Oceanasurf

I had an excellent experience surfing with Kim… I had never surfed before, and she was a talented, patient, funny and inspiring instructor. Halfway through the first day, I was up on my board and I caught almost every wave by my third day. That progress is entirely due to Kim’s great teaching and advice. Her lessons are a must-​have for any new surfer or someone looking to bump their skills up a notch. Thanks Kim!

I had three lessons with Kim over the course of a week. They were terrific. Kim’s really funny and warm, and she made me really comfortable about what I was doing and my relation to the other surfers in the water. The first of my lessons was rescheduled due to conditions, but I expected the ocean to be unpredictable and I made allowances for that, so it didn’t bother me at all. She’ll be the first person I email when I go back to LA.

After reading the great reviews, I reached out to Kim to schedule a lesson. She was responsive and I showed up on Saturday morning, only to have her tell me that the waves are too small. Though I was polite and brushed it off, I couldn’t help but wonder why she didn’t text or email me before I made the 45 minute drive. I made plans with her again the next Saturday and received a cryptic text and voicemail, giving me the option to cancel because the waves were large. I write back to say that I’m already on my way and asked if they were surfable. No response. I arrive and call a number of times, walk up and down the beach, text etc… still no response. I had high hopes, but that’s two Saturday mornings wasted.
If in the service business, serve your customers. In this case, it’s as easy as being communicative.
If you have the chance to surf with her, I’m sure it’s great. But I would book your time with someone who is courteous and respects your time.

Kim was just perfect. She was fun, sweet, patient and she catered to my specific needs. She also demonstrated how yoga overlaps with surfing and I found that really helpful and inspiring. Annnnnnd I’m about to email her for another lesson.

I took a lesson with Kim some time back and I really didn’t care for it. Her instructions were vague and I felt like I had no idea what I was doing on the water. I didn’t stand up, or come close to standing, instead I wiped out again and again with Kim giving little to no feedback. I was so excited for the lesson but left feeling like I would never voluntarily try surfing again.

I booked a lesson with Kim based only on her glowing Unilocal reviews and was NOT disappointed. I was in town for a visit (I grew up in L.A.) and my boyfriend and I decided to take a refresher surfing course. We’ve both taken lessons recently and have gotten up on the board before but are still beginners.
When I initially inquired about booking a trip Kim quickly responded with her availability and rate information. She provided clear instructions on when and where to meet, choosing the actual location based on best surf, weather and beach conditions.
The lesson was fantastic. Kim is great — she is very personable and casual but also an extremely skilled surfer and teacher. This was a two-​person lesson and she focused on the specific different strengths and areas of improvement between the two of us instead of spouting off basic generic comments which has often been my experience with other surfing teachers.
On the day of our lesson (a Sunday) there were many advanced surfers in the water. Kim was very respectful of the other surfers which I also appreciated since this established our own space in the water that was in turn respected by the other surfers.
The wetsuits and surfboards she provided were good quality and matched the size parameters we specified. We did not feel rushed during our lesson and when our time was up Kim gave us the option to take some more time in the water free of charge (but we were too tired!).
I’m heading back to L.A. in a few weeks and will definitely be booking another lesson!
Thanks Kim

We took another lesson from Kim while out in the LA area last week. It was my second time surfing and my two friends first. Once again, great experience!
Kim and another instructor she brought along to ensure we were evenly matched, were both great. They walked us through the basics before getting in the water and once in, stayed close to us making sure we each were guided and getting time with them and feedback. All 3 of us got up over and over again.
They seem to be great with teaching and knowing the waves/​ocean. We all felt really comfortable and had so much fun with them.
As far as scheduling, we’ve had no trouble. Kim confirmed that we would have a lesson far enough in advance. She doesn’t get back to you until the day before on specifics of timing/​location because she looks for where the best conditions will be — at least that’s my understanding.
I would absolutely reccomend taking lessons from her!

Unfortunately I never got a lesson, so I am writing about the (non) experience with this business. I hate to give two stars, but I had to get the guts to try surfing on my own, and this business turned me away from wanting to even try this sport because it was such an arduous process:
1. Too many e-​mails back and forth (this was my fault completely because being in Canada, I thought this would be the cheaper way. big mistake)
2. Reserved a date two weeks in advance and paid the deposit via Paypal. No confirmation with any information regarding what to bring for my first day, what time, what to expect, etc.
3. After pressing e-​mails to this business, I received the approximate time of appointment 5 days before my visit.
4. 12 hours before my appointment, it was cancelled, and profanity was used in an e-​mail to me. I understand it’s an expression of speech, but it just wasn’t necessary, and I was only kind and professional in every correspondence.
5. Refund of deposit was made right away (hence two stars instead of just one).
Perhaps I would have been more spontaneous if I had surfed before, but being my first time and going by myself, I just didn’t feel comfortable with this situation at all. Also, I had planned a lot of my work/​vacation time around this visit after finally receiving a time of appointment. In other words, I had committed to this date and time.
I would NOT suggest this service for tourists or people planning ahead, based on my own experience. This business does not seem to be good with commitment. Probably best for locals or people with last-​minute needs, people who have surfed before, and who can be flexible. And just call instead of e-​mail.

Great instructor. I had never surfed before, and still managed to stand up on the first day.
She was a little slow to reply to emails, so make sure you schedule your lesson a couple days in advance.

