The 15 Best Private Surf Lessons in the USA

1.Private Surf Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $199Our pick

Meet Kona Town Surf Adventures near Kahaluʻu Beach Park for a 90-minute lesson with a private instructor. You’ll receive a surfboard, reef shoes, and surf shirt, then practice on the water with coaching tailored to your level. Instructors including Arie, Joe, Milo, Hanz, and others are praised for patient work with children and first-time surfers.

“I had an amazing time! Hanz and the rest of the surf instructors were very helpful and knowledgeable and I would definitely recommend others to take a surf lesson from them!”

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2.Private Surf Lesson for Two Near Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 189 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $145

Meet Rivers to the Sea near Lahaina for a 90-minute semi-private surf lesson built for two people. You’ll get a soft-top board, reef shoes, SPF-50 rash guard, and one-on-one coaching from instructors such as Sharky, Tanner, Eric, Kane, or Jess. It suits first-timers, children age seven and up, and cautious swimmers who want patient guidance.

“Great experience! Can't get an experience like that in Ohio! Our teacher was very kind and patient!!!”

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3.Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 176 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $96

Meet Max, Wil, or another Moku Surf instructor at Moku Hawaii for a 90-minute Waikiki lesson. You will cover safety and board skills on land, then walk to the beach with a provided board. The private format lets your instructor adjust the lesson to your pace, with beginner-friendly coaching and optional photo and video services available separately.

“Max was a great teacher for me and my partner, who are completely brand new to surfing. He was patient in going over the fundamentals in detail and kept us safe out there in the Ocean. I would recommend Max as he is an excellent instructor.”

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4.2 Hour Semi-Private Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet at Jack’s Surf Lessons and Board Rentals on South Ocean Boulevard for a 2-hour surf lesson with a board and instructor included. The group may include up to 15 people, though one session had seven students and two instructors. Kevin is especially recommended for first-time and advanced surfers.

“My 13 yo son went with a friend. He loved the whole experience. The two girls giving the lessons where amazing.”

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5.Oahu Private Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 113 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $226

Meet your English-speaking surf instructor at Kahalewai Place in Haleiwa for a private lesson on Oahu’s North Shore. You’ll work one-on-one on beach technique and water safety, then practice paddling, board control, wave selection, and catching waves. Boards and rash guards are included, and the lesson suits ages four and up.

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6.Private Surf Lesson at Waikiki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $179

Meet at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee on Lewers Street, get fitted for the ocean, then walk across to Waikiki Beach for a 90-minute lesson. Instructors such as Paulie, Lee, Madison, and Josh teach paddling, board position, and standing based on your level. The session is private, though one booking reported an unexpected extra participant.

“Lee was amazingly patient knowledgeable, and positive. Definitely a great time! Will pursue surfing as a result of his instruction.”

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7.2 Hour Private Surf Lesson For Two In Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $145

Share a two-hour Lahaina surf lesson with one friend, partner, sibling, or child. Your instructor begins with a 20 to 25 minute land lesson, then helps you paddle, catch waves, and stand up. Surfboards, water shoes, and rashguards are included. Instructors include Mario, Austin, Luke, Ramon, and Mack.

“The whole surfing experience was awesome. I didn’t expect to get the hang of it in one session but it’s easier than you think. The key to surfing is literally to go with the flow and not over think. That was something our surf teacher Mario explained he was really great, patient and helpful. We got some really cool pictures of the session by the photographer Fisher. 10/10 would definitely recommend. Mahalo”

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8.Semi-Private Surf Lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Maui Waveriders at Kalama Park in Kihei for a two-hour semi-private surf lesson. You’ll learn ocean safety and board basics on land, then spend most of the session in the water with an instructor such as Keppa, Jade, Ben, or Wave Daddy. Surf shoes and shirts are included, with wetsuits available when offered.

“First time surfing and our instructor Noah was great! Would highly recommend and definitely would do it again.”

