Oahu North Shore: Surf Lessons with Pro Lifeguard & Dogs

Learn to surf Oahu’s waves with a local pro and her dogs

You’ll learn to surf on Oahu’s North Shore with a pro lifeguard and her friendly dogs by your side. After a quick beach lesson, you’ll paddle out for real waves: maybe even spot sea turtles gliding nearby. It’s equal parts laughter, challenge, and salty air. You’ll walk away sandy, tired, and weirdly proud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Surf lessons on Oahu's North Shore

• Meet instructor and dogs
• Get equipped with surf gear
• Attend 15-minute beach lesson
• Surf beginner waves for 75 minutes
• Encounter sea turtles while surfing

The experience

I’ll be honest. I was more nervous about meeting the dogs than getting on the board. They’re kind of famous around here, these fluffy sidekicks who trot down the sand like they own the place. Our guide, Kai (she told us her name means “sea” in Hawaiian, I probably pronounced it wrong), just grinned and handed me a rash guard that still smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen. The whole group was half-laughing, half-shivering as we listened to her explain how to pop up without face-planting.

The first fifteen minutes were all sand and awkwardness: my feet kept sinking into the warm grit while Kai demonstrated paddling moves, her two dogs weaving between us looking for dropped snacks. Then, suddenly, we were out past the break, boards bobbing under us like little rafts. The water was colder than I expected, but not in a bad way: more like a wake-up call. And then she pointed: “There’s a turtle.” Sure enough, this round shadow drifted by so close I almost forgot to paddle. You don’t get that on every surf lesson on Oahu’s North Shore.

I wiped out at least four times before I caught anything resembling a wave. Kai cheered anyway (“That counts!”), and one of her dogs barked from shore like he agreed. I can still feel that first moment standing up: legs shaking, sun in my eyes, salt everywhere. It lasted maybe three seconds but felt longer. Afterward we all flopped onto our towels laughing at ourselves and swapping stories about who fell off most creatively. Honestly, I didn’t expect to care so much about getting it right or about those small moments when everyone just…clicked.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary surf equipment (board, rash guard, leash), and starts with a short beach lesson before heading into the ocean for guided practice with a professional Hawaiian lifeguard (and her friendly dogs). There’s also a free turtle tour if you’re lucky enough to spot them while out on Oahu’s North Shore waves.

Options for this experience

4 options

Large-Group Surf LessonGuide in English · 10:30 and 13:00A 90-minute group surf lesson for 6 to 15 people (a minimum of 6 is required), with surfboard, leash and rashguard included, plus a free turtle tour.

Surf lesson in a small groupGuide in English · 10:30 and 13:00Surf lessons. Small group surf lesson: includes a 90-minute lesson for 3 to 5 people, with rentals of a surfboard, leash and rashguard, plus a free turtle tour.

Semi-Private LessonUp to 2 people · Guide in English · 08:00, 10:30 and 13:00Includes a 90-minute semi-private surf lesson for 2 people, with rentals of a surfboard, leash and rashguard, plus a free turtle tour.

Private Surf LessonUp to 1 people · Guide in English · 08:00, 10:30 and 13:00Includes a 90-minute private surf lesson, with rentals of a surfboard, leash and rashguard, plus a free turtle tour.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs Monday to Friday at 10:30, 13:00 and 08:00, from US$ 95 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and Friday: 10:30 and 13:00Tuesday and Thursday: 08:00, 10:30 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 301 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (4 to 90 years) · Under 4: 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sunset Suzys Surf School

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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.

Are surf lessons on Oahu’s North Shore suitable for beginners?

Yes, these lessons are designed for beginners and include all equipment plus instruction from an experienced local guide.

How long is the surf lesson?

The class lasts 90 minutes total: about 15 minutes on the beach and the rest in the water.

Is equipment included in the price?

Yes, your surfboard, rash guard, and leash rental are all included.

Can children participate in these surf lessons?

Yes, children under 18 can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Will we see sea turtles during the lesson?

You might! The tour includes a free turtle tour if conditions allow.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are welcome during the lesson.

Do I need to reconfirm my booking?

The supplier requires reconfirmation by phone 24 hours before your tour date.