If you asked me a year ago how comfortable I'd feel learning how to surf with no prior experience, I would've laughed at you. Yet here I am... Several surf sessions in... Addicted to surfing! I cannot emphasize enough how incredible Aleks is at creating space for you to learn and grow as a surfer. His patient and supportive approach to teaching truly shows his passion for his craft. What to expect: Aleks has a couple of beaches he likes to teach at and will let you know in advance which beach to meet at depending on the waves and your experience. He provides you with a wetsuit and surfboard for the session and all you have to do is show up with whatever skills or knowledge you have of surfing. Your first session, he'll give you the basics on how to paddle out, where your body should be on the board, how to get up and stand on the board, etc. Then once you're out in the water, he'll help guide you and support you in catching some waves... And you'd be SHOCKED at how quickly you're able to get up on the board! After a few sessions, he'll teach you how to read the waves, how fast to paddle to catch a wave on your own, how to manuever a wave, etc. Eventually you'll start working down in surfboard size, which is where I'm currently at in my surfing journey! Overall: 10/10 would recommend. I feel 100% safe and confident with Aleks as my teacher, especially since I'm part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I genuinely can't wait to continue my surfing journey. read more

Aleks is an amazing person and incredible surf instructor. I just had my second lesson with him last week and I can't wait to go back out with him again. I have been living in LA for years and have always wanted to get into surfing. I had tried a few times in the past and it was always discouraging and intimidating. My experience with Aleks was completely different. He is so kind, and he goes out of his way to make you feel comfortable and confident. After missing a wave or falling, his encouragement and advice makes you excited to get back out and try it again. You can tell he absolutely loves surfing and that enthusiasm and joy for the sport is infectious. He makes the whole experience so painless so all you have to do is show up and focus on surfing. He has all of the equipment including wet suits, boards, snacks, and more. He is great about adapting to your skill level and the weather conditions to ensure you have the best time. I cannot recommend Aleks enough. If you've ever thought about surfing but are intimidated or unsure you'd be able to do it, Aleks is the guy for you!!! read more

Lipsmack Surf - Surfing Near Me

First I want to mention that Aleks is the best instructor and person you will ever meet! So happy we were able to book our surfing lesson with him! My sister and I are beginners so we were a little nervous, but he made us feel so at ease. We love the ocean and wanted to try out the waves in Cali when we visited. Needless to say he made this experience so enjoyable and memorable. He was so patient with us and we had such a great time! We wish we lived down in Santa Monica to join his community of surfers. You can tell he is really passionate about what he does and honestly that makes all the difference! Thanks for teaching two Miami sisters how to catch some gnarly waves :) we can't wait to get back to Cali to take more lessons with Aleks. Surfing is so exhilarating. Look no further than Lipsmack Surf for your next surfing lesson! You won't regret it!!! Also, thanks for the juice boxes! :) read more

Lipsmack Surf - Picture with Aleks after our surfing lesson. - Surfing Near Me

Aleks is the BEST, literally. I'd always wanted to learn how to surf, but because of what felt like male dominated turf in the water, I found it intimidating on my own. I love the ocean and this is something I always wanted to do. So once I found Aleks it was a perfect fit. I felt totally safe and taken care of. He was right there with me in the water, coaching me and cheering me on. I caught my own wave my very first day!! He truly is the best, and not only a super skilled instructor, but a kind and invested person. Now I've got my own board, and I'm hittin the waves w friends! ‍ read more

Lipsmack Surf - Surfing Near Me

Aleks is an incredible surf instructor! We had the best time during our surf lesson as he made it extra special with his great attention to detail. We are stoked to come back for another session! Thanks again for making the surf welcoming to all!! read more

Lipsmack Surf - Surfing Near Me

First time lesson was beyond amazing - great instruction, safety and learning how to be comfortable both in the water and on the board. Alek is truly one of the nicest people in the world, coaching you to success no matter your skill level. Excited for more lessons, and a great resource for family, friends and out-of-towners. Will 100% recommend and be back! read more

I had my first surf lesson with Aleke @Wll Rogers Beach. It was the very first time I have ever been on a surfboard. Aleks was the most sweetest encouraging instructor. He was so positive and patient. I actually stood up twice on the board which I thought would've never happened during the first lesson. I highly recommend Aleks for anyone who wants to surf. I can't wait for my next lesson. read more

Alecks has taught both myself and my 9 year old son and he is the best! He makes surfing simple to understand and fun, less daunting than other times I've taken lessons. He is always on time and super positive energy! Thank you Alecks! read more

Lipsmack Surf - Surfing Near Me

Surfing with Aleks was one of the best days I've had in a long time! If you're in the LA area, you MUST book a surf lesson with him. No better way to spend these days than on the beautiful Pacific Ocean learning to surf with an amazing instructor! read more

