North Shore Surf Lessons for Beginners on Oahu
Catch your first Hawaiian wave with an instructor in the water the whole time
North Shore surf lessons on Oahu teach beginners the fundamentals of surfing—reading the surf zone, timing, paddling and standing—with a professional instructor guiding you through a 90-minute session. Lessons are private, semi-private or small group; a longboard, rashguard and pre-surf beach instruction are included, and your instructor will push you into your first wave to make the catch easier.
The Experience
The North Shore is one of Hawaii's best learning grounds for first-time surfers, and these lessons start on the beach with instruction on fundamentals, surfing etiquette and how to read the conditions before you paddle out. Your instructor explains the transition from lying on the board to standing, then stays with you in the water for the full 90 minutes, offering guidance and a push when you're ready to catch a wave. The lesson is fine-tuned to your level, whether you've never touched a board or you're building on recent attempts.
You get a top-quality ST longboard (other types available on request) and a rashguard, so you're outfitted before you enter the water. The instructor's job is your safety and your success catching waves, not rushing through a script—the pace and focus stay on what you need in that moment. Children from age 2 are welcome, and the lessons work for all fitness levels, which is why families often book them together.
What’s included
- Top-quality ST longboard (other board types available on request).
- rashguard.
- pre-surf instruction on the beach.
- guidance and assistance from your instructor in the water for the full 90 minutes.
Operated by Sea and Board Sports Hawaii
Is this one for you?The 90-minute format leaves your morning or afternoon free for other activities on Oahu—it's a focused lesson, not a full-day commitment. Book a private or semi-private session if you want the instructor's attention on your technique; a small group works if you're learning with family or friends and don't mind sharing the instructor's time.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 13 similar options
North Shore Surf Lessons for Beginners on Oahu★ 4.96 (27)1h 30mENUS$ 165
Surf Lessons in Waikiki: Learn with Professional InstructorsSurf lessons in Waikiki with professional instructors, gear and shuttle included—learn to ride in two hours with a guide trained in safety and lifeguard protocols.★ 4.98 (280)2hEN · KO +1US$ 105View ›
Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour Small Group Max 6Feel the Pacific up close on a Waikiki Turtle Canyon snorkel tour with just 6 guests, expert guides, and all gear included. Book with free rebooking if no turtles.★ 4.98 (493)2hENUS$ 72View ›
Shark Cage Snorkeling North Shore Oahu: Native-Hawaiian OwnedSnorkel with sharks in a cage off Oahu's North Shore aboard a catamaran operated by a Native-Hawaiian company, complete with gear and water.★ 4.92 (310)2hENUS$ 100View ›
Waikiki Private Deep Sea Fishing Charter: 8-Hour Oahu TourEight-hour private deep sea fishing charter from Honolulu with experienced captain, all tackle and bait included—battle Blue Marlin8hENUS$ 1,859per groupView ›
Oahu Circle Island Tour: Snorkeling, Dole Plantation & North ShoreFeel the salt air on Oahu’s Circle Island Tour—snorkel Turtle Bay, taste pineapple at Dole Plantation, and ride with a local guide. Includes pickup & lunch.★ 4.70 (409)8hENUS$ 38View ›
Shark Cage Diving Oahu North Shore: Galapagos & Sandbar SharksShark cage diving off Oahu's North Shore puts you face-to-face with Galapagos and Sandbar sharks from a floating cage—mask and snorkel, no scuba needed★ 4.77 (1,553)2hUS$ 100View ›
Parasailing Oahu: Fly 500 feet over WaikikiParasail over Waikiki and Diamond Head from 500 feet with Hawaii's original company since 1977★ 4.75 (1,404)1hENUS$ 50View ›
Oahu Parasailing: Diamond Head & Waikiki from AboveParasail over Waikiki with views of Diamond Head and clear Pacific waters. Small groups (12 max), safety gear included, about 1 hour. Weather dependent.★ 4.67 (509)1hEN · JAUS$ 45View ›
Oahu Parasailing: 600-1000ft Waikiki & Diamond Head ViewsSoar 600–1,000 feet above Waikiki and Diamond Head on Oahu. Includes boat ride, safety gear, crew, and optional water splash. About 1 hour. All ages.★ 4.72 (227)1hENUS$ 35View ›
Parasailing in Waikiki: Soar 1,000 feet above OahuParasail over Waikiki Beach on Oahu with a shared boat ride, climbing up to 1,000 feet for panoramic views of Diamond Head and the south shore★ 4.89 (8,912)1hEN · JAUS$ 44View ›
Waikiki & Diamond Head: Parasailing Adventure with ViewsFeel the rush of parasailing above Waikiki and Diamond Head, with up to 1,000-foot flights, a local crew, and skyline views. Includes boat ride and all gear.★ 4.82 (220)1hEN · JAUS$ 34View ›
Oahu: Turtle Canyon Snorkel with Sea Turtles & Reef FishTwo hours snorkeling Turtle Canyon from Waikiki with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, gear included, professional guide, and drinks on deck. Small groups, all swimming levels.★ 4.83 (4,891)2hENUS$ 79View › 
Top questions
What do I actually learn in a 90-minute North Shore surf lesson?
The lesson covers fundamentals of surfing, how to read the surf zone and timing, surfing etiquette, the mechanics of paddling and standing on the board, and catching the wave itself. Your instructor demonstrates each step on the beach, then guides you through them in the water and helps you catch your first wave with a push to get you into it.
Do I need to bring my own surfboard and wetsuit?
No. A top-quality ST longboard and a rashguard are included in the lesson. Other board types are available on request if you prefer something different.
Can my young children take the lesson with me, or do they need their own instructor?
Children from age 2 are welcome in the lessons. For children ages 4 to 12, call ahead to discuss the best setup for your group, whether that's a shared lesson or separate instruction.
Is the North Shore a good place to learn to surf if I've never done it before?
Yes. The North Shore is one of Hawaii's best spots for beginners to learn. The conditions and the beach setup make it easier to catch your first wave, and the instructors here are used to working with first-time surfers.
What happens if the ocean conditions aren't good on the day of my lesson?
The instructor will assess conditions on the morning of your lesson and fine-tune the session to match what's happening that day. If conditions are unsafe, contact the operator about rescheduling.
North Shore Surf Lessons for Beginners on Oahu
1h 30m · EN
from US$ 165 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.9627 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
