Where to Get Surf Lessons on Oahu
- Olivia Dennis
- 42 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Oahu, Hawaii, is a surfer's paradise and rightfully so. It’s home to booming waves and fantastic breaks.
The waves within Oahu are diverse and have something to offer for every level of surfer.
If you are just beginning your surf journey or you just want to try it out for fun, there are several surf schools in Oahu where you can participate in camps or lessons during your time in the area to build on your skills.
The 5 Best Surf Schools in Oahu
There are all sorts of amazing surf schools within Oahu but here are the five best-rated schools in the area. Most of these schools are based in Waikiki due to the smooth, consistent waves, making it a great place for beginners to start their surf journeys.
Kahu Surf School holds all of its lessons in Waikiki. All lessons are taught by professional instructors with years of surfing experience who aim to help people learn to release stress, improve mental health and learn a fun, new way to exercise all through surfing.
One-on-one lessons: Private lessons are available for ages six and up, where you will catch an average of 5-12 waves during the hour-long session and 12-20 during the two-hour option. The basics of surfing and general practices will be taught during this lesson as well. Pricing for one-on-one lessons begins at $110.
Group Lessons: Group lessons can range from two to four people with one instructor. You must be 12 or older to participate, able to swim 100 meters and confidently handle an 11-foot board. If any of the following do not apply, a private lesson is recommended for safety reasons.
Pricing for groups ranges from $188-$293 for one hour depending on your group size and for two hours, pricing ranges from $188-$460, again being dependent on your group size.
Kahu Surf School also offers video packages that range from $60 to $200, depending on the type of footage you would like to receive. All is filmed via a GoPro attached to your board during the lesson.
Another surf school based in Waikiki is Stoke Drift Surf School. The school prides itself on the fact that they are dedicated to the highest quality of surf instruction. They aim to provide their customers with life-changing surfing experiences.
Those who participate in their lessons will learn safety practices, ocean condition fundamentals and how to respect the cultural significance of surfing.
All lessons are an hour and a half with 15-30 minutes being on land and the remaining hour being in the water. All equipment is included.
One-on-one lessons: All children under the age of 13 are required to take one-on-one lessons for safety reasons and the student must be able to swim. Price wise it is $197 per person.
Group lessons: Group lessons are designed for two or more people with it being $107 per person to participate.
Multi-Day packages: If you are looking for a more in-depth experience, Stoke Drift also offers multi-day packages for lessons. Within this package, you will receive five lessons.
The first lesson establishes the fundamentals on land and in the water and for lessons two through five, the majority of the lesson will take place in the water. These lessons will help you to learn to read lineups, paddle out, turning and lining up with the waves.
For those who can already surf but would still like to purchase this package the instructors will advance towards different topics such as wave selection, bottom turns, etc.
Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience offers lessons on the North Shore and Waikiki. Founder Jamie O’Brien has years of surf experience and earned the title of the youngest victor of the Pipeline Masters at the age of six and continues gathering achievements as the years go on.
O’Brien founded his surf school to give others the chance to master the craft and make remarkable memories.
Lessons are available for all ages and skill levels. From the lessons offered, students will have the opportunity to learn to read the waves, understand ocean conditions and proper surf techniques.
Private group lessons: Known as the “Ohana Surf Lesson,” this option is the most popular. This private group lesson offers several time slots and ranges from $185 to $309.
One-on-one lesson: With several time slots available, those wishing for a more individualized experience can book a one-on-one lesson for $309.
Group surf lesson: For larger groups, this is the way to go. Group surf lessons can hold up to 16 people and are priced at $155. Group lessons take place at 12:45 pm daily.
Sparky’s Surf School is based in Waikiki. Founder Sparky prides himself on being one of the original Waikiki watermen. He founded his school to allow others to experience the genuine revival of Waikiki surfing and immerse themselves in the surf culture.
Hour long lessons are offered every day of the week from 7 am to 3 pm to all ages and levels and include a photography package to purchase as well. All you need to do is book your lesson online and add photography on at checkout.
Lesson options/pricing: There are five lesson options at Sparky’s Surf School: Group/Family lesson which is four to six people ($100 per person), semi-private lessons of two to three ($120 per person), private adult lesson ($150), private kids lesson ($150) and exclusive couples lessons ($120 each).
Gone Surfing Hawaii offers lessons in Waikiki. The company embodies the motto “Less Work/ More Surf”. Being in the ocean is far more than a job for this staff, they love and cherish every second of it and want to teach others to do the same with their lessons taught by qualified surf instructors.
All lessons are offered to any age and any skill level. Each lesson will begin on land, establishing fundamental skills and safety and the rest will take place in the water, learning how to read the waves, take off and practice proper etiquette.
Lessons/pricing: There are three lesson types, each an hour and a half, you may choose from at Gone Surfing: Private one-on-one lessons for ages five and up ($165), semi-private lessons of two to three for ages 13 and up($120) and sunset surfing for up to two people with reservations required.
Conclusion: Surf Schools in Oahu
If you were to start your surfing journey anywhere, the ideal spot would be Oahu, Hawaii.
There are so many beaches and breaks to experience on the island and so many spectacular surf schools to build a solid foundation in surfing skills and general surf knowledge.
Take advantage of the variety of options by testing out some of the schools mentioned and be prepared to make some spectacular memories.
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