Best Beginner Surf Lessons in Oahu — Our Top 9

1.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

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

Learn to surf Waikiki with patient instructors, small groups, gear included, and about 70 minutes of guided wave time for $125.

“The instructors were excellent. They were friendly, professional, personable. They tailored the surfing experience, they were patient, they explained things well, they share appropriate lesson technique because they are experienced. My instructor Shuzi, had been surfing for decades, a coach and mentor for surfing and other youth sports. It helped to be somewhat in shape, good balance, the instructor really made the difference.”

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2.Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson

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

Learn to surf Waikiki in a small two-hour class with professional instructors, safety coaching, equipment, and plenty of time on the waves.

“Amazing experience!! Must do in Hawaii. The thrill you get from surfing is addicting.”

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3.North Shore Beginner Surf Lesson, Hawaii

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

Learn to surf on Oahu’s North Shore with a small-group lesson, patient instructors, provided gear, and practical ocean safety tips.

“The boys had a lot of fun. They both were able to stand up & surf. Only negative is that it was a group lesson & time had to be shared. Would do it again.”

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4.Group Surf Lesson: Two Hours Of Beginners Instruction

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

Learn to surf at a quiet Waikiki beach with CPR-certified instructors, small groups, land practice, and two hours in the water.

“The instructor was great. Mist of us were able to catch our first wave on our first try! He makes sure to set you up and give you a push. He also gave pointers and tips and let us try without the push. I didn't think we'd be able to get around 6 waves each!”

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5.Beginner Surf Lesson in North Shore, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $130

Learn what to expect from a beginner surf lesson on Oahu’s North Shore, including price, gear, group size, meeting point, and booking advice.

“Three of us went to North shore Banzai for a private beginners lesson. My two teenagers -13 and experienced, 16 some experience and me (old, no experience). I received a friendly message with a dropped pin for meet location and he was there and meeting up worked seamlessly. Friendly and helpful throughout the lesson he made it fun and effort free for all of us despite our differing fitness and skill levels. Towing us out, pushing us off and with helpful feedback each time we ‘caught a wave’. What an experience surfing together on the North shore!”

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6.Beginner Surf Lesson at North Shore Haleiwa, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $150

Learn to surf at Haleiwa’s Puaʻena Point, with gear, patient instruction, turtle sightings, and a private two-hour North Shore session.

“It was our second time surfing, and we had an amazing experience! Kekai was really friendly and patient, guiding us through the session with ease. Surfing itself was a highlight – the vibe was relaxed yet motivating, and we just loved spending time in the water. Mahalo!-”

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7.Group Surf Lessons for beginners on the North Shore of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $150

Learn to surf on Oahu’s North Shore with gear included, patient instruction, private group attention, and flexible morning or afternoon times.

“Teacher is very careful, observant, helpful, and patient. We started with dry exercises on the beach before going into water which was very good to train the basics before trying anything getting into the waves.”

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8.Private Surfing Lesson: Two Hours of Beginner Instruction

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Learn to surf in a private two-hour Oahu lesson with certified instructors, provided equipment, personal coaching, and flexible beginner-friendly pacing.

“My daughter had a great time her first time surfing! Noah was a great instructor, super helpful and effective, now she wants her own surfboard! Definitely recommend for anyone interested in surfing”

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9.Learn to surf with a local big wave rider on the North Shore of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Learn to surf on Oahu’s North Shore with big-wave rider Chance King, patient coaching, beginner-friendly breaks, and flexible private lessons.

“I had so much fun!! I never surfed before; apparently, I am an overachiever as I rode the wave all the way in. I could not have done that if it was not for the great education and instructions on how to surf! I had a lot of fun and would definitely do it again. FYI, Wear one piece and something covering your thighs for board burn.”

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