Beginner Surf Lesson North Shore Haleiwa: Guaranteed to stand up
Catch waves your first time out, with an instructor who lives in the ocean
A beginner surf lesson at Puaena Point Beach Park on Oahu's North Shore, taught by a full-time professional instructor. You'll learn paddling and stance on land, then spend 1.5 to 2 hours in the water catching waves. The lesson includes a surfboard, leash, rash guard, and instruction from a CPR/AED-certified guide who guarantees you'll stand up and ride on your first day.
The experience
You arrive at Puaena Point Beach Park on the North Shore and meet your instructor. Someone who spends their days in these waters, not someone who teaches surfing part-time. That difference matters. The instructor will fit you with a surfboard, leash and rash guard, then walk you through surfing safety and etiquette on the sand. A land demo covers paddling and how to stand on the board, usually taking 15 to 20 minutes. Then you head into the water together.
The lesson runs 1.5 to 2 hours in the surf, long enough to catch lots of waves and understand how paddling, balance and reading the ocean work together. The guarantee is real: you will stand up and ride. Your instructor stays with you the whole time, making sure your gear fits right and you feel confident. The beach itself is family-friendly, with Hawaiian green sea turtles visible year-round. You'll see them whether you're looking or not.
Water is provided. Food and drinks are not, so bring what you need or plan to eat after. The beach is accessible by public transportation, and the facilities are wheelchair accessible if you need them.
What’s included
- Surfboard, leash, and rash guard.
- instruction from a CPR/AED-certified professional guide.
- water.
- guaranteed sea turtle sightings.
Information
Lasts 2h, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 150 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Operated by North Shore Surf Lessons
Is this one for you?Small groups work best here. You'll have one instructor's full attention in the water. Book this if you have a free afternoon on the North Shore and want to start surfing with someone who treats it as a life's work, not a side gig.
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Top questions
What happens during the land part of the lesson?
The instructor teaches you surfing safety and etiquette first, then demonstrates paddling and how to stand up on the board on the sand. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes and prepares you for the water.
Will I actually catch waves on my first time surfing?
Yes. The lesson guarantees you'll stand up and ride waves on your first day. You'll catch lots of them during the 1.5 to 2 hours in the water, learning as you go.
What's included in the lesson?
A surfboard, leash, rash guard, instruction from a certified professional, and water are all included. The instructor is CPR/AED certified and teaches in English.
Will I see sea turtles at Puaena Point?
Hawaiian green sea turtles are visible year-round at the beach. You're guaranteed to see them during your time there.
What's the difference between these instructors and other surf schools on the North Shore?
These instructors spend all their time in the ocean learning the waves they teach on, rather than surfing part-time. That full-time dedication to the water and to teaching is what sets the lesson apart in the area.
Beginner Surf Lesson North Shore Haleiwa: Guaranteed to stand up
2h · EN
from US$ 150 per person