BEGINNER SURF LESSONS

The 15 Best Beginner Surf Lessons

45 trips  ·  from $13 a head

A good beginner beach has a sandy bottom, a long whitewater run and an instructor in the water with you. These 15 have all three, priced and timed, with a note on which ones put a camera on the beach.

Legian Beach, Bali: Beginner or Intermediate Surf Lessons - Starting on land near Pullman Bali Legian Beach
Bali Surf Trips, Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in Bali, Beginner Surf Lessons in Indonesia, Indonesia Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Bali, Surf Lessons in Indonesia, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

Legian Beach, Bali: Beginner or Intermediate Surf Lessons

1.Legian Beach, Bali: Beginner or Intermediate Surf Lessons

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,019 reviews · 1 day · from $16Our pick

Meet near Pullman Bali Legian Beach for a small-group surf lesson with local instructors such as Uncle Bob, Jones, Momo, and John. You’ll cover safety and technique on land, then practice catching waves with a softboard. Photos, rash guard, and water are included.

“Really patient teacher considering I struggled to follow instructions. It’s very good value for money, especially when receiving the high quality photographs of the experience. It was our first lesson and because it was made to be enjoyable, we want to have another go. Really nice group of guys!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Maui: Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei - The beach briefing covers more than standing up
2-Hour Experiences, Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in Maui, Beginner Surf Lessons in the USA, Group Surf Lessons, Group Surf Lessons in Maui, Group Surf Lessons in the USA, Maui Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Maui, Surf Lessons in the USA, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews, USA Surf Trips

Maui: Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei

2.Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 950 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $98Top rated

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Uluwatu: Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lesson with Equipment - A clear start on the sand
Bali Surf Trips, Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in Bali, Beginner Surf Lessons in Indonesia, Indonesia Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Bali, Surf Lessons in Indonesia, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

Uluwatu: Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lesson with Equipment

3.Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lesson with Equipment

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 832 reviews · 2 hours · from $36

Spend two hours learning to surf with instructors such as Luis, Irawan, Repho, and Aldin. You get safety coaching, equipment, lockers, water, sunblock, and a trainer for every two students. The beach may change with the waves, and photos and videos are included for bookings of two or more.

“For the intermediate site very happy with luis giving tips and pushing in the right break when needed 10/10”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kuta/Bali: Private Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lessons - Moving into Kuta’s beginner waves
Bali Surf Trips, Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in Bali, Beginner Surf Lessons in Indonesia, Indonesia Surf Trips, Private, Private Surf Lessons, Private Surf Lessons in Bali, Private Surf Lessons in Indonesia, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Bali, Surf Lessons in Indonesia, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

Kuta/Bali: Private Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lessons

4.Kuta/Bali: Private Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lessons

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 563 reviews · 1h 30m · from $13Best value

Meet 27 Surf School at Kuta Beach for a 90-minute private lesson with an English-speaking local instructor. You will practice beach safety, paddling, balance, and standing on a soft board. Coaches such as Ozzy, Alex, Ardi, and Tito are praised for patient, clear instruction.

“Great activity we had never surfed before. We done some lessons on land then went into the sea, our guides were very helpful and made the activity fun and were always patient and kind when we were struggling to do it. Really fun activity highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Oahu: Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson - Arriving at Surfer Girl Academy
Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in Oahu, Beginner Surf Lessons in the USA, Oahu Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Oahu, Surf Lessons in the USA, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews, USA Surf Trips

Oahu: Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

5.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 !”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beginner Surf Lesson at the Beautiful Algarvian West Coast - Why the beach is chosen the day before
Beginner Surf Lessons, Lagos Surf Trips, Portugal Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Portugal, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

Beginner Surf Lesson at the Beautiful Algarvian West Coast

6.Beginner Surf Lesson at the Beautiful Algarvian West Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 377 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $78

Start at Algarve Watersport in Lagos for a small-group beginner lesson led by certified instructors such as Ansan, Emilio, Noemi, Emil, or Alex. You’ll travel to Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, or Amoreira for about two hours in the water, with a wetsuit and board supplied.

