Kauai Surf Lesson: Small Groups, Off-Peak Hours

Your instructor is a professional surfer competing around the world.

A semi-private surf lesson on Kauai with groups capped at two students per instructor, taught at off-peak hours (9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm) when the water is less crowded. The lesson starts on land with ocean safety and surfing fundamentals, then moves into the water where your instructor helps you catch and ride your first waves. Board, rash guard and water shoes are provided.

The experience

Hawaiian Style Surfing keeps groups to two students maximum, which means you're not competing for your instructor's attention or space in the lineup. The off-peak time slots (9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm) are when most tourists aren't in the water, so you get cleaner waves and room to practice without the crowd. Kauai has year-round waves suitable for beginners, and the instructors know how to read the conditions for each time slot.

The lesson runs 90 minutes total. You'll spend the first part on the beach learning the mechanics of popping up, where to position yourself on the board, and how to read the ocean. Then you're in the water with your instructor, who'll paddle out with you, position you on waves, and help you stand up and ride. The goal is simple: get you riding your first wave before the lesson ends. Your instructor stays in the water with you the whole time, not watching from shore.

Everything you need comes with the lesson: a surfboard sized for you, a rash guard to protect against the sun and the board, and water shoes for the rocky entry. You'll need to be a confident swimmer in open ocean (the instructors won't hold you up), and able to control the board on your own, even if they're guiding your positioning. Kids under 12 are welcome but may benefit more from the private option if they need extra hands-on support.

What’s included

• Surf board, rash guard and water shoes.
• semi-private instruction with a maximum of two students per instructor.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 202.16 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 2 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00

GroupUp to 23 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Hawaiian Style Surfing

Is this one for you?The lesson is taught in English by a live instructor, so you'll follow the guidance and feedback directly. Book this if you want small-group instruction at a quieter time of day and are comfortable swimming independently in the ocean.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like on Kauai for beginners?

Kauai has waves year-round that work for people learning to surf, so the conditions don't change much between seasons. The instructors pick the time slot that matches the day's swell and wind.

Do I need to know how to swim before I book?

Yes. You'll be in open ocean water and the instructors won't provide flotation or physical support in the water, so you need to be a strong, independent swimmer.

Why are the lesson times at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm?

Those are the off-peak hours when fewer tourists are in the water, so you get more space to practice and cleaner waves to work with.

What happens if I can't stand up on the board?

The instructor will help you position yourself and guide your movement, but you need to be able to control the board on your own with limited assistance. Smaller-framed people and children should be comfortable managing the board's weight and movement.

How many people will be in the water with me?

Just one other student maximum, plus your instructor. That's two students per instructor, so you're never sharing attention with a crowd.