WHERE TO SURF · BEGINNER SURF LESSONS IN THE USA
Good beginner surf lessons in the USA fill up weeks ahead in season and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Learn to surf in Kihei with a small group, friendly instructors, included gear, and a free second lesson if you do not get surfing.
“So great for beginners. You will definitely catch a wave. My 17 and 11 year old both got up. Instruction was clear.”
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.”
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.”
Learn to surf in Maui with a small group, patient instructors, provided gear, reef shoes, and beginner-friendly waves near Lahaina.
“The instructors are very patient, understanding, and encouraging. Their basic instructions to stand were very helpful.”
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.”
Learn to surf in Venice with a two-hour beginner lesson, included gear, small groups, safety coaching, and flexible weather plans.
“My husband and daughters loved it. Martin was their instructor and he was awesome!! They had alot of fun!! Finding the location was a little stressful, wished we would have had a message from them with better directions. Apple nor Google were accurate.”
Learn to surf at La Jolla Shores with a small group, patient instructors, included gear, and an extra hour to practice.
“Our couch, Very slow, took us almost 25 minutes of lesson time just walking to the surfing location. The lesson time did not match the length that website described. Not professional at all!! Did not learn too many things at all. For the price we paid, not worthy at all. Terrible experience, pricy charge, sloppy teaching, disappointing 😣”
Learn to surf in warm Maui water with patient instructors, stable boards, small-class attention, and gentle beginner waves in Kihei.
“Lessons were great. David was awesome and made sure we had the best experience.”
Learn to surf at Pacifica Beach with gear, safety instruction, and patient coaching in a small group of up to eight people.
“Very knowledgeable instructors! Helped me to take my skills to the next level! Really recommend this class.”
Learn to surf Waikiki with a private female guide, shore instruction, board rental, safety tips, and one-on-one coaching for $135.
“Super fun! The surf instructor, Ali, was sooo nice and great at explaining. I felt comfortable and safe in the water! I booked this as a female solo traveler who had only gone surfing once before, and this was a perfect excursion for that. Ali also was very encouraging and respectful! When I said I was done, she was like alright let's get out of the water, which I appreciated! Plus, I stood up on the board which I have never done before! Definitely worth it for a beginner surfer :)!”
Learn to surf at Santa Cruz’s gentle Cowell Beach with patient instructors, full equipment, safety guidance, and 1.5 to 2 hours in the water.
“My daughter did this class and loved it! The teachers were great, very fun and knowledgeable. It was a great beginning lesson”
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!”
Learn to surf in Malibu, camp under the stars, hike, swim, and eat well on this two-day beginner adventure from Los Angeles.
“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”
Surf, kayak, and snorkel with turtles on Maui in one active day. See what is included, what it costs, and who will enjoy this tour.
“Snorkeling with turtles was amazing . Learning to surf , I was a little skeptical . I totally enjoyed it and was shocked that I could actually get up on board and surf.”
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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