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 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 :)!”
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 to surf at Santa Barbara’s Mondos Beach with a private 1.5-hour lesson, gentle waves, equipment included, and expert coaching.
“C était top…le moniteur Joshua a été super avec nos ados…l un de leur plus beaux souvenirs de ce magnifique voyage!!”
Learn to surf Oahu’s North Shore with certified instructors, small groups, boards, and rash guards included for $125.
“Keoni ist ein großartiger Surf-Instruktor, super freundlich, geduldig und sehr hilfsbereit. Da ich der einzige Teilnehmer in diesem Zeitslot war, bekam ich sogar eine exklusive 1-zu-1-Session von einer Stunde. Während dieser Zeit konnte ich gleich mehrere Wellen erwischen, was unglaublich viel Spaß gemacht hat. Am Ende war ich zwar völlig ausgepowert, aber rundum glücklich. Ich kann diese Surfstunde wirklich jedem empfehlen – sie ist perfekt, um schnell Fortschritte zu machen und dabei richtig Spaß zu haben!”
Learn to surf in Pacifica or Santa Cruz with lifeguard-certified coaches, quality gear, and a gentle 2.5-hour lesson for beginners.
“Our party of 3 had Surfer Jeff as the instructor. He was wonderful.”
Learn to surf at Maui’s Kalama Park with friendly instructors, gentle waves, included gear, and a relaxed two-hour group lesson.
“Eddie was awesome! Highly recommend and loved they offer professional photos to purchase as my phone camera couldn’t get any clear, close up photos. Will take lessons again at our next visit.”
Learn to surf on Okaloosa Island with a small-group lesson, board rental, safety tips, and hands-on coaching for beginners of all ages.
“We had the best experience! AC was super cool and informative. We’d love to do it again. Highly recommend!”
Pick a level, a board or a coastline.
