Sunset sessions, world-class coaching, and insider access to the neighborhood where we've been building boards for over two decades. If that sounds like your kind of trip, keep scrolling.
Dial in your longboard dancing with Brandon DesJarlais and Jeff Corsi, two of the best coaches on urethane.
Spend a morning at our HQ and see where we design, test, and occasionally break our boards.
Explore the Venice boardwalk with locals who actually skate it.
Balance it out with a beginner-friendly surf lesson in the Pacific. (Wetsuit included. Courage optional.)
the backstory
Why We're Hosting This
The Venice Longboard Retreat is the work of Beyond the Board, a Los Angeles 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses skateboarding to build confidence and community. They've hosted hundreds of skate events around the world on the belief that skating is more than a sport. When they asked us to help bring a retreat to our own backyard, saying yes took about four seconds.
At the center of it are Brandon DesJarlais and Jeff Corsi, two longboard dancers who have been teaching together since 2015: co-created tutorials, skate camps across the world, and an online longboard dancing course. They're family to us, too. Jeff is a longtime Loaded ambassador, and Brandon is a longtime friend and collaborator who knows our boards about as well as we do. Their whole partnership is built on sharing what they love with other riders, and now they're bringing it to Venice Beach.
Venice is a melting pot of movement communities, and it's where we work every day. This retreat pairs Beyond the Board's community-building with high-level coaching and the kind of local access you can't book on your own. Want to experience Venice's legendary scene like a local? This is the way in.
your coaches
Meet Your Hosts
Brandon DesJarlais
A lifelong skater, community builder, and coach, Brandon is a longtime friend and collaborator of ours (and the kind of Loaded enthusiast who could recite our wheel lineup from memory). He has spent years helping riders find their footing and then dance on it, from coaching at international longboard camps to leading Beyond the Board's national skate events. He brings technical chops, silly-goose energy, and a deep love for the sport. His mission: make skating more accessible and more joyful for every rider.
Jeff Corsi
A world-class longboard dancer, instructor, and longtime Loaded ambassador, Jeff is one of the leaders of DockSession, the biggest global community of longboard dancing. He has taught thousands of skaters to move with confidence and creativity, and his eye for detail sharpens every session he touches. He's been riding for us for years; this time he's teaching on home turf.
Together they bring years of coaching experience and a knack for turning strangers into a skate family. Just starting out or refining your slides, they'll guide you, challenge you, and hype you up every step of the way.
the fine print, minus the fine print
What's Included
3 nights / 4 days of accommodations right on the Venice boardwalk
Daily breakfast and dinner
6+ hours of longboard dancing lessons with Brandon and Jeff
1 surf lesson, gear rental included
A behind-the-scenes visit to our HQ
Yoga, mobility, and recovery workshops
Professional photos and video clips from the experience
High-quality skate gear and protection available to borrow
A personalized progress plan to keep your skating moving after you fly home
A welcome goodie bag with gifts from our sponsors
Rides to every activity in Beyond the Board's Shred Sled bus
Not Included
Flights, airport transfers, and travel insurance. You handle the getting here; we handle the rest.
home base
Our Venice Beach Basecamp: Hotel Erwin
Basecamp is Hotel Erwin, an oceanfront original that carries the spirit of Venice Beach in its bones. You'll sleep steps from the sand and the skate spots.
The rooms: two queen beds, contemporary décor, and private balconies with ocean views worth waking up early for.
A hub of our own: we've reserved an extra ocean-view room dedicated solely to the retreat. Morning coffee, sunset debriefs, impromptu trick talk.
The location: right on Pacific Avenue, steps from Venice's skate spots, surf breaks, and local gems.
The amenities: top-tier on-site dining, including an award-winning oceanside rooftop bar.
Hotel Erwin is a Venice original: a love letter to the creativity, community, and ever-changing spirit of this neighborhood.
the plan
Day by Day Breakdown
Day 1Venice Vibes 🌅
Welcome to Venice Beach. Arrive, settle in, and kick things off with a guided skate tour through the heart of the neighborhood. Get a read on the local scene and the riders you'll be rolling with all weekend. When the sun drops into the ocean, it's rooftop drinks, a group dinner, and your first taste of the crew.
Day 2Find Your Flow 🛹
The day starts at our HQ with a VIP look at how our boards get designed and tested (and maybe a peek at things we can't put on the internet yet). Then it's onto the deck for a longboard dancing lesson with Brandon and Jeff to refine your technique and style. The afternoon is yours to roam Venice before we regroup for a mobility and yoga workshop.