“Had a fantastic day learning how to surf with Ansan and Alex, they had great knowledge of surfing and were great at explaining the techniques. Would definitely recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lezioni di Surf per Beginner e Intermedi (6 persone a istruttore) - Boards, wetsuits, transfer, and water included
Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in Fuerteventura, Beginner Surf Lessons in Spain, Fuerteventura Surf Trips, Spain Surf Trips, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

Lezioni di Surf per Beginner e Intermedi (6 persone a istruttore)

7.Lezioni di Surf per Beginner e Intermedi (6 persone a istruttore)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

Meet Dreamwaves Surfschool in Corralejo for a four-hour beginner or intermediate lesson. Your instructor provides the board, wetsuit, leash, water, and transfer, with groups capped at six people per instructor.

“Esperienza fantastica. Assolutamente da provare. Il maestro era preparato oltre che gentile e disponibile. Divertiti tantissimo.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Luquillo, Puerto Rico: Beginners Surf Lesson - Ninety minutes in the water with soft-top boards
Beginner Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

Luquillo, Puerto Rico: Beginners Surf Lesson

8.Luquillo, Puerto Rico: Beginners Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 265 reviews · from $78

Meet Surfing Puerto Rico at La Pared Beach for a 30-minute land lesson and 90 minutes in the water. Pro surfer and former National Surf Champion Brian Ramos leads instruction, with guides such as Sebastian, Claire, Angel, Callie, and Natalie helping first-timers catch waves safely.

“My kids ages 11 through 19 had a blast under the instruction of Sebastian and Claire. Instructions were clear and safety was the top priority. The pictures and video Claire took from the water and airdropped to me were an added bonus. Both instructors were so friendly and patient. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Peniche:Surf lessons Beginners ,Intermediate, advance level - Meeting at the Go4surf school near Gamboa Beach
Beginner Surf Lessons, Peniche Surf Trips, Portugal Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Portugal, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

Peniche:Surf lessons Beginners ,Intermediate, advance level

9.Surf lessons Beginners ,Intermediate, advance level

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 229 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Meet Go4surf near Gamboa Beach for a two-hour surf lesson suited to beginners, intermediate surfers, and advanced riders. Your board, 4.3 Billabong wetsuit, insurance, and instructor are included. Teachers such as Gustavo, João, Zala, and Miguel lead sessions in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French.

“Everything was great, from warm up to waves, the guides were knowledgeable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beginner Surf Lesson in Newquay, Cornwall - Choosing between Great Western and Fistral Beach
Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in the UK, Newquay Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in the UK, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews, UK Surf Trips

Beginner Surf Lesson in Newquay, Cornwall

10.Beginner Surf Lesson in Newquay, Cornwall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $62

Meet the Newquay Activity Centre on Fore Street for a two-hour beginner lesson led by instructors such as Alex. You’ll learn beach safety, practise on sand, then try stand-up surfing at Great Western or Fistral Beach with a wetsuit, ID vest, locker, and stable foam board provided.

“The instructors were super friendly/ patient and nice! Although for a beginner class I think it's important to take less students in a group so that the instructor can focus more with each person since it's a completely new activity for some of us. Other than that I recommend the surfing class and I would definitely do it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Surf Beginner Course - What your four hours are likely to involve
Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in Fuerteventura, Beginner Surf Lessons in Spain, Fuerteventura Surf Trips, Spain Surf Trips, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

Surf Beginner Course

11.Surf Beginner Course

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $66

Meet Surfintrip Academy in Corralejo for a four-hour beginner surf course with equipment, transport, and instruction in English. The beach changes with sea conditions and group level. Alex is one named instructor praised for patient, responsible coaching, including with young surfers.

“Amazing monitor, great experience and a lot of fun ! I am exciting to do it again and go back to the planch ! Thank you”

Check availability →Read our full review

HOT PROMO. Beginner Surf Lessons in Bali - Beach instruction before the first wave
Bali Surf Trips, Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in Bali, Beginner Surf Lessons in Indonesia, Indonesia Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Bali, Surf Lessons in Indonesia, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

HOT PROMO. Beginner Surf Lessons in Bali

12.HOT PROMO. Beginner Surf Lessons in Bali

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 193 reviews · from $13

Meet UP2U Surf School on Kuta Beach, in front of the Pullman hotel, for a two-hour beginner lesson. Coaches such as Gede, Lubis, Chip, and Paul have taught past sessions. Boards, rash shirts, lockers, showers, online training, and surf photos are included.

