Top Surf / SUP Lessons on Oahu

Photo Credit: @sbshawaii

The North Shore of Oahu is known as the surfing mecca of the world. Many consider it the birthplace of surfing and surf culture, and thousands of fans meet on the North Shore each year to watch professional surfers face off in international competitions. During the winter months, some beaches can have swells that reach up to 30 feet or more.

In summer, however, the North Shore waves are calm and welcoming. So, what better place to learn to surf than the legendary North Shore beaches? Each surf school has professional instructors and excellent safety training, so you will be in good hands. 

Although the West Side of Oahu is a road less traveled, it offers some of the most amazing beaches and landscapes on Oahu. The beaches are perfect for both beginner and intermediate surfers as they are less crowded than the popular surfing beaches. On the West Side you can learn the basics of surfing or stand up paddle boarding in the best ocean conditions.

Here are our top recommended surfing schools and stand up paddle board (SUP) schools on North Shore and the West Side of Oahu.

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Surf / SUP Lessons on the North Shore

North Shore Beginner Surfing Lesson from Haleiwa

Check-in: Sea & Board Sports Hawaii
Price: Starting at $89
Learn how to surf in Haleiwa! After a short instruction on the beach, head out into the ocean to practice the fundamentals of surfing in a private or semi-private lesson suited to your skill level.

The Surf Bus — Oahu North Shore Bus Tour with Ocean Activities & Turtle Watching

Pick-up: Waikiki hotels
Price: Starting at $157
Explore Oahu’s North Shore. See Sunset Beach, Pipeline, Waimea Bay, Haleiwa Town & Turtle Beach. Enjoy a full day of adventure with your choice of surf lesson, Waimea Falls swim, bicycle tour, snorkeling at Shark’s Cove, kayaking or paddleboarding.

North Shore Shuttle from Waikiki to Haleiwa with Surf Lesson Option

Pick-up: Waikiki hotels​
Price: Starting at $60
Explore the North Shore hassle free with a shuttle from Waikiki! Enjoy five hours of free time to walk around town, check out green sea turtles, relax at the beach, enjoy food, and so much more. Add on a surfing lesson to complete the experience.

Haleiwa Eco Adventure and Stand-Up Paddle Turtle Watch Tour

Check-in: Sea & Board Sports Hawaii
Price: Starting at $89
A guided stand-up paddle (SUP) tour in Haleiwa! You’ll start in Anahulu River, where turtles often rest and paddle out to the ocean to see reefs and fish.

Jamie O'Brien Surf Experience — Stand Up Paddle Lessons at Turtle Bay

Location: Turtle Bay Resort
Price: Starting at $104
Discover the joy of stand up paddle boarding at Turtle Bay on the North Shore of Oahu. Enjoy learning from expert Stand Up Paddlers at the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience. Cruise the waves or go on a turtle watching adventure.

Surf / SUP Lessons on the West Side

Ohana Surf Project - Family Friendly Private & Group Waikiki Surfing Lessons

Location: Honolulu, Oahu
Price: Starting at $99
Learn to surf from the surf experts in Waikiki with group classes, and semi-private or one-on-one surfing lessons. Beginners and first-time surfers are welcome, and experienced surfers can book a professional coaching session to home your skills.

Hans Hedemann Waikiki Surfing Lessons

Check-in: Hans Hedemann Surf Shop
Price: $94
Learn how to surf with Hans Hedemann Waikiki Surf School. Ride the waves and “Hang Ten” at this surf school, where professional surfers teach you how to conquer the waves of Waikiki in just one lesson! Great for beginners or advanced surfers.

Pokai Bay Stand Up Paddle Board Lessons

Location: Pokai Bay, Oahu
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is now an increasingly popular sport due to its ease and relaxing manner. Learn from a professional about the techniques of balance and paddling in the Pokai Bay. There are options of 1-hour group, semi-private and private lessons, all which are perfect for children, families, couples and friends.

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