Top 4 Beginner Surf Lessons in Oahu

1.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

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

At Surfer Girl Academy, you get a two-hour Waikiki surf lesson with English- or Japanese-speaking instructors, a 20 to 30-minute beach briefing, and about 70 minutes in the water. Small groups, reef shoes, boards, rash guards, and patient coaching make this a solid first lesson.

“Find the location was easy, Noah was a amazing teacher and helper in explaining and showing with details how to go throw the waves !”

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2.Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson

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

Spend two hours learning to surf about a mile outside Waikiki’s crowded surf zone. Current professional surfers such as Turner, Kai, and Noah coach small groups of up to six, covering safety, etiquette, board handling, and proper stance before helping you catch waves.

“I felt so bad for my guide because he had a workout pushing me all the way in and all the way out. I got one good run only because I was so sick. Sea Sick wasn't a joke. Noah was the guide and was a good sport about pushing my fat butt out!! I would definitely try again and it would be awesome if it was Noah again!”

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3.North Shore Beginner Surf Lesson, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 114 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $104

Meet Surf N Sea in Haleiwa for a two-hour North Shore surf lesson at Waialua Bay. Instructors such as Henry, Eric, Tanner, Mark, and Travis teach safety, etiquette, wave timing, and beginner technique. You must be able to swim, provide your own transport, and children under 13 need private lessons.

“This was a great experience for anyone looking to just try out surfing for the first time. Tanner took us out and was excellent at teaching us the etiquette and technique for surfing. We even got up on the boards and found some success in it! He helped us pick out which waves we were going to surf and made the overall lesson very personable. Thank you, we would 10/10 do this again!”

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4.Waikiki Beginner Private Surf Lesson- Female Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 40 reviews · 1 hour · from $135

Meet Ali at Duke Kahanamoku’s statue for a private Waikiki surf lesson made for beginners. You’ll spend 20 to 30 minutes learning on the sand, then paddle out with your board to practice catching waves. A rashguard, sunscreen, water, and swimming ability are essential.

“My daughter (12) loved her surfing lessons! Ali was clear and accommodating with her instructions. She helped my daughter feel confident and ensured she was successful. Would definitely book again!”

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