BEGINNER SURF LESSONS

Never Surfed? The 15 Best Beginner Surf Lessons Worldwide

61 tours  ·  from $13 a head

A first lesson is two hours, a foam board and someone pushing you into waves that have already broken. These 15 run on beaches chosen for forgiving whitewater, with the board and the wetsuit included, and prices that start under twenty dollars.

Legian Beach, Bali: Beginner or Intermediate Surf Lessons - The short land lesson that makes the water safer
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Legian Beach, Bali: Beginner or Intermediate Surf Lessons

1.Legian Beach, Bali: Beginner or Intermediate Surf Lessons

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,019 reviews · 1 day · from $16Our pick

Meet near Pullman Bali Legian Beach for a beginner or intermediate surf lesson with Pulau Biru Surf. You’ll get a softboard, rash guard, water, safety coaching, and beach photos. Instructors including Uncle Bob, Jones, Momo, and John work closely with small groups, helping you read waves, stand up, or improve your technique.

“We have spent an amazing session with Momo who was very patient and very helpful. We definitely recommend this activity, we enjoyed every minute of it.”

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Maui: Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei - The beginner beach and wave setup
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Maui: Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei

2.Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 950 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $98Top rated

Meet Surf Shack Maui in Kihei for a two-hour beginner lesson limited to six students. Instructors such as Mike, Ivan, Sofia, and Francisco teach safety, etiquette, paddling, and wave riding, then help you catch small waves. Boards, rash guards, and water booties are included, with optional photos available separately.

“The area is a little crowded but works fine for first timers. There are family friendly beaches a short walk away for people waiting on those taking the lesson. There are also some shops and food truck area just across the street to keep people occupied or for something to do afterwards. The lesson was mellow with a quick tutorial and standing up on a wave. Our group was 5 people and we all had multiple chances to try and ride small waves. Everyone in our group was able to stand up and catch a wave. They have a photographer in the water that will capture some of the attempts…”

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Uluwatu: Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lesson with Equipment - The beach can change, and that is a good thing
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Uluwatu: Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lesson with Equipment

3.Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lesson with Equipment

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 832 reviews · 2 hours · from $36

Join a small surf class at Balangan, Jimbaran, or Dreamland Beach, depending on the day’s waves. Instructors such as Luis, Irawan, Repho, and Aldin teach paddling, standing, safety, and wave timing in English or Indonesian. You get equipment, locker storage, water, a shower, and photos and videos when at least two people book together.

“I had a really great experience for my first time and loved it so much I will definitely make it a new hobby, Our teacher Repho was an amazing guy made the instructions very clear and easy to understand and made the experience such fun. I would defo recommend”

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Kuta/Bali: Private Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lessons - Why one-to-one coaching helps first-timers
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Kuta/Bali: Private Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lessons

4.Private Beginner & Intermediate Surf Lessons

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 563 reviews · 1h 30m · from $13Best value

Meet 27 Surf School at Kuta Beach for a 90-minute private lesson with an English-speaking local instructor. You’ll learn safety, paddling, balance, and wave timing before practicing in the water with one-to-one help. Soft boards and rashguards are supplied. Pick-up is optional in several Bali areas, and some instructors also arrange photos after the session.

“I greatly enjoyed my time! I had never surfed before and I was able to catch several baby waves all due to my amazing instructor OJ! OJ was so kind and patient, his constructive feedback throughout the lesson was much appreciated. I recommend going with this group and taking a lesson in Kuta before exploring the rest of the island.”

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Albufeira: Learn to Surf in Chill Beach Vibes & Good Times - The first five minutes: warming up on the sand
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Albufeira: Learn to Surf in Chill Beach Vibes & Good Times

5.Learn to Surf in Chill Beach Vibes & Good Times

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 439 reviews · 2 hours · from $36

Meet Albufeira Surf & Sup at the yellow-logo shop by Galé Beach, then walk five minutes to the sand for a two-hour lesson. Coaches including Rodrigo, Alex, Ricardo, Nuno, and Francesco teach beginners in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Wetsuit, board, insurance, and post-lesson café time are included.

“It was really fun to try to surf. Ideal for beginners.”

