7 Surf Lessons in Oahu Worth Booking

1.Open Group Surfing Lesson in Waikiki, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 582 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $112Our pick

Meet Hans Hedemann Surf at 150 Kapahulu Ave for a two-hour Waikiki lesson with a certified instructor. You’ll watch a safety video, practice on land, then paddle out with a board, rash guard, reef shoes, and locker included. Instructors such as Niko, Luis, Charlie, and Tyson are praised for patient coaching, and you may spot a sea turtle from the water.

“We had a great time and all of us were actually surfing by the end of the 2 hour lesson. Our teachers were Niko and Gavin and they were both fantastic. They gave us tips to help us improve and were super encouraging and patient. It was a great activity for our family (2 teenage boys + mom and dad).”

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2.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 425 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Spend two hours learning to surf at Waikiki Beach with Surfer Girl Academy. You get 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, then about 70 minutes in the water with a small group and a maximum four-to-one student-to-instructor ratio. Instructors such as Noah, Yuko, John, and Shuji have been praised for patient coaching. Boards, reef shoes, rash guards, and leashes are included.

“Excellent teachers and the pictures came out awesome! Highly recommended.”

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3.Surfing Lessons On Waikiki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 317 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Meet at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee near Waikiki Beach Walk for a 90-minute beginner lesson. You’ll learn safety, paddling, and board control on land, then practice with an instructor in Waikiki’s shallow, sandy water. Boards, leashes, and a locker are included. Guides have included Derek, Josh, Joshua, Alex, Cody, Tanner, and Mouse.

“Awesome experience! My 18, 15, and 10 all took a lesson at the same time and all of them loved it! Everything was seamless. Highly recommend bringing your own or renting the rash guards which are not included- $5 to rent though!”

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4.Waikiki Private Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 298 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $123Top rated

Meet Stoke Drift at Ocean Patio B for a 90-minute Waikiki surf lesson. You’ll spend 15 to 30 minutes learning safety and technique on land, then about an hour catching waves with your private group. Instructors such as Justice, Keith, Joey, and Cole are praised for patient beginner coaching. Swimming ability is required.

“This place was fantastic. Dane & Leah were spot-on I can safely say that they made the best highlight of my 9 days in O'ahu! Mahalo”

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5.Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 267 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $95Best value

Meet Sunset Suzy’s Surf School in Hauula for a 90-minute beginner lesson with instructors such as Suzy, Andy, John, Matthew, or Kaiser. You’ll spend about 15 minutes on the beach learning safety and technique, then practice in the ocean with a board, rash guard, leash, and local guidance included. Turtle spotting is also offered.

“My daughter and I enjoyed learning how to surf with Andy! We each caught several waves and had a wonderful time. This was a great experience for beginners. Highly recommend!!”

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6.Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 191 reviews · 2 hours · from $103

Spend two hours learning to surf about a mile outside Waikiki with current pro surfers such as Turner, Kai, Noah, and Noa. You get a 20-minute beach lesson, surfboard, leash, rashguard, and reef booties, then head into beginner-friendly water. Groups cap at six, and children under 11 need a private lesson.

“Turner was an excellent teacher and we could not have been happier. Everyone in our group got up multiple times and we had a great time doing it.”

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7.Waikiki 2-Hour Semi-Private Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 5 reviews · 2 hours · from $156

Spend two hours learning to surf at a secluded beach near Waikiki with an English-speaking instructor and a private group. You begin with a 20-minute beach lesson on waves, currents, tides, safety, and standing technique, then choose your equipment and practice paddling, turning, and riding waves. Boards, rash guards, reef gear, and booties are included.

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