Experience the thrill of catching a wave on Oahu’s North Shore, known worldwide as a surfing mecca. Head to Haleiwa and learn the basics from a licensed surf instructor who stays by your side, ensuring you catch gentle but rideable waves. Beginners, hang loose — your 2-hour lesson takes place in a protected cove at Haleiwa Beach Park, safely away from larger ocean swells. Choose from multiple options: a small-group, semi-private or private family lesson in the morning, midday or afternoon.
Head to the town of Haleiwa, roughly a 1-hour drive from Waikiki on Oahu’s North Shore, home to some of the world’s premier surfing competitions. With gentle, rideable waves away from the crowds, the region promises 1- to 2-foot (.3- to .6-meter) swells — perfect for beginners.
After meeting your licensed instructor, slip on your reef shoes and rash guard (life jackets and wetsuits are also provided). Then start your detailed lesson on land at Haleiwa Beach Park, learning the basics of paddling and how to stand up and catch a wave. With only one or two other students sharing your instructor, you’ll receive plenty of personalized instruction before taking your surfboard into the water where comfortable temps average 74 degrees F (23.3 C).
In a protected cove, safe from larger ocean breaks, you’re guided onto gentle waves by your instructor, who stays by your side the entire time and tailors the experience to your skill level. Most likely you’ll succeed in standing up during your first surf lesson, and possibly even catch waves by yourself after some coaching.
You have several options available for a 2-hour morning, midday or afternoon surf session:
Small-group lesson limited to three students per instructor; ages 8 and older
Semi-private lesson limited to two students per instructor; no age restriction
Private family lesson limited to three students per instructor; no age restriction
We enjoyed this experience and are glad we gave it a try. Our guide was very knowledgeable about surfing and did an excellent job helping us get comfortable on the board. She gave us many opportunities to try and stand up on the board and helped us get back into formation to catch the waves. Part of the fun was watching the other surfers on the water who were amazing. We recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn how to surf and experience it at the North Shore!
Review by: WENDELL G, November 2016
THE SURFIN GIRLS WERE GREAT! THEY WERE VERY HELPFUL IN MAKING SURFING ON THE NORTH SHORE AWESOME. CAROL and CAT WERE GREAT INSTRUCTORS!!
Review by: Michael S, June 2016
The instructors were very patient and helpful. An excellent activity for a first time surfer. The place was a little hard to find if you utilize the address directions on your navigation app. An excellent adventure
Review by: Kenneth S, December 2015
Very attentive.
Review by: Aclockwood08, December 2015
Would give this 10 Stars!!!! It was the best day ever!!! Our teacher Alexis was excellent! We were both able to stand and surf the waves immediately! Great remote location on the North Shore where they hold the lesson and easy to find. They were very friendly and gave us pointers to get better. It was for sure the highlight of our trip!
Review by: Joe C, December 2015
Great instruction and instructors. Very nice and accommodating team. Perfect for your first time.
Review by: Gerrit S, August 2015
Professionell surf teacher. At the end of the lesson I rode the wave complete. Location was okay for beginner.
Review by: ruoying m, June 2015
the beach is not very impressive. the coach are nice and easy.