When I decided to get surf lessons as a birthday present, I really didn’t know what to expect. I don’t think it could have been any better than my lessons with Kim. Warm and funny, she made me feel incredibly comfortable on the board and in the water. Also, logistically, I don’t think you can get a better deal — her lessons are 90 minutes and include use of a board and wetsuit, which is pretty awesome. Kim is wonderful and I’d recommend her to anybody — beginner, advanced and in between.

What can I say about Kim that hasn’t been said in the other positive reviews on Unilocal (which swayed me 100% to call her up)? I’ll try.
I signed myself and my eight-​year-​old daughter up for private lessons on a recent vacation to LA. My daughter was a bit hesitant because she is afraid of sharks. Kim allayed her fears, and they developed a quick rapport. She was very attentive to my daughter, who had never tried surfing before. They got along very well, and Kim was incredibly positive and encouraging of my little girl, really boosting her confidence.
Kim was great with me too and didn’t push me too hard (though she tried) when I chose to wimp out and stop after an hour or so in the water. I’m out of shape, so the swimming tired me pretty quickly. (Note to self: surfing seems to be 95% swimming) Her instructions were spot on, but I didn’t get up, through no fault of Kim’s. My reaction time was a second or two late, only got a short, one-​knee ride in. Kim did not make me feel like the barney I am.
Our lessons with Kim were held at a state park beach in Malibu, and, even though it was overcast, the setting was beautiful. It was cool to go through the nature trail to the beach and check out the local wildlife. There were quite a few other people and kids getting lessons, but it wasn’t so crowded that it ever felt like we’d get run over.
When our lesson ended, Kim even paddled out with my five-​year-​old little boy on their bellies for a few minutes so he could get in on the fun. He wasn’t into learning to surf yet, but he had a blast with her on the waves.
Overall, Kim’s lessons were a good deal, comparable price-​wise to others instructors/​schools I researched, but it was her individual attention, her passion for surfing, and her friendly personality that would make me sign up for lessons with her again when we return to California. Thanks, Kim!

Best surf lessons in LA!
Kim is awesome.
I used to surf when I was younger and am trying to get back into it. I’ve had a few lessons and been to a few camps over the years and I definitely learned more with an hour and a half with Kim than I did in a week of surf camp. She was especially good at explaining timing, one of the hardest things to learn.
Kim will only take you out when the surf is good and specifically chooses surf spots for beginners. She is a great instructor and an awesome surfer, not to mention she is a fun person to be around. During my lesson, we were surrounded by her friends as well, which only added to the fun.
I will definitely be seeing Kim again!

Kim introduced me to surfing with the first lesson as well as experience that I had with the sport. During my session, I managed to get up a few times and have continued trying since then. While I am sure that there is plenty more to learn as well as required practice, she was an excellent starting point and I would go back to her again.

Hey, Kim was great! My wife and I took a lesson together as my Father’s Day gift. We learned the basics and we’re both excited to get out and try again. Kim is a good teacher, patient and attentive. We’ll be back. She even gave us great breakfast recommendation for a post-​surf meal at the Rose Café. Thanks Kim.

Want to learn how to surf? Then give Oceanasurf a call. I did based on the reviews I read here on Unilocal*and they do not lie. Kim is indeed the bomb!
I’ve never been on a surfboard and did better than I expected. The conditions were a bit treacherous and I ate it the two times I caught a wave — oops! Even so, I had a great time learning what it’s all about and can’t wait to take more lessons!
Check it out! You will not be disappointed!

Kim was extremely helpful. She gave clear, and concise directions. She worked very well with my girlfriend, and was extremely patient. She worked with our scheduling issues, and was very forgiving that we had to cancel the day prior! I am happy beyond words… I got up for the first time, and not just once! 3 times!!! I’m hooked, on surfing, and can’t wait to go again! This was an experience I definitely will not forget!!!

oceanasurf is totally tubular dude!
…ok but seriously, i had a great experience with kim. my friends got me a private lesson for my birthday and they couldn’t have picked a better gift or instructor.
kim really knows her stuff and her confidence rubs off on you. i’d never even put on a wetsuit before our lesson and i was a complete newbie — but she broke everything up into small, manageable steps and made it a really fun and exhilarating experience. already looking forward to getting back on the board!
if you’re even a little curious about surfing, you owe it to yourself to try it just once — and you might as well do it with a great instructor.

kim is great and extremely patient
she provides the wetsuit, the board and the (insert any positive word here)

Kim at Oceanasurf is the bomb-​diggity!!!
My first time out with a private instructor and I am so glad I did it. I’ve tried surfing a few times out in hawaii, costa rica and once in manhattan beach but none of those experiences could compare to how much I learned in the 1.5 hours with Kim. The other tourist surf traps just don’t compare to someone who really loves surfing and wants to teach others to love it as well. Getting corny, I know… but I had that good of a time! No, great! DUDE I rode a wave all by myself! And it was awesome because Kim was so proud! :)
Heh. I’m purchasing a foam board soon and will be scheduling another appt with her in a few months of practice! Why… uh cuzzzzz Kim is a bad ass.

Kim at Oceanasurf is the best. I was looking for an instructor for my daughter, when I stumbled upon Kim’s site. My daughter just loves her. Whenever she spends time surfing with Kim she comes back in a great mood… for that alone Kim deserves five stars.
She not only taught (and is still teaching) my daughter about technique, but also what board she should be using and Kim won’t waste our time when the surf conditions aren’t any good. When the conditions are good, she takes her to where the best local surf is.
My daughter had a group lesson before meeting Kim, but she was completely neglected. That’s why I wanted one on one lessons. It’s totally worth it. She’s a great teacher with a really motivating attitude.
And someday soon I’m going to ask Kim take me out on the waves.