Private Surf Lesson 100% support any level 90mins is perfect time

The best part of this Oahu lesson is the one-on-one attention. Eddie adjusts the beach demonstration to your ability, then stays with your group in the water rather than sending you into the surf to figure things out alone. First-timers learn the basics, while advanced beginners can work on timing, balance, and board control.

I like the small private format, the included equipment, and the fact that surf photos are part of the $130 price. You also get a short but useful ocean-safety briefing before paddling out. The main drawback is that 90 minutes passes quickly, especially after the five-minute equipment setup and 10 to 15 minutes on land.

Key points to know

• Private instruction: Only your group participates, so Eddie can tailor the lesson to your pace and comfort.
• Useful beach preparation: Expect 10 to 15 minutes covering surfing fundamentals and ocean safety.
• Equipment included: A longboard, reef shoes, rash guard or Excel dry suit top, and a secured locker are provided.
• Photos are included: Surf photos come with the lesson, while GoPro footage costs extra.
• Frequent wave attempts: The stated average is about one wave every five minutes or less.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Meeting Eddie at Ala Moana

Your lesson begins at Pau Hana Sailing, at 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. The activity returns to this same meeting point, and the location is near public transportation.

The private setup matters here. You are not joining a large class where an instructor must divide attention among many people. Only your group takes part, giving Eddie room to adjust the pace, answer questions, and spend extra time with anyone who needs it.

That format is especially useful for families or couples with different levels. One person may be nervous about the ocean, while another already knows how to stand on a board. A private lesson can address both without forcing the whole group into one standard routine.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity notes that most people can participate. Still, surfing requires entering the ocean and handling a board, so you should be comfortable with the physical demands of the session.

The First Five Minutes: Getting the Gear Right

Before the lesson moves to the beach and water, you spend about five minutes preparing with the equipment. You can use an Excel dry suit top or a rash guard, along with reef shoes.

The reef shoes are a practical touch. They protect your feet while you move through shallow water and help you feel more secure around the reef. You also receive an NSP longboard, a common beginner-friendly choice because its length and stability make it easier to learn the basic standing motion.

A secured locker is available for your belongings. That means you do not need to carry your phone, wallet, or other small items into the water. Bring only what you need for the lesson and leave valuables secured.

The equipment portion is short, but it reduces fuss later. Once you enter the ocean, the clock for ocean time begins. The full activity lasts about 90 minutes, so the five-minute setup and beach instruction take up part of the scheduled period.

The 10 to 15 Minute Beach Demonstration

The land demonstration covers the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety. This is not filler before the real activity. It gives you a chance to understand the board, the standing motion, and the basic rules before dealing with moving water.

Eddie customizes the demonstration to the students in front of him. If you have never surfed, he can focus on the basic sequence and help you feel comfortable before entering the ocean. If you have already caught waves, the instruction can address timing or technique instead.

That personal approach is one of the strongest reasons to book a private lesson rather than simply rent a board. You can ask questions while standing still, where it is easier to listen and correct mistakes. The safety portion also helps reduce the uncertainty that comes with your first time farther out in the ocean.

One person who had never surfed and felt nervous about the ocean described learning both how to ride waves and how to stay safe. That is the right way to think about this session. The goal is not only to stand up once for a photograph. You are learning how to approach the water with better judgment.

Entering the Ocean and Catching Waves

Once your questions are answered and you feel ready, you enter the ocean with your instructor. The stated average is one wave every five minutes or less, a useful detail because it gives you