Surf Lessons in Poipu: Semi-Private Instruction at Sheraton Beach

Catch your first wave with an instructor who stays in the water with you

Semi-private surf lessons at Poipu Beach Surf School teach you to ride waves at Sheraton Beach with one instructor per group of 2–3 surfers. The lesson starts with a 10–15 minute land briefing on board handling, paddling and ocean safety at the school location on Ala Kalanikaumaka Street, then moves into the water for roughly an hour of wave practice. You must be able to swim on your own. Ages 6–9 are better served by a private lesson for more individual attention.

The experience

The lesson runs 90 minutes total. You'll start on the beach at Poipu Surf, the school's base on Ala Kalanikaumaka Street, where your instructor walks you through the surfboard itself: how to paddle, how to position yourself to stand up, and what to watch for in the ocean. This land time is short and focused: 10 to 15 minutes of instruction before you're in the water. The instructor stays with you for the full session in the ocean, never leaving the group alone, and the bulk of your time is spent actually catching waves and practicing what you learned on shore.

Four people maximum per instructor keeps the attention personal. The school emphasizes safety throughout: you'll cover ocean conditions and hazards before entering the water, and your instructor remains present the entire time you're surfing. You bring only your ability to swim. The school provides the surfboard and leash. The lesson is built around your pace. You're not racing through a checklist, but working on the fundamentals until they feel natural in the water.

Lessons run at four different times throughout the day: 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Pick the slot that fits your schedule. The school does not rent boards after the lesson ends, so this is instruction-focused rather than a day-long beach experience.

What’s included

• Surf board and leash during the lesson.
• instructional and safety briefing.
• approximately 60 minutes of in-water practice time with your instructor.
• all taxes and fees.

Options for this experience

4 options

Semi-private surf lesson at 12 pmGuide in English · 12:00This lesson is ideal for friends or family who want a session with just their own group, as semi-private is for 2-3 people. It costs $75 less than a private surf lesson and lasts 1.5 hours.

Semi-private surf lesson at 2 pmGuide in English · 14:00This lesson is ideal for friends or family who want a session with just their own group, as semi-private is for 2-3 people. It costs $75 less than a private surf lesson and lasts 1.5 hours.

Semi-private surf lesson at 4 pmGuide in English · 16:00

Semi-private surf lesson at 10 amGuide in English · 10:00Semi-private is for 2-3 people; this lesson suits friends or family who want a lesson with no one outside their group.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (6 to 76 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Poipu Beach Surf School

Is this one for you?Semi-private lessons work best for two or three people who want to learn together at the same pace. If you're traveling with a partner or one friend, this format gives you personal attention without the cost of a fully private lesson. If you're solo, you'll be paired with one or two other beginners. For children ages 6–9, a private lesson is the better choice because younger surfers need more individual guidance and wave time to progress safely.

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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.

Can my 7-year-old take a semi-private lesson, or should I book private instead?

The school recommends private lessons for ages 6–9 because younger students benefit from one-on-one attention and ride more waves in a single session. Semi-private lessons are available for that age group, but a private lesson guarantees your child will progress at their own pace without competing for the instructor's focus.

What exactly happens during the 10–15 minute land lesson at the start?

Your instructor covers how to hold and paddle the surfboard, how to position your body to stand up on the board, and ocean safety tips specific to Sheraton Beach that day. This briefing prepares you for the water work that follows, so you're not learning technique while in the ocean.

Does the instructor stay in the water with us the whole time?

Yes. The instructor remains with your group for the full 90 minutes, including all the time you spend in the water catching waves. You're never left alone in the ocean.

What do I need to bring, and what does the school provide?

The school provides the surfboard and leash for your lesson. You need to bring only your swimsuit and the ability to swim on your own. That's a requirement for all surfers. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after.

Is Sheraton Beach in Poipu a good place to learn to surf?

Sheraton Beach is where the school teaches because the conditions there are suitable for beginners. The school has chosen this spot specifically for instruction, and your instructor will brief you on the ocean conditions and safety for that day before you enter the water.