee around. You can take the adventure one step further and sign them up for surf camp. This helps get you kids outside, off their screens and stay busy all day while someone else handles the beach setup.
At Perfect Day Surf Camp at Torrance Beach, learning to ride the waves is only part of what kids and teens will experience. In lessons for ages 4-7 and 8-17, boys and girls will build confidence and strength and learn important ocean skills, attributes they’ll carry with them all their lives. In addition, girls 8-14 can attend a Girls Only Surf Camp, taught by female instructors.
SUMMER COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS IN TORRANCE
Learning how to surf — or taking a refresher class — is the highlight of many visitors’ time in Torrance. But watching the pros ride the waves is a great way to learn a few extra tips.
The South Bay Dozen is a one-day ocean race that is considered one of the top surfing events in the Golden State. Starting at 8 a.m. on July 11 at Torrance Beach, the event features 12 ocean racing events for elite surfers, as well as an under-19 division to help support the development of junior athletes. South Bay Dozen benefits the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization that shares the South Bay waterman’s love of the ocean and surfing with those suffering from mental, emotional and physical illness.
The sport of surfing is loved around the world, so it’s only right that there’s a day to celebrate it. International Surfing Day takes place on the third Saturday of June, which this year is June 20. California honors its surfing heritage and the need to protect the oceans, waves and beaches with local fundraisers, local and state events and environmental cleanups. To share the day and let everyone know what surfing means to you, go on social media and use the hashtag #surfday.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR TORRANCE BEACH
In addition to all the great surfing lessons, camps and events at Torrance Beach, you’ll discover plenty of fun activities to do in Torrance. Bike-riding next to the ocean, fascinating museums, adventurous parks — as well as access to a number of professional sports teams and theme parks — is just a glimpse of the fun times you can have. With the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles just a few minutes away, you can make the relaxed environment of Torrance your home base.
Torrance offers a variety of hotel options to fit any budget, so start making plans to see what you’ve been missing and make brand new memories you’ll want to share with family and friends. Hang loose!