BEGINNER SURF LESSONS IN THE USA

15 Beginner Surf Lessons in the USA Worth Booking

38 trips  ·  from $35 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 beginner surf lessons in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you paddle out.

Maui: Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei - The beach briefing covers more than standing up
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Maui: Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei

1.Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 950 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $98Our pick

Meet Surf Shack Maui in Kihei for a two-hour beginner lesson with no more than six students. Instructors such as Mike, Ivan, Sofia, Jay, and Francisco teach safety, etiquette, paddling, and standing up. Boards, rash guards, and water booties are included, with optional surf photos afterward.

“People were great, my son's teacher was fantastic. But waves were almost non existent. Pics taken by company were really good.”

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Oahu: Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson - Arriving at Surfer Girl Academy
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Oahu: Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

2.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

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

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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Oahu: Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson - A small group with real coaching time
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Oahu: Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson

3.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’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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2 Hour Beginner Group Surf Lessons - The land lesson: your first chance to get the motion right
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2 Hour Beginner Group Surf Lessons

4.2 Hour Beginner Group Surf Lessons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 154 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Learn the basics of surfing in a group of no more than five at Lahaina. Your instructor covers technique on shore, then helps you catch waves with provided boards, reef shoes, rash guards, and other gear. Ages 9 and up may join group lessons.

“Nice and helpful instructor. Mario was funny and kept our son going the whole time. He was exhausted but so happy!”

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North Shore Beginner Surf Lesson, Hawaii - Key points to know before you book
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North Shore Beginner Surf Lesson, Hawaii

5.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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Surf Class for Beginners in Venice - Into the water with a board and wetsuit
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Surf Class for Beginners in Venice

6.Surf Class for Beginners in Venice

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend about two hours learning to surf near Venice Beach with a 30-minute land lesson followed by guided practice in the water. Boards and wetsuits are included, and instructors such as Alex, Alexi, Martin, Felipe, and Diego focus on safety, simple technique, and helping beginners catch a first wave.

“It was excellent. I was taught by Diego, who had a lot of experience and broke down things in a way that made it very easy to understand. I managed to catch a few waves, which was very cool. Highly recommended.”

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Private Beginner Paddleboard 101 Lesson: Makena Landing! - Paddling across Turtle Town
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Private Beginner Paddleboard 101 Lesson: Makena Landing!

7.Private Beginner Paddleboard 101 Lesson: Makena Landing!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $159

At Makena Landing, your private ocean guide teaches paddleboarding from shore, then coaches you across calm Turtle Town waters. You may spot sea turtles and fish, while a professional photographer captures the outing. Guides including Peg, Pam, John, Lowe, Dana, and Emily have earned warm praise for patient instruction.

“This was our favorite water activity of the trip. Peg was a great teacher, very knowledgeable about the ocean and islands, and fun to hangout with for a couple of hours.”

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Miami: Beginner-Friendly Island Snorkeling by SUP or Kayak - Starting at Bill Bird Marina
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Miami: Beginner-Friendly Island Snorkeling by SUP or Kayak

8.Beginner-Friendly Island Snorkeling by SUP or Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 61 reviews · 2h 30m · from $99

Learn to kayak or stand-up paddleboard, follow a guide through mangroves, then take a boat to Sandspur Island for shallow-water snorkeling. Safety vests help non-swimmers, and guides such as Tony, Miguel, and Celia are praised for patient instruction. Expect wildlife, fruit, drinks, and a relaxed 150-minute outing.

“not much could be improved. Gabby was an amazing guide but the raccoons stole the show. highly recommend the experience.”

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Private Beginner Paddleboard Lesson with Snorkel in Turtle Town - Snorkeling with turtles from the board
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Private Beginner Paddleboard Lesson with Snorkel in Turtle Town

9.Private Beginner Paddleboard Lesson with Snorkel in Turtle Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $179

Meet your private guide at Makena Landing Park for a gentle paddleboard lesson, then hold onto your board while snorkeling above Turtle Town’s reefs. Guides such as Peg, Heidi, and Chris work with beginners and young children, provide water and safety gear, and can capture photos for purchase.

“Wow! We booked a little last minute (the week of) and it absolutely worth it. Peg called the night before like she said she would and confirmed all details, and made a suggestion that we go a little earlier because the weather had been better then. And THEN she sent her own picks for local food and souvenirs! It was an absolutely perfect morning on the water. Chris, the guide, was fantastic and everyone was up and paddling about quickly. He had so much patience for the slightly anxious person too. Then came the snorkeling. My kids were in LOVE. Chris pointed out some amazing creatures, turtles, sea urchins, octopi,…”

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Kihei, Maui: 2-Hour Beginner Surfing Class - Learning the basic moves on the beach
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Kihei, Maui: 2-Hour Beginner Surfing Class

10.Kihei, Maui: 2-Hour Beginner Surfing Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 46 reviews · 2 hours · from $104

Meet Surf Club Maui at Kalama Beach Park for a two-hour beginner lesson with a stable board, water shoes, and an SPF 50 lycra shirt. Your English-speaking instructor covers beach safety, then helps you ride gentle Kihei waves at a pace suited to your swimming ability and confidence.

