Private Surfing Lesson: Personal Instruction for Beginners
4.5
15 Ratings
Honolulu

This tutorial provides a tailored surfing session, enabling you to learn at your preferred speed. Enjoy individual surfing with our expert guides. *Children under 11 or those with less swimming proficiency are obligated to undertake one on one private lessons.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kaimana Beach Hotel - This lesson gives you a personal surfing experience and allows you to surf at your own pace.
    *A PRIVATE SURF LESSON IS REQUIRED FOR KIDS 10YRS OR YOUNGER OR WEAK SWIMMERS

Suitable for first time surfers or those who’ve tried it a few times and are still trying to get the hang of it.

We’ll start with a quick land lesson where you’ll get a proper introduction to the sport of surfing and learn everything you need to know before hitting the waves.
Once in the water, instructors will help you to catch waves, get you to your feet and keep you safe and having fun through out the entire lesson.

*All instructors are CPR and Lifeguard certified by the American Red Cross

opics: Positioning yourself on the surfboard, paddling techniques, how to maneuver over waves, turning the surfboard, how to get to your feet, proper surf stance, balance techniques, safety rules.
What's Included
  • Expert local guide
  • Inclusive of all taxes, fees, and handling charges
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information
  • Must wear swimsuit and bring a towel
Location
Kaimana Beach Hotel
Kalākaua Avenue
We are located at the Kaimana Beach Hotel (2836 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816) in the shops that are in the front, please text us if you have any questions.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(15 Ratings)
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Deezee4
Oct 27, 2023
Fun experience! - What a fun and awesome staff! After a busy week of snorkeling, body boarding and such, we were feeling our 50s by the time we made our way to the Kaimana for surf lessons with Kai Sallas' Pro Surf School. We met Turner when renting a paddleboard, and immediately warmed up to him as he described the water and waves around the Kaimana. We were still a bit nervous about our ability to surf, but turned up for our lessons and couldn't help but be buoyed by Turner's enthusiasm and encouragement. He's a treasure to the school and hotel, and I just wish we had been there a few more days to take another lesson!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wearytraveler1979
Oct 18, 2019
Amazing experience! - My 5.5 year old daughter and I took a private surf lessons with Kai and Lowen today and had an amazing time. She stood up and caught on immediately. It took momma a little longer but they were super patient and I finally got the hang of it. The beach was very private and the waves were perfect. The kiddo now wants to be a professional surfer!
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Jsthilaire327
Oct 6, 2019
Best thing we did on Oahu - My husband and I wanted to try surfing while visiting Oahu and we were so glad we did. It was so much fun, our instructor Jake was fantastic, and we haven't stopped talking about it since. The location was great, as you can stand in the water if you are tired from paddling and take a break before catching the next wave. We would book again with the school in a heartbeat when we go back to Oahu.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anno350
Jun 13, 2019
Best way for a beginner to surf! - We were too late for a group lesson, so we ended up doing a private lesson for our family of four. Lucky for us, it was with Kai Sallas himself! He was so down to earth that we didn't realize we were with the longboard world champion. And thankfully, he was very patient! You hear so many horror stories about people (who don't know what they're doing) getting hurt or hurting others when trying to surf (actually happened to a friend of our's). And if you're lucky enough not to injure others or get injured yourself, not many people actually are able to catch a wave. That's the hardest part - way more than standing up on the board. Because Kai pushes you with the wave as it comes, all you have to do is stand (the way he tells you to), and you're surfing! Then, you get to come home with brag photos!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amie
Apr 1, 2018
Amazing first time surf experience - We had a lesson for our 10 & 12-year-old kids and couldn't be happier! The whole team - Manu, Jake & Makani - made them feel right at home and allayed any nerves. Once the kids got in the water, Jake & Makani were super patient, extremely encouraging, and seemed as excited as our kids were at the whole experience. The fact that the surf spot is away from the crowds (and there were a ton of people surfing near our hotel in Waikiki!) made it easy for us to watch and enjoy. We'd definitely recommend this shop, and will be repeat customers the next time we visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Movingaround441
Mar 28, 2018
it was terrific - My lesson with Lowen was great and I found it was easier than I had anticipated to get up and stand and actually surf. I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Saloni
Mar 17, 2018
Thank you Kai Sallas! - The instructor was wonderful, very patient and helpful, the waves were perfect for a beginner, and the environment created was lovely. Would recommend, 10/10!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisad71
Feb 15, 2019
He was Surfing! - My 9 year old wanted to learn how to surf. With a quick in office orientation as to how to surf, we drove out to the beach and within 15 minutes, my son was surfing. Low waves in shallow water, but he was up and doing it. The clincher was that they provided Go Pro pictures right from the edge of the surf board (for an extra charge)! The only thing that would have made it better was if Kai had shown up himself. My son was so happy! They provide the water shoes and rash guard too. The water is shallow which would be good for a nervous person, but it there are also reef rocks making it a potentially dangerours location to surf. For a young person it might be hard to navigate the reef rocks and think about surfing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Myf76
Feb 9, 2019
Lessons good, location poor - Enjoyed the lessons. The instructors were great. The location was very poor as we learned to surf in shallow water with a reef floor. The concern over injury impacted the lesson. On the last run of the lesson my daughter hit the reef and got a very nasty cut which impacted the next couple of days of our vacation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberlyvickers06
Apr 20, 2018
Surf But Bring Rash Guards! - My daughter and husband have never surfed. I used to because I grew up on the PCH and well, it's just what you do! This surf lesson was recommended via our concierge at The Waikiki Marriott Resort & Spa. My husband booked a private lesson for he and my daughter. We met down in the surf shop later in the afternoon. The lesson took place right there in the shop with Lowen; basic 'how to's' on getting up ; paddling out; leg placement and balance. The boards are blue foam. We were by a kind of rundown van shuttled out to a less busy beach away from Waikiki. Shoes were lended to both and we assumed rash guards would be too. My husband swore that he asked and that was confirmed upon booking. No rash guards were supplied; trust me.. You need these. The instructor was cool and nice enough. Both my daughter and my husband were able to surf within minutes of being out in the ocean. My daughter ended up loving surfing so much, she wants to go do more over the summer. That was a plus! NOT having rash guards was not , as both her and my husband were pretty rashed after an hour of surfing and hitting course sand and reef. The boards could have been a little better in quality, as well, as the lessons aren't cheap! The other issue we had, was being told that having a 'go pro' to video or film the session would render 100% loss of the device. That may be or not be true. We didn't chance it. After the session the instructor offered to air drop us the video and pix of both for $75 a piece if we gave him cash on the spot. I didn't have that much cash on me. He said he would upload them and we could get them from the shop the next morning via credit card. We wanted them! The next day we called and the girl that checked us in for the prior days lesson said we could have called the day before and she wished she had known. There were no uploaded pix. She said she would call us with the pix which we could them get via Dropbox later that day. She never called. It was 4 days after we returned back to the Mainland and several calls before we got these pix. Island time? I don't know. Improvements could be made.. the lesson itself was great .. maybe a better place and the lesson not in the shop. Rash guards are huge and updated equipment to match cost is key too. They could also have some sort of package so the customer knows the photos will be pricey and optional. It seemed tacky to do that after and then take so many calls to get photos that cost NOTHING to video;not that I am saying they should be free, but $150 for two is a lot. We were also entitled to a small discount by booking this surf school via our concierge and we never got it. 3 stars and on the fence whether to return or recommend.
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