Top Surf and SUP Lessons in Kauai

Grace Towle

Living on Oahu, Grace Towle knows all the best places where locals go.

The Hawaiian Islands are the birthplace of modern surfing and surf culture, so whether you’re an expert or a novice, Hawaii is the place to surf. Kauai’s Poipu Beach, located on the South Shore, is a pretty perfect place to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean or learn to surf. Whether you’re in Poipu or Lihue, take a surf lesson and hang ten! If you prefer to stand up paddle, embark up the Waialua River with a stop to Secret Falls waterfall. Here are our top recommendations for surf and stand up paddle schools in Kauai.

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Photo Credit: @kauaisurfschool

Learn How to Surf – Kauai Surfing School at Poipu Beach

Check-in: Kauai Surf School at the Kiahuna Beach Shack

Poipu Beach is the perfect place to learn how to surf on Kauai. With excellent instructors who will teach you about safety and the basics of suring, all levels and ages are welcome to learn. Group lessons (4:1) are for ages 4 and up and are preferred for families and groups of friends. Semi-private lessons (2:1) are for all ages and is the option for couples, friends or families. Private lessons are the best way to learn for beginners (children ages 5-8 must book a private lesson before group lessons).

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Surf Lessons at Kalapaki Bay with Kauai Beach Boys

Check-in: Da Life Outdoor Gear Shop at Kalapaki Beach

Catch a wave in Kauai! Small group lessons with expert guides will have you riding the waves in no time. Whether visiting Kauai by plane or cruise ship, Kalapaki Bay is conveniently located close to the airport and cruise ship pier.

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Wailua River Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Rental with Waterfall Hike

Check-in: Kayak Kauai - Wailua River Marina

Paddle up the Wailua River in Kauai on a self-guided kayak or stand-up paddle adventure. Embark from Kayak Kauai with everything you’ll need to travel upriver and stop along the way for a short waterfall hike to Secret Falls.

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Group Surfing Lesson

Location: Kauai Surf School @ Beach Activity Hut on Kiahuna Plantation Resort

These 1.5 hour long group lessons will help take the weight off that might come with fully private lessons, but will still help ensure that you pick up the key techniques of surfing.

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