“Lessons were great. David was awesome and made sure we had the best experience.”

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Beginner Surfing in San Francisco at Pacifica Beach - Key points to know before you book
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Beginner Surfing in San Francisco at Pacifica Beach

11.Beginner Surfing in San Francisco at Pacifica Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $139

Meet Adventure Out LLC at Pacifica Beach for a 2.5-hour beginner lesson with wetsuit, board, safety briefing, and guided whitewater practice. Instructors such as Alan, Al, David, and Joao have taught first-timers how to paddle, pop up, and catch small waves.

“I loved the classes. The instructors went by each of us trying to help us and let us know our mistakes. I think I am in love with the sport now. Thank you you guys were awesome.”

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Oahu: Waikiki Beginner Private Surf Lesson- Female Guide - Meeting Ali at Duke Kahanamoku’s statue
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Oahu: Waikiki Beginner Private Surf Lesson- Female Guide

12.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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Surf lessons for beginners in Waikiki - Catching your first Waikiki waves
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Surf lessons for beginners in Waikiki

13.Surf lessons for beginners in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 40 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $100

Meet at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue for a private Waikiki surf lesson with an instructor such as Preston, Jameson, or Scotty. You’ll cover ocean safety and board basics on the sand, then practice in the water with personal coaching. Surfboards are included, and the lesson lasts about two hours.

“Amazing experience with Preston! We booked the two hour lesson early in the morning, and it couldn’t have been better. It was easy to find him on the beach, we went over the basics in the sand, and then got right in the water. He gives you four simple steps, and my husband and I were catching waves in no time! Preston could read the water very well, and gave us some tips and tricks to help us learn for ourselves. Definitely recommend the two hour lesson vs one hour, it gives you tons of time to improve your skills. Would 100% book with Preston and Hawaiian Boy Surf School…”

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Group Surf Lesson: Two Hours Of Beginners Instruction - The shore lesson: learning the moves before the waves
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Group Surf Lesson: Two Hours Of Beginners Instruction

14.Group Surf Lesson: Two Hours Of Beginners Instruction

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet at Kaimana Beach Hotel for a two-hour beginner lesson with a maximum of six people. You’ll practice on land, then learn paddling, balance, safe falling, and wave riding with CPR and lifeguard-certified instructors such as Noah, Janelle, Max, Kai, and Josh.

“Our family of 5 had an awesome surfing experience with Janelle. We learned how to surf and most importantly, had a blast. 😉 We had a great time!!! Janelle was a great teacher. She’s pleasant, patient, accommodating, taught us a lot of tips how to stand up on the board, how to paddle correctly, how to fall on the water and what to expect w the waves. Hands down best surfing experience in Oahu than we had in Maui 3 years ago!”

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2 Day Beginner Surf Adventure - From the surf van to a private Malibu campsite
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2 Day Beginner Surf Adventure

15.2 Day Beginner Surf Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 days (approx.)

Spend two active days learning to surf along Malibu, then camp in a private tent on the 1,000-acre Malibu Family Wines property. Your package includes boards, wetsuits, six hours of instruction, meals, transport, and a Santa Monica Mountains hike with cliff jumping.

“Warning - No longer exists. Should not be on Viator ! Assume they'll be refunding me after I contacted themn. But Very disappointed, all the hassle, flew the kids to LA etc. Have used them worldwide with no issues. Surprised no controls in place”

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New in Beginner Surf Lessons in the USA

★ 5.0Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson BeachFrom $1005 reviews
★ 4.5Private Surfing Lesson: Two Hours of Beginner Instruction17 reviews
★ 4.5Beginner Surfing Lessons In WaikikiFrom $11011 reviews
★ 4.5Private Standup Paddleboard Lesson for Beginners in KiheiFrom $3709 reviews
★ 5.0Private Surf Lessons for Beginners in Kihei at Kalama ParkFrom $2357 reviews
★ 4.5Private Surf Lesson: Two Hours of Beginners Instruction in KiheiFrom $3668 reviews
★ 5.0Group Surf Lesson for Beginners in Kihei at Kalama ParkFrom $10311 reviews
★ 5.03 Day Surf Progression for Families, Kids, and Beginners in Kihei at Kalama ParkFrom $5025 reviews
★ 5.0Beginner Group Surf Lesson on Maui South ShoreFrom $1039 reviews
★ 5.0Beginner One Hour Guided Kayaking and SUP ActivityFrom $354 reviews
★ 5.01 Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson for Beginners with 1 on 1 Instructor GuideFrom $8516 reviews
★ 5.0E-Foil Surfing for Beginners in Fort Lauderdale BeachFrom $2492 reviews
★ 3.7Windsurfing for Beginners and ExpertsFrom $393 reviews
★ 5.0Surf Lessons for Families, Kids, and BeginnersFrom $1723 reviews
★ 5.0Beginner Level Private Stand-Up Paddleboard LessonFrom $1697 reviews

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