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Oahu: Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson - Your first 20 to 30 minutes on the beach
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Oahu: Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

6.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 425 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Spend two hours at Waikiki Beach with Surfer Girl Academy, learning surf basics from English or Japanese-speaking instructors. You get a 20 to 30 minute beach lesson, about 70 minutes in the water, a board, reef shoes, rash guard, leash, and close support. Small groups, often just three or four per instructor, help beginners stand up fast.

“Amazing, very patient and encouraging. Impressed I even got up and rode some waves. The crew are so kind. Couldn't recommend more.”

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Beginner Surf Lesson at the Beautiful Algarvian West Coast - What You Learn Before Entering the Water
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Beginner Surf Lesson at the Beautiful Algarvian West Coast

7.Beginner Surf Lesson at the Beautiful Algarvian West Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 377 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $78

Meet Algarve Watersport in Lagos for a beginner lesson led by certified instructors such as Ansan, Emilio, Noemi, Emil, or Alex. You’ll learn surf basics, practice in the water for about two hours, and travel by minibus to Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, or Amoreira, depending on conditions.

“I think the lesson and the build up was fantastic! Ansan and Emilio (instructors) did great teaching us the basics of surfing and had awesome energy! We met at the sport center and got a lift to the beach 45 mins away. Surfing at a beautiful beach with great waves. The meeting time was 10.30 but we didn’t start the ride to the beach until 11.15 so that could have been a little more effective. I really recommend this course to everyone who is looking for a surfing experience. I never tried before and think it was awesome!”

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Lezioni di Surf per Beginner e Intermedi (6 persone a istruttore) - What the first part of the lesson is meant to do
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Lezioni di Surf per Beginner e Intermedi (6 persone a istruttore)

8.Lezioni di Surf per Beginner e Intermedi (6 persone a istruttore)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

Meet the BeDreamer team at Dreamwaves Surfschool in Corralejo for a four-hour beginner or intermediate surf lesson. Groups are limited to six people per instructor, with board, wetsuit, leash, transfer, and water included. Instruction is offered in English, and the session ends back at the school.

“Esperienza fantastica. Assolutamente da provare. Il maestro era preparato oltre che gentile e disponibile. Divertiti tantissimo.”

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Learn to Surf at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast - Waist-deep water keeps the first attempts manageable
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Learn to Surf at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast

9.Learn to Surf at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 277 reviews · from $60

Meet Go Ride A Wave at Beach Access No 11 in Noosa Heads for a two-hour lesson with a professional instructor. You’ll get a rash shirt or winter wetsuit, a soft beginner board, beach safety training, and guided practice in waist-deep water. Instructors such as Sisi, Rose, Cece, Marit, Hannah, and Scott are praised for clear, patient coaching.

“Good instructions and instructors. Good group of fellow beginners. Can location directions could be better”

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Luquillo, Puerto Rico: Beginners Surf Lesson - Ninety minutes in the water
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Luquillo, Puerto Rico: Beginners Surf Lesson

10.Luquillo, Puerto Rico: Beginners Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 265 reviews · from $78

Meet at La Pared Beach for a 30-minute land lesson and 90 minutes in the water. Pro surfer and former national champion Brian Ramos’s team supplies soft-top boards, coaching, snacks, and hydration. Instructors such as Sebastian, Claire, Angel, Callie, and Natalie have helped beginners of many ages stand up and catch waves.

“Wonderful experience it was a big group but they managed it so well and we were always safe and taken care of, they ensure everyone has lots of fun and help with everything they can. really a fun experience”

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2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure - Moving from practice to real waves
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2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure

11.2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · from $46

Meet Australian Surfing Adventures at Palm Beach for a two-hour beginner lesson with no more than five students per instructor. You’ll learn surf safety, wave timing, and board technique in shallow water, with equipment and wetsuit hire included. Instructors such as Alex, Luke, Jody, and Jay are praised for clear coaching and encouragement.

“Pretty good experience! The couches were really nice!!! Gave very patient instructions so that would enjoy it!”

