Group Surf Lesson in Waikiki: Jamie O'Brien School

Waikiki beach, a surfboard, and 90 minutes of instruction from a professional school

Jamie O'Brien School of Surf runs group surf lessons in Waikiki for beginners and first-time surfers, with a live English-speaking guide, board, booties and rashguard included. The school specializes in introducing people to the sport on premium equipment in a public setting, with professional instruction tailored to learners. Minimum age is 14, and the lesson lasts 90 minutes.

The experience

Waikiki is where surfing was born, and Jamie O'Brien School of Surf teaches you to ride it there. The 90-minute lesson starts with instruction from a professional guide who works with beginners and first-timers on premium boards and gear. You get the surfboard, booties and rashguard, so you show up ready to paddle out. The school runs group sessions in a public setting, which means you're learning alongside other people picking up the sport for the first time, not alone in a lesson.

The instruction is personalized even in a group: the guide meets you where you are and builds the lesson around what you need to catch waves. You'll spend the time actually surfing, not sitting through theory. The school's location on Kalakaua Avenue puts you steps from the water, and public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving. The retail space at Twin Fin Waikiki has signature merchandise and professional media packages available if you want to capture the morning.

Waikiki's waves are forgiving for beginners, and the water is warm year-round. The lesson is suitable for all fitness levels, and the beach is wheelchair accessible. Bring a towel and plan to be wet and tired in the best way: surfing uses muscles you didn't know you had, and 90 minutes is enough to feel what the sport is actually about without overdoing it on your first day.

What’s included

• Use of a surfboard, booties and rashguard.
• 90-minute group instruction with a live English-speaking guide.
• personalized coaching tailored to beginners and first-time surfers.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:15 and 12:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Jamie O'Brien Surf Experience

Is this one for you?Book this group lesson if you want to learn surfing alongside other beginners in the same morning, with a professional guide and premium equipment included: no need to own a board or figure out what gear fits before you start. The group setting keeps the cost down and puts you in a class of people at your exact level.

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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 do I need to bring to the surf lesson in Waikiki?

Bring a towel, sunscreen and water. Jamie O'Brien School of Surf provides the surfboard, booties and rashguard, so you don't need to own or rent gear separately. Wear something you don't mind getting wet underneath the rashguard.

Is the Waikiki surf lesson suitable for someone who has never surfed before?

Yes, the school specializes in introducing beginners and first-time surfers to the sport. The live guide provides personalized instruction on premium equipment, and the lesson is designed for people starting from scratch. Minimum age is 14.

How long is the group surf lesson at Jamie O'Brien School?

The lesson runs for 90 minutes, which includes instruction and time in the water catching waves. That timeframe is enough to learn the basics and feel what surfing actually is without exhausting yourself on your first attempt.

What makes Jamie O'Brien School of Surf different from other surf schools in Waikiki?

The school is run by Jamie O'Brien, a professional surfer from Hawaii, and specializes in premium experiences for beginners using top-quality equipment. The focus is on personalized instruction in the public setting of Waikiki beach, where surfing originated, rather than a generic lesson format.

Can I get to the Waikiki surf lesson without a car?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby, and the school is located on Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki. The beach is also wheelchair accessible, and transportation options in the area are wheelchair accessible as well.