Surf schools and classes abound in Hawaii, not least around Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the Big Island. Here are five great options for learning to tame the waves.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most revered and challenging surf spots, such as the Pipeline in Oahu. But there are plenty of gentler bays and beaches where novices can learn how to ride the waves from some of the best surfers out there, who are naturally drawn to Hawaii. Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’re simply looking to perfect your cutbacks, check out these five cool surf lessons.
Big Island 2-hour small group surf lesson
Over in Kahaluu Bay, groups of up to eight people paddle out into the Pacific waters with expert surfing instructors on this two-hour lesson. You’ll be quickly encouraged to get up on the board, feel its weight and practice new skills on waves that aren’t too challenging. As this is a group tour, you may not get bespoke guidance, but tutors are happy to adapt to assist everybody, no matter their age or experience, so that you can skip a few stages if you’ve been on a board before. From $104 per person.
Kona surf lesson in Kahaluu
(Photo: Viator.com)
Kahaluu Bay is considered to be the best spot for beginners learning to surf on Hawaii’s Big Island, which is why all the best classes can be found there. Classes such as this excellent entry-level lesson lasting two hours and 30 minutes. Budding surfers get the benefit of their tutor’s attention with this option, with the ratio of this small group pegged at one instructor per three students. Learn the basics, such as the pop-up method of getting onto your feet quickly. From $149 per person.
Surf with the pros on Hawaii’s Big Island
Another cool surf lesson for beginners that makes the most of the gentle waves at Kahaluu Bay, south of Kona, involves learning the basics, such as how to wipe out safely. With professional surfers as your guides, who’ll give you guidance from the shore, you can be sure to get the best insight into improving your technique quickly. This tour is usually available from Mon to Sat, with a choice between three morning time slots. From $133 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Kona private 2-hour surf lesson
If you’d prefer to command the full attention of your tutor during your surfing lesson, there are some great value private options available. This is ideal for those looking for a refresher course too, or some formal pointers from a pro surfer on getting your technique and style perfect in the water. Your guide will tell you how best to position your board to catch the waves perfectly. As with all tours on this list, the price includes hire costs of your surfboard, reef boots and rash guard. From $184 per person.
Private guided surf lesson in Kona
Start by learning all the fundamentals, such as the pop-up method while on dry land on this tour, perfecting the techniques without the added complication of the waves. Pay close attention here as you’ll be spending an additional two hours trying out your new skills in the water soon afterwards. Another key thing you’ll learn on this private surf lesson is crucial: surfing etiquette, so that everybody stays safe in the water. From $219 per person.