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Peniche:Surf lessons Beginners ,Intermediate, advance level - Meeting Go4surf at Gamboa Beach
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Peniche:Surf lessons Beginners ,Intermediate, advance level

12.Surf lessons Beginners ,Intermediate, advance level

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 229 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Meet Go4surf near Gamboa Beach in Peniche for a two-hour lesson led by surf teachers such as Gustavo, João, Zala, and Thiago. Your board, 4.3 Billabong wetsuit, insurance, and beach instruction are included. Beginners learn the basics, while intermediate and advanced surfers can arrange suitable boards, wetsuits, and coaching.

“João was a great teacher who got us up on the boards within our first few tries. Highly recommend!”

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Merrick's Noosa Learn to Surf: 2 Hour group surfing lesson - Moving into the water for the two-hour session
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Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf: 2 Hour group surfing lesson

13.Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf: 2 Hour group surfing lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 222 reviews · from $60

Meet coaches such as Robby, Dylan, Oaki, Josh, Louis, or Anthony at Claude Batten Drive, collect your board and rash vest, then walk to the beach for a two-hour lesson. Merrick’s 1-2-3 method is built for first-timers, with winter wetsuits supplied and morning or afternoon sessions available.

“I booked a lesson for my 2 nieces, 2 daughters and I to do together during our stay in Noosa. None of us have ever surfed before and within 2-3 attempts we were all surfing and hooked! They all want surfboards for Christmas now!”

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Beginner Surf Lesson in Newquay, Cornwall - Getting ready in a warm wetsuit
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Beginner Surf Lesson in Newquay, Cornwall

14.Beginner Surf Lesson in Newquay, Cornwall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $62

Meet the Newquay Activity Centre on Fore Street for a two-hour beginner lesson led by a friendly surf instructor, with Alex among the praised team. You’ll use a warm Rip Curl wetsuit, foam Swell board, and heated changing room before learning beach safety, catching waves, and standing up at Great Western or Fistral Beach.

“The instructors were super friendly/ patient and nice! Although for a beginner class I think it's important to take less students in a group so that the instructor can focus more with each person since it's a completely new activity for some of us. Other than that I recommend the surfing class and I would definitely do it again!”

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Surf Beginner Course - Starting at Surfintrip Academy in Corralejo
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Surf Beginner Course

15.Surf Beginner Course

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $66

Start at Surfintrip Academy in Corralejo, then ride with your instructor to a beach chosen for the day’s sea conditions and your group’s level. You’ll use the school’s surf equipment, receive beginner coaching in English, and return by private transport. Pickup is available in Corralejo and Lajares.

“My 12 y.o. daughter joined the beginners group for her first ever surf lesson and had a great time. Alex the instructor looked after her well. Very approachable and lovely young man who takes responsibility seriously and is trustworthy. We are glad to have had a lesson with him and I would certainly recommend him as a teacher for youngsters. The group was a bunch of friendly people who all got along under the eye of Alex.”

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New in Beginner Surf Lessons

★ 5.090 Min Surf Lesson / Great for BeginnersFrom $14341 reviews
★ 4.7Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Private Beginner’s Surf LessonFrom $9523 reviews
★ 4.8Jeffreys Bay: Private Surfing Lesson for BeginnersFrom $4343 reviews
Surf Lesson for Beginner in Kata BeachFrom $3857 reviews
★ 5.0Beginner surf lesson private class – AdultFrom $606 reviews
★ 4.9Waikiki Beginner Private Surf Lesson- Female GuideFrom $13540 reviews
★ 4.0Surf lessons for beginners in WaikikiFrom $10040 reviews
★ 4.5Paddle, Snorkel and Learn to Surf: All in a Day on MauiFrom $21626 reviews
★ 5.0Group Surf Lesson for Beginners in Kihei at Kalama ParkFrom $10311 reviews
★ 4.0Surfing Course – Beginner with Hotel Pick UpFrom $2813 reviews
★ 5.0Private Beginner 1 on 1 Surfing Lesson at Kuta Beach without transferFrom $1412 reviews
★ 5.0Private Beginner 1 on 1 Surf Lesson at Kuta BeachFrom $4639 reviews
★ 4.5Learn to Surf Day Trip – SydneyFrom $12556 reviews
★ 5.0Beginner Surf ClassesFrom $7055 reviews
★ 5.0Learn to Surf in La JollaFrom $11956 reviews

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