Day 3Surf n Turf 🌊
Up early for a sunrise surf session. Dry off, then back on urethane for another dancing lesson and some new moves. The afternoon is all free skating and filming: capture your progress, make some clips, celebrate the growth. After dark, we roll out in glowing style with the Venice Electric Light Parade.
Day 4Final Flows & Farewells 🤙
One more breakfast, one more dancing session to tie everything together. Celebrate the progress, swap takeaways, and soak up the energy of your new skate family. We close with a group circle and send you home with new skills, lasting friendships, and a camera roll that needs its own hard drive.
sound like you?
Who This Is For
You love longboard dancing and want to learn from the best
You want to experience Venice Beach like an insider, not a tourist
You're stoked to meet like-minded skaters from around the world
You want adventure, community, and four days of moving your body
Beginner, intermediate, or advanced: there's something here to push your skating forward.
Ready to Roll?
Spots are capped at 11 riders, so the coaching stays personal and the bus stays cozy. Lock yours in before someone else does.
"The retreat was genuinely one of the best things I've ever done. I learnt so much, but more than that, I gained real confidence. I'm 38, but I felt like a little kid again. It only lasted 4 days, but I was proper tearing up at the end. I'm beyond grateful to those beautiful humans who made it possible ❤️"
Macha
"Honestly, it was a sick time! Well organized, by people clearly passionate about longboarding with a clear intention to help people develop without losing sight of good times and vibes."
Nathan
"What a super special weekend! I learned so much and laughed a lot! Had some falls, had some realizations, and of course had a lot of fun! Already can't wait until the next one!"
Riva
"I enjoyed the Venice Longboard Retreat so much — face-to-face interaction with world-class longboard influencers and skating with enthusiasts from all over really made for a memorable experience, and rekindled my hope for the future!"
Yang
"Great group and experience. Go to an event, you will have a great time! Very inclusive and friendly group. Stop waiting — just go…"
Aaron
hosted with
The Venice Longboard Retreat is organized by Beyond the Board, a Los Angeles 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 92-1981605), in collaboration with Loaded Boards.
good questions
Additional Information & FAQs
Can I come on this trip alone?
Absolutely. Traveling alone is a great way to meet new people, and most attendees come solo. The organizing team and guests are all in it together, and you'll be part of the group from the moment you arrive. Between the crew's years of hosting group events and a schedule full of shared sessions, you'll have plenty of chances to bond.
Is there an age limit for participants?
Yes: participants must be 18 or over unless accompanied by an adult.
How much time will we spend skating?
However much or little you want. There are at least 2 hours of organized longboard lessons and sessions every day, and many riders (Brandon and Jeff included) skate an extra couple of hours on top of that.
Will I get any one-on-one coaching?
Yes. Most lessons are group-based, but everyone gets individualized feedback to improve their skills.
What's the best airport to fly into?
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about a 20-minute drive from Venice Beach.
How many people will be in the retreat?
This is an intimate experience with a maximum of 11 attendees, which keeps the coaching personal and the community vibes strong.
What's the vibe of the retreat?
A mix of skate progression, relaxation, and community bonding. Expect laid-back, supportive energy, unless you want to challenge the hosts in Super Smash Bros. Then it's on like Donkey Kong 😈
Are there any additional costs I should expect?
The retreat covers most expenses, but budget for lunch, extra snacks, drinks, or optional activities during free time.
How do I know if this retreat is right for me?
If you love skating, want to progress your skills, and want to connect with an amazing community, this retreat is for you.
What happens if it rains?
The schedule adjusts with indoor workshops, skate technique breakdowns, and movement training. Venice is known for its sunshine, but you'll get the most out of the experience rain or shine.
Are meals included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, daily breakfast and dinners are included. Vegan, vegetarian, and other dietary restrictions are no problem; just share your needs in advance.
Can I rent or borrow skate gear if I don't have my own?
We recommend bringing your own board, but there's a full inventory of loaner boards available. Let the team know in advance if you need gear.
Will there be free time to explore Venice Beach?
Yes. The schedule includes dedicated free time to check out the skate spots, beach, local shops, and cafés.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
Expect moderate physical activity: skating, movement workshops, and surfing. All activities adapt to your comfort level.
What if I get injured during the retreat?
Safety comes first: protective gear is encouraged, and mobility and recovery workshops help prevent injuries. You are responsible for your own travel insurance in case of accidents.
Can I stay extra nights before or after the retreat?
Totally, but you'll need to find your own accommodation for the extra nights. Samesun Hostel and HI Hostel are both solid picks.
When should I arrive in Los Angeles? When should I leave?
The retreat starts Friday at 3pm and ends around 1pm Monday. Arrive at LAX before 1pm Friday and leave no sooner than 5pm Monday, so you're on time for the start of activities and have room to chill before flying out.