“This was such a fun and memorable experience! It was my first time attempting to surf and I had such a good time. The coach I had was patient, attentive, and super knowledgeable. Every time I would mess up he could tell me how to fix it, and he just kept encouraging me to get back on the board! The pictures they got of me were really nice too. If I’d had another day in Kuta, I would have signed up again. Highly recommend this lesson :).”

Check availability →Read our full review

Algarve: 2-Hour Beginner Surf Lesson - The trip from Lagos to the right beach
2-Hour Experiences, Algarve Surf Trips, Beginner Surf Lessons, Portugal Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Portugal, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews

Algarve: 2-Hour Beginner Surf Lesson

13.Algarve: 2-Hour Beginner Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 192 reviews · 2 hours · from $82

Meet Algarve Watersport in Lagos for a small-group beginner lesson led in English by certified instructors. Alex, Emil, Andras, and Angelo have earned praise for patient coaching. Expect beach theory, warm-up drills, soft boards, wetsuits, and a 4 to 5-hour outing shaped by the tides.

“Great instructions, fun activity and beautiful day we had with this one! ✨ I managed to step on the wave few times! Recommended 10/10”

Check availability →Read our full review

Oahu: Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson - A small group with real coaching time
2-Hour Experiences, Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in Oahu, Beginner Surf Lessons in the USA, Group Surf Lessons, Group Surf Lessons in Oahu, Group Surf Lessons in the USA, Oahu Surf Trips, Surf Lessons, Surf Lessons in Oahu, Surf Lessons in the USA, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews, USA Surf Trips

Oahu: Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson

14.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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beginner's Surf Experience in Newquay - First practice: lying on the board and catching waves
Beginner Surf Lessons, Beginner Surf Lessons in the UK, Newquay Surf Trips, Surf Trips, Tour Reviews, UK Surf Trips

Beginner’s Surf Experience in Newquay

15.Beginner’s Surf Experience in Newquay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 175 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $69

Meet Cornish Wave Surf School in central Newquay, get fitted with a wetsuit, then walk to the beach for a two-hour beginner lesson. Your instructor covers safety, prone surfing, wave catching, and standing up. Groups are capped at eight, with boards and wetsuits included.

“We felt welcomed by staff since our entry into the shop. Although we did not have a proper warm up, except for carrying our boards down to the beach, we spent plenty of time in water practicing. I would definitely do it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Beginner Surf Lessons

★ 5.0Playa Blanca: Stand up paddle class for beginnersFrom $6512 reviews
★ 5.02h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa MonicaFrom $28525 reviews
★ 5.0Surf Lesson for Beginners – Private GroupsFrom $5338 reviews
Phuket: Surf Lesson for Beginner in Kata BeachFrom $3857 reviews
★ 5.0Semi-private kitesurfing course for beginnersFrom $66050 reviews
★ 4.9Waikiki Beginner Private Surf Lesson- Female GuideFrom $13540 reviews
★ 5.0Private Beginner Paddleboard Lesson with Snorkel in Turtle TownFrom $17950 reviews
★ 4.41-Day Surf Lesson for BeginnersFrom $5948 reviews
★ 5.0Beginner Surf ClassesFrom $7055 reviews
★ 5.0Stand-up Paddleboard SUP Safari on The River Avon For BeginnersFrom $9354 reviews
★ 4.6Beginner-Friendly Island Snorkeling by SUP or KayakFrom $9961 reviews
★ 5.0Beginners, intermediate and advanced surf lessonsFrom $6664 reviews
★ 5.0Private Beginner Paddleboard 101 Lesson: Makena Landing!From $15968 reviews
★ 5.0Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediatesFrom $6571 reviews
★ 5.0Surf Lesson for Beginners in Famara: Introduction in SurfingFrom $6071 reviews

Keep browsing

Food & Drink9
Scroll to Top

Explore the surf

Pick a lesson, a paddle day or a coastline.

Learning

Surf LessonsBeginner CoursesPrivate CoachingGroup MorningsBoard Hire

Flat water

PaddleboardingKayak TripsMangrove CreeksClear HullsIsland Paddles

Wind and reef

KitesurfingWindsurfingSurf and SnorkelSea CavesSnorkelling

By the hour

Dawn SessionsSunset SessionsSurf CampsFamily LessonsSurf Photos