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.
Chloe Kourga
Chloe is a yoga teacher, longboard dancer, and the newest addition to our Loaded ambassador team (a seriously talented one, too). She's also an enthusiastic advocate for bubbles at skate events. She started skating at 25, so she knows firsthand what it's like to learn as an adult. When she's not encouraging people to stretch more, she travels the world hosting skate and yoga retreats, and joined Beyond the Board on tour in 2024. She hosts women's longboard meetups and community events back home in London, and believes skating should be fun, empowering, and accessible to everyone.
Daniel Lindsey
Daniel is 29, has been skating since 2007, travels with a longboard, and is known for pulling off some crazy road trips to get to longboard events. This time it's a flight into LA instead of a drive. The last LA visit was a pass-through with only a few hours to hang out, so this one is the make-up round: a proper stay, new friends, and the California group love of longboarding. Daniel's message to the crew: ¡Ojalá nos veamos pronto!
Together, Brandon, Jeff, Chloe, and Daniel bring years of experience across longboard coaching, yoga, retreat hosting, and community-building around the world. Their complementary perspectives bring together technique, flow, mobility, confidence, and connection. Whether you're learning as an adult, exploring longboard dancing for the first time, or refining your style, they're here to guide, challenge, and hype you up every step of the way.
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, Brandon is a longtime friend and collaborator who knows our boards about as well as we do, and they're joined by Chloe Kourga, the newest and seriously talented addition to our ambassador team. 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.
Our home base in the heart of Venice
Hotel Erwin
For five days, Hotel Erwin becomes more than a place to sleep. It's our retreat basecamp in the middle of Venice Beach, steps from the boardwalk, skatepark, sand, and many of the places we'll experience together.
Stay in the middle of it all: walk or skate straight from the hotel into the epicenter of Venice Beach, with local skate spots, surf breaks, restaurants, and the boardwalk right outside. Literally a 45-second ride to the skatepark.
Recharge in comfort: each retreat room features two queen beds and a private balcony. Rooms are shared by two retreat guests, with one queen bed per person. You can request a roommate, or we'll match you with another guest.
Our own penthouse clubhouse: the Dogtown Suite is reserved exclusively for our retreat and accessible throughout the entire stay. With a spacious gathering area, large private balcony, and sweeping views over the heart of Venice Beach, it becomes our shared home for morning coffee, video breakdowns, downtime, and spontaneous hangs. Retreat guests can come and go whenever they want, making it the true heart of our experience.
Staying at Hotel Erwin means Venice isn't just the backdrop for the retreat. For five days, you get to live inside its energy.
the plan
Day by Day Breakdown
Day 1Welcome to Venice 🌅
Arrive, settle in, and meet the crew before heading out on a guided skate through one of the world's most iconic beach communities. Get your first taste of the boardwalk, local skate culture, and creative energy that make Venice unlike anywhere else. As the sun drops into the Pacific, we'll gather for rooftop drinks, dinner, and the beginning of five unforgettable days together.
Day 2Level Up Together 🎥
Dive into a full day of longboard coaching built around your individual goals. We'll film your riding, break down the footage together, and turn what we see into personalized feedback you can immediately put into practice. Between sessions, there'll be plenty of space to connect, swap stories, and build the kind of community that makes progression even more fun.
Day 3Roll with the Locals 🛹
Experience Southern California longboarding through the people and communities shaping it. Go behind the scenes with a VIP visit to Loaded Boards HQ and meet the people, ideas, and gear behind one of longboarding's most iconic brands. Then, return to the boardwalk to join the Vibe Ride community for a Bubble Cruise alongside local skaters. After the ride, keep the celebration going with an afterparty back at Hotel Erwin. This is less about seeing Venice as a visitor and more about becoming part of it.
Day 4Surf n Turf 🌊
Start the day in the Pacific with a beginner-friendly surf lesson, then trade waves for wheels with another focused longboard dancing session. As golden hour arrives, we'll capture sunset footage showcasing how far you've come. That evening, experience another side of the neighborhood with a surprise Venice adventure led by locals.
Day 5Final Flows & Farewells 🤙
Our last morning begins with a nourishing breakfast and one final longboard dancing session to bring everything together. Celebrate your progress, share your takeaways, and soak in the energy of your new skate family. We'll close the retreat with a heartfelt closing circle, leaving you with lasting connections, new skills, and memories to fuel your next adventure.
sound like you?
This Retreat Is for You If...
You want to level up your skating. Whether you're building confidence or feeling stuck at a plateau, you want new skills, smoother flow, and greater freedom on your board.
You want coaching that's personal. Filmed sessions, video breakdowns, and clear feedback will show you exactly what to work on next.
You're missing a skate community. Maybe you usually skate alone or your local scene is small. You want to progress alongside supportive, like-minded people.
You want to experience Southern California longboarding from the inside. Visit Loaded Boards HQ, skate with Vibe Ride, and experience Venice alongside locals.
You're ready to step away from your routine. Five days to skate, surf, play, reconnect, and give yourself the focused time everyday life rarely allows.
Most guests fall somewhere in the intermediate range, but motivated beginners through advanced riders are welcome. You don't need dancing experience, surfing experience, or a crew of your own. Just come ready to learn and participate. You'll leave with new skills, greater confidence, personalized direction, footage of your progress, and a community that continues beyond the retreat.
Ready to Roll?
Spots are capped at 14 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
In partnership 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?
Expect 6+ hours of structured longboard coaching across the retreat, plus guided rides, filming sessions, and free-skate time.
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 14 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 does the payment process work?
The retreat price is $1,995. A $500 deposit secures your spot, leaving a remaining balance of $1,495. All remaining balances are due by October 15, 2026. You can also pay the full retreat price when booking.
Are taxes and processing fees included?
Yes. All required taxes and payment-processing fees are included in the listed retreat price.
What are the room arrangements?
Retreat guests will share rooms at Hotel Erwin. Each room has two queen beds and a private balcony. If there's someone you'd like to room with, please let us know in your application. Otherwise, we'll thoughtfully match you with another guest based on shared interests.
Are private rooms available?
Private rooms may be available for an additional cost, depending on hotel availability. Email brandon@beyondtheboard.org to discuss availability and pricing.
Is the deposit refundable?
The $500 deposit is nonrefundable. If you can no longer attend, you may transfer your deposit to another person. Please contact us before making the transfer so we can update the reservation.
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 runs Thursday, October 22 through Monday, October 26, 2026. Plan to land at LAX by early afternoon on the 22nd and book departures no earlier than the evening of the 26th, so you're on time for kickoff and have room to chill before flying out.
