WHERE TO SURF · USA SURF LESSONS
Hawaii has the slowest, longest beginner waves on earth and prices to match. California is colder and half the money. These 15 cover Waikiki, Maui, Kauai and the Californian beach breaks, with the wetsuit question answered for each.
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 at Waikiki with Hans Hedemann Surf. This two-hour beginner lesson includes gear, coaching, lockers, and small-group water time.
“Great staff here. Very patient and they made sure everyone had fun and was successful. You should do this if you get a chance.”
Learn to surf at Lahaina Harbor with a certified instructor, small groups, quality gear, and plenty of wave time for $75.
“The experience was GREAT! My daughter had so much fun. I appreciated the advance notice of the time change too. We can’t wait to come out for another lesson the next time we’re in Maui. Mahalo”
Learn to surf at Venice Beach in a two-hour beginner-friendly lesson with boards, wetsuits, instructors, storage, and flexible booking.
“Axel was so nice and he is a very good teacher. I recommand him very much I had a great time surfing ! Thanks ! Alex & Marie (newly wed)”
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 in Poipu with patient instructors, small groups, warm water, gear included, and practical tips for families and first-timers.
“We had Kele as our instructor and he was amazing. We are staying at the Sheraton and the lesson was literally next door and perfect. Definitely recommend.”
Learn why this private Hanalei Bay surf lesson suits beginners, families, and improving surfers, with local instructors, gear, and sandy-bottom waves.
“Our surf instructor was wonderful! Would 100% do it again! One of many highlights of our trip to Kauai!”
Learn to surf in Waikiki with a small-group lesson, included gear, patient instructors, and beginner-friendly waves, with practical booking tips.
“Great lesson with great instructors! It was very fun! The boards were really nice and the staff was super encouraging!”
Learn what to expect from Stoke Drift’s private Waikiki surf lesson, including coaching, price, safety, timing, photos, and who should book.
“Great! Stood up and caught so many waves! It was my first time and the teacher was super helpful! Highly recommend”
Learn to surf on Oahu’s North Shore with patient instructors, beginner waves, gear included, and a chance to spot sea turtles in Hauula.
“We didn’t have any experience of surf and we were nervous to find a good person to teach us. But Suzy was an amazing person to teach how to surf and catch the waves! We had really good time to learn and catch some waves! We totally enjoyed and recommend it for all! Surfing in North shore is great choice, you can see some turtles as well!”
Learn to surf at Kalama Beach in Kihei with warm water, gentle waves, patient coaches, equipment, parking, and small groups.
“My teens took a surf lesson and loved it. Pablo was the instructor. Wish we would have taken the class in the beginning of our trip. Awesome experience for them.”
Review of Maui Lahaina’s small-group surf lesson, with beginner-friendly instruction, gear, pricing, timing, photos, and practical tips.
“My experience was so incredible! I had so much fun despite rainy and choppy weather, and all of the surf guides were so nice!! I had such a wonderful time! Thank you to all of the people at Royal Surf!”
Review of Pismo Beach surf lessons: patient instructors, wetsuits, beginner-friendly waves, practical tips, pricing, timing, and who should book.
“I really enjoyed the lesson and had great time. The instructor was great and made sure that I progressed well enough to stand up on the board and ride a long wave. Highly recommend this lesson.”
Learn to surf in Myrtle Beach with CPR-certified instructors, small groups, board rental, flexible times, and beginner-friendly ocean practice.
“The surfing lessons were the most fun I had in a while, easy to follow instructions and I caught on to it easily. I would recommend it to everyone.”
Review of Ohana Surf Project’s Waikiki lessons, with shuttle pickup, patient instructors, family options, gear, pricing, and practical tips.
“The kids enjoyed the surfing class. Everything run smooth from getting us from the hotel, to the lesson, and coming back. Instructors were nice, took good care of us and made sure we all had fun. Would highly recommend.”
Pick a level, a board or a coastline.