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9.Private Surf Lesson with Instructor, Board, & Wetsuit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Best value

Drive 25 to 30 minutes south of Santa Barbara for a private surf lesson with your own instructor, longboard, and wetsuit. You’ll meet at the Cal Coast Adventures van on Carpinteria Street, learn safety and technique on the sand, then head into gentle waves. Lessons are capped at two people and offered year-round.

“Madison was a delightful instructor for my two kids. She was knowledgeable, supportive and friendly. The kids had a blast and had many wonderful things to say about Madison. Thank you!”

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10.Private Surf Lesson for Group of 3-5 Near Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $123

Meet Rivers To The Sea near Lahaina for a private 90-minute surf lesson with your own instructor and party of up to five. Beginners and intermediate surfers receive soft-top boards, reef shoes, SPF-50 rash guards, and safety coaching. Instructors such as Kain, Eric, Kody, and Sharky are praised for patient help with children and first-timers.

“Wonderful teachers, caught soo many waves. Couldn’t have asked for better conditions. Everything was provided!”

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11.Private Surfing Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $150

Meet your private instructor at Puaʻena Point Beach Park for a two-hour North Shore surf lesson. Catch’a Wave provides the board, leash, fins, and rash guard, then teaches you pop-ups, wave choice, balance, and basic turns at a pace suited to your ability. Lessons run rain or shine when conditions are safe.

“Incredible tlexperience learning how to surf on the NORTH SHORE! Connor was great at showing us, first timers, what to do. He personally navigated us around the busy waves, and got us onto a few fun waves. Connor was very patient and a good instructor for the two of us. He started us out on land, and then we transitioned to the water. We will definitely.be back!”

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12.2-Hour Guided Private Surf Lesson in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $229

Meet your instructor at Kahaluʻu Beach Park for a two-hour private surf lesson. You’ll receive a foam board, reef shoes, and an SPF surf shirt, then learn technique, etiquette, pop-ups, and water safety. Instructors including Bradley, Kai, Thomas, Alex, Koa, and Kaleo have helped first-timers stand and ride waves.

“Thomas was a superb teacher. We did a 2-person lesson and we both caught waves. Excellent value and just a fun way to spend 2 hours at the beach.”

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13.2 Hour Private Surf Lesson in Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $205

Spend two focused hours learning to surf in Lahaina with a private instructor from Keep It Simple Hawaii. You’ll cover safety, paddling, and the pop-up on land, then practice in the water with hands-on help. Instructors such as Mack, Mario, Austin, and Ramon are praised for patient coaching, and equipment and a rash guard are provided.

“Best instructors for surfing in Maui! Austin is one of the instructors and he provides the best information and tips about surfing that makes you catch waves at your first try on your own. They also provide photos of you surfing which is great to keep for your memories. Highly recommended.”

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14.Private Surf Lesson in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $159

Meet Shane or Captain Neil at Waikiki Beach for a private 1-hour-45-minute surf lesson built around your skill level. You will use a surfboard, reef shoes, and rashguard, with a locker provided. The instructors work closely with beginners, children, and returning surfers, and pickup may be arranged if needed.

“Nice experience and easy guide to follow. We all successfully stand and enjoy the surfing! Would recommend!”

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15.Private Surf Lessons in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $199

Meet at 150 Kapahulu Ave for a two-hour private surf lesson at Waikiki Beach. Your English-speaking instructor provides a board and waterproof gear, then adjusts safety, technique, and wave coaching to your level. Instructors such as Niko, Chris, Charlie, Charles, and Kalani have helped first-time surfers and children get standing on the board.

“This is a great way to learn the basics of surfing. Waikīkī has small waves that are perfect for beginners. The private lesson was worth the cost and allowed more coaching and riding more waves. Get the drone package to prove you did it! Niko was a great teacher and his insights and small adjustments sped my progress more than a group class would have.”

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