Waikiki Private Group Surf Lesson: Learn to Surf, Guaranteed

Ninety minutes from dry land to riding waves

A private group surf lesson in Waikiki teaches you to catch waves in one session, with a live guide in English, rashguard and board included. You spend 15–30 minutes on the beach learning safety and technique, then about an hour in the ocean practicing with the group. All ages welcome. Children 12 and under take a private lesson instead. The operator guarantees you will surf or refunds 100% of the cost.

The experience

The lesson starts on the sand. Your guide walks through ocean conditions, safety basics and the mechanics of popping up on the board, where your feet go, how your arms work, what balance feels like before you ever touch water. That foundation takes 15 to 30 minutes and is the difference between flailing and actually standing up. Then you paddle out with the group, the guide in the water with you, and start catching waves together. Most people stand up on their first or second try once they know what to do.

You need to be able to swim. That is the only hard requirement beyond age. Children 12 and younger book a private lesson instead of joining a group, which means one-on-one instruction tailored to their size and confidence. Adults 13 and older can join the group lesson. The operator includes a rashguard to protect your skin from the board, a leash so the board does not drift away, and the surfboard itself. Nothing to rent separately or bring from home.

Public transportation runs near the beach, so you do not need a car to get there. The whole session is 90 minutes from start to finish. If you do not stand up and ride a wave by the end, the operator refunds your full payment: that guarantee exists because teaching people to surf is what they actually do every day.

What’s included

• Rashguard.
• surfboard.
• leash.
• live guide instruction in English.
• 90-minute session split between beach technique and ocean practice.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 123 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate7 group tours ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.3 with pickup ›

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Stoke Drift

Is this one for you?Book this lesson if you want to stand up on a wave in a single session without arranging equipment or transportation. The group format keeps the cost down, and the guarantee means you walk away having actually surfed or you get your money back.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 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.

Do I need to know how to surf already to join this lesson?

No. The Waikiki private group surf lesson teaches complete beginners. You spend the first part of the session learning technique on the beach before you enter the water, and the guide stays in the ocean with you while you practice catching waves.

What happens if I do not stand up on a wave during the lesson?

The operator guarantees you will surf, or you receive a 100% refund. That promise covers the full cost of the lesson if you do not ride a wave by the end of the 90 minutes.

What do I need to bring or wear to the lesson?

Bring a swimsuit and be ready to swim. The lesson includes a rashguard to wear over your suit, a surfboard and a leash. Public transportation stops near the beach, so you do not need a rental car to arrive.

How long does the whole lesson take?

The lesson runs 90 minutes total: about 15 to 30 minutes on the sand learning technique and safety, then roughly an hour in the ocean catching waves with your guide and the group.