North Shore Oahu Surf Lesson: Learn in Surfing Birthplace
You'll stand on a surfboard in the water within the first hour.
A two-hour beginner surf lesson on Oahu's North Shore teaches you to catch and ride waves with a surfboard, rash guard and fins provided. The school has taught surfing for over 20 years at a beach known for sea turtles, and offers instruction in English and Japanese for all ages starting at 3. One-on-one private lessons run one hour instead.
The experience
The lesson starts in the water. You get a surfboard, rash guard, fins, leash and life jacket, everything's provided, and the instructor walks you through the mechanics of paddling, popping up and balancing before you're actually riding. The North Shore is where surfing was born, and this locally-owned school has been teaching it for over two decades. Group lessons run two hours. If you book one-on-one, it's one hour with just you and the instructor, and the operator guarantees you'll catch just as many waves either way.
The beach itself draws sea turtles regularly, so you're likely to spot a few between sets. Instructors are fluent in English and Japanese, and the school takes learners of all ages from 3 up, whether you've never stood on a board or you're brushing up on technique. The beach has public transportation nearby, and the lesson is wheelchair accessible.
What’s included
- Surfboard, rash guard, fins, leash and life jacket.
- instruction from a guide fluent in English or Japanese.
- two hours in the water for group lessons or one hour for private lessons.
Information
Lasts 2h, runs every day at 08:30, 11:00 and 14:00, from US$ 130 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated today
Operated by North Shore Banzai Surf School
Is this one for you?Group lessons keep the cost down and run two hours. Pick this if you want to spend a full morning in the water and don't mind learning alongside others. Book one-on-one if you prefer the instructor's full attention and have only an hour to spare.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Japanese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (3 to 9 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
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.
Can I bring my own surfboard or do I have to use theirs?
The lesson includes a surfboard, rash guard, fins, leash and life jacket, so everything you need is provided. Bringing your own is not mentioned as an option.
Will I actually ride waves on my first lesson, or just practice on the beach?
You'll be in the water catching waves during the lesson itself. The instructor teaches the basics (paddling and popping up), and then you're riding from there.
How often do people see the sea turtles at this beach?
The beach is a popular spot for turtles, and the school expects to see a few during most lessons, though sightings depend on the day and conditions.
Is there a difference between the group lesson and the private one-on-one lesson besides the length?
Group lessons are two hours and private lessons are one hour. The operator guarantees you'll catch the same number of waves in either format.
Do I need to know how to swim to take the lesson?
The lesson is suitable for all physical fitness levels and welcomes children from age 3. A life jacket is provided, and the instructor will be with you in the water.
North Shore Oahu Surf Lesson: Learn in Surfing Birthplace
2h · EN +1
from US$ 130 per person