I have surfed once or twice before in Hawaii but never in the cold waters of California. I found Lipsmack through a mutual friend. After speaking with Aleks I was excited to give it a shot. He met me at Sunset Beach in Santa Monica and had everything prepared. After suiting up we did a few stretches on the beach and paddled out. Aleks was really good at checking in without being overbearing. We found a good place to position ourselves and Aleks made sure to point out a spot on the shore so I could keep track of where I was--something I would have totally forgot about on my own. He helped push me into a couple of waves and gave me pointers about how to paddle in on my own. I can confidently say that by the end of our time out I was a much better surfer than when we first paddled out. Lipsmack is great and I'm excited to go surfing with Aleks again. read more

Aleks is awesome. I haven't taken surf lessons from him yet, but he and I are both small business owners that cross paths from time to time. He's a very high-integrity person who goes out of his way to help others. I'd put my trust in the guy any day of the week. If you're searching around comparing companies, you won't go wrong here. read more

Aleks is the best! Grateful a friend recommended him when we came on a trip from NorCal down to Venice Beach. My 9 year old son just started taking lessons so we thought we'd get one while we were here. I decided to join in and so glad I did. Aleks took such great care of us in the water... we caught waves...it was bliss! Plus, he's just good company!! If we lived down here I'd have my son with him for all his lessons... me too! He's def a gem... you'll see : ) read more

Aleks is an incredible instructor. I've been scared of the ocean for so long and I felt safe the entire time. Not only did I get up on the board a few times in my first session, but I can't wait for my next swim! read more

Lipsmack Surf - Loved learning to surf with my niece! - Surfing Near Me

I had the BEST time with Aleks today!!! First time surfer, bucket list check! Although I've lived in LA for 11 years I've never taken a lesson and I'm so glad I did. Super fun and way easier than I thought it would be. Easy to get to location with great waves. And parking was easy?!? What?! I felt like I knew what I was doing even before we hit the water. Aleks is an awesome instructor and truly great human...I really enjoyed getting to know him in those moments between waves. Just being out on the water on a surfboard was awesome...catching waves was magical. Whether you're just visiting or a local like me you just gotta try it (can you tell I'm hooked?!?) I'm super grateful for this epically amazing experience. Thank you Aleks!!!! I will be back! read more

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Aleks is 100% the best surf instructor in Los Angeles!!! As someone who works in finance and isn't the most athletic, I'm so grateful that Aleks was there to coach me through the process. Surfing always seemed so intimidating, but Aleks made the learning experience feel safe, welcoming, supportive, and immensely enjoyable. Even while learning, I was convinced it would take weeks to catch a wave. I was shocked that, in our first session, Aleks was able to coach me enough to ride one out all the way to the beach. The feeling is indescribable. It is exhilarating to let yourself go, balance on the board, and glide out by the push of the water. Definitely something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. read more

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Our surf lesson was awesome! We did a couples lesson and it was so much fun. Aleks approaches teaching with an easy going attitude and helps immensely. He started us off with the basics and by the end of the lesson we were catching waves on our own. If you're looking to pick up surfing or even just go out and have a fun couple hours, take a lesson with Aleks! read more

Aleks is the reason my dreams finally came true and I learned to surf! He taught me how to surf several years ago, and he's continued to help refine my surf game! He's the best knowledgeable cheerleader in the water! He's patient, kind, confident, and makes sure you catch waves even in your first session! He's a gem and I'm grateful for everything he's taught me about surfing! He also makes sure you have fun in the water and takes amazing photos like the one I attached! read more

Lipsmack Surf - Aleks taking a photo of me surfing! - Surfing Near Me

Aleks is the real deal. A native Hawaiian, his is one of the most skilled surfing instructors in all of Los Angeles. On top of that, he's probably one of the nicest people you will ever meet. In my first lesson, I was standing up and riding waves. If you've tried surfing on your own, but got frustrated, intimidated, or exhausted, try surfing with Aleks at LipSmack Surf and you will fall in love with this sport. read more

I had the best time surfing with Aleks today! I am a total beginner and he made me feel totally comfortable and confident. He is so nice and so encouraging and after every wave he gave me really good feedback on what I could try to do better next time. He brought me a wetsuit and a board so it was super easy and even packed a nice snack for me to enjoy after surfing. As a total beginner I was intimidated by the LA surf scene but Aleks made it all super accessible and easy. Will definitely be continuing my surf lessons with Aleks! read more

Aleks is awesome! He took me and 2 of my girlfriends out. He picked a great spot based on the conditions and our level. He super nice and personable. He also packed us the most delish lunch. Highly recommend for beginners or people who just want a knowledgeable fun guide to go out with. read more

Aleks is THE BEST for kids and adults alike. Would give him 10 stars if it were possible on Yelp.

Aleks is the best! He's makes learning surfing feel so easy and fun. Can't wait to do this again.

Aleks is just what you want in an instructor--kind, patient and incredibly knowledgeable. Even the most hesitant are in very safe hands. He's been surfing his entire life in all conditions and is wonderful at teaching someone new or helping progress someone more advanced. I first surfed with Lipsmack in the fall of 2020 and have been referring all of my friends to Aleks ever since! read more