Best Surf Lessons in the USA: 7 Worth Booking

1.Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 950 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $98Our pick

Meet Surf Shack Maui in Kihei for a two-hour beginner lesson with no more than six students. Instructors such as Mike, Ivan, Jay, Francisco, Justo, and Sofi teach safety, etiquette, paddling, and wave riding. Boards, rash guards, and water booties are included, and a photographer may capture your first rides for an added fee.

“The area is a little crowded but works fine for first timers. There are family friendly beaches a short walk away for people waiting on those taking the lesson. There are also some shops and food truck area just across the street to keep people occupied or for something to do afterwards. The lesson was mellow with a quick tutorial and standing up on a wave. Our group was 5 people and we all had multiple chances to try and ride small waves. Everyone in our group was able to stand up and catch a wave. They have a photographer in the water that will capture some of the attempts…”

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2.Open Group Surfing Lesson in Waikiki, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 582 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $112

Meet Hans Hedemann Surf at 150 Kapahulu Ave for a two-hour Waikiki lesson with certified instructors such as Niko, Sergio, Ella, or Tyson. You’ll learn safety and surf etiquette, practice on land, then paddle into the break with gear included. No experience is needed, but you should be able to swim.

“They need to be prepared for a lot of fun. It’s challenging, but also an incredibly exciting experience”

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3.Outrageous Surf ScHool Lesson on Lahaina Side

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 547 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Learn beginner surf skills with instructors such as Scott, Tyler, or Patrick during a 90-minute small-group lesson on Maui’s west side. You’ll receive a board, booties, and rash guard, then practice paddling, timing, and standing in shallow water. The class suits swimmers age 10 and up, with private lessons required for children ages five to eight.

“Great surf lesson! Everyone got up and had an amazing time!! They provided booties and rash guards and good instruction.”

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4.Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 2 hours · from $69Best value

Meet your English-speaking instructor beside the white Ford E-250 van or blue surf school bus at 20 Bicknell Ave. After a 30 to 40-minute beach lesson, you’ll practice in the Pacific with an 8 or 9-foot board. Instructors such as Dan, Kat, Ethan, Nico, and Melanie are praised for patient coaching and personal attention.

“This activity was so fun! Our guide was so nice and happy to teach us. I had a great time learning how to surf. I would book this again!”

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5.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 425 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Meet Surfer Girl Academy for a two-hour Waikiki lesson built for first-timers and mixed skill levels. You get a 20 to 30-minute beach briefing, board, leash, reef shoes, rash guard, and close support in a group capped at eight. Instructors such as Noah, Yuko, Mito, and Shuji are praised for patient coaching, while optional photos and videos cost $45.

“The Teacher was so amazing, the lessons were great and at the end I could stand on the board. Five stars for sure!”

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6.Po’ipu Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Meet Hoku Water Sports at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach for a 90-minute small-group lesson. You’ll learn paddling, ocean safety, and the pop-up on land, then practice in the water with instructors such as Kele, David, Dave, and Ikeake offering steady tips and encouragement. Boards, booties, and rash guards are provided.

“This is a must do on Kauai. I cannot tell you how much my family loved this experience. Our instructor was simply awesome. Loved every minute we had with him out on the water.”

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7.Private Hanalei Sandy Bottom Surf Lesson on Kauai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $118

Meet Hawaiian Surfing Adventures on Kuhio Highway for a private Hanalei Bay lesson. Instructors such as Nick, Luca, Patrick, Jack, and Tapu teach beginners and returning surfers on quality boards, with safety guidance and personal coaching. Plan on checking in 30 minutes early for the roughly 90-minute water session.

“Our surf instructor, Luca, did an amazing job. He was very patient with my two daughter and me. His instructions were clear and on point which allowed us to “catch” waves with each set. The front office and shuttle drive were also kind and helpful. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn how to surf.”

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