The rolling Pacific waves that surround the islands of Hawaii draw huge numbers of surfers each year – with many choosing to sign up to a surf camp during their trip.
(Photo: Go Nuts Hawaii)
Across Hawaii, there are a wide number of surf schools that cater to the many adventure seekers who come here to enjoy the region’s world-class surfing environment. With each of these surfing camps offering its own distinctive services, figuring out which one best suits your own requirements can be a tricky challenge. So we’ve done the work for you and come up with our top five based on accessibility for beginners, programme itinerary, and overall value for money.
Go Nuts Hawaii
Go Nuts Hawaii gives surfers of all levels the opportunity to strengthen their skills with daily lessons, offered in both English and Portuguese, at their year-round surfing camp. On this surf vacation, guests spend a week at the famous V-land beach exploring world-renowned surf spots. Surfers attending the camp in the winter months can also catch some of the world’s biggest surfing competitions featuring top riders during their stay. Accommodation is offered in a shared house, with the option to stay in a private or shared room. Trips vary from two nights to two weeks. Included in the rate are transfers to Oahu, daily breakfast, lunch and snacks, board hire and a choice of daily surf lessons or stand-up paddleboard practice. From $2,195 per person
Lani Surf Lessons
(Photo: Lani Surf Lessons)
Lani Surf Lessons hosts a seven-day surf vacation, during which surfers take two-hour daily lessons, coached by experienced instructors. All levels are welcome, from beginners keen to master the basics, through to intermediate and advanced surfers. Included in the price of the camp are surfboard, stand-up paddle rental and snorkelling equipment, airport transfer and six nights’ accommodation. There are three accommodation options available across three villa houses. Chose from a beachfront villa, town centre house or central house with its own zen garden, near to the town. All rooms are private, and house-shares are with other surfers taking part in the camp. From $2,800 per person.
Lumi Surf World
Offering a surf vacation for all abilities, Lumi Surf World hosts a seven-day camp throughout the year. This seven-day surfing camp features two daily surf lessons with experienced instructors leading classes in world-renowned spots. Also included are two daily yoga classes, especially designed for surfers by concentrating on core muscles used when surfing. Accommodation is included in shared rooms, close to the beach and surf spots. Both breakfast and lunch are also included in the camp price, with all meals vegetarian. From $1,361 per person.
Pata Sudaka Surf Trips
(Photo: Pata Sudaka Surf Trips)
Join Pata Sudaka in Oahu for a surf vacation that combines yoga, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing. The school invites guests to join either their seven or ten-day camps. Guests without surf experience shouldn’t be intimidated as classes are geared toward both beginners and intermediate levels. The jam-packed experience includes private practical surf lessons and theoretical classes, board hire, stand-up paddleboarding on the Haleiwa River, yoga classes, snorkelling, hiking and excursions across the island’s natural surroundings. The camp provides daily breakfast and traditional lunches that introduce guests to local cuisine. Accommodation is a shared room in a private beach house with its own kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their own snacks or meals throughout the day. From $74 per night.
Maui Sports Adventures
During their action-packed surf vacation at Maui Sports Adventures, guests are offered surf and stand-up paddleboarding lessons run by experienced instructors. The ocean is a top priority as the school’s friendly team share not only the best spots in the area for surfing but also useful info about currents and tides. Private surf or SUP lessons are included in the rates as well as board hire, daily breakfast and accommodation in a private, air-conditioned bungalow shared with up to three other surfers, with a hot tub to enjoy during downtimes. Activities such as diving, fishing, hiking, and windsurfing can be organised at an additional cost. One of the packages available to those with a bigger budget is Maui Sports Adventures’ Water Man SUP and Surf Camp, which includes private, personalised lessons, as well as guided SUP tours made up of elements of distance paddling, a tour of the reef, and turtle watching. From $1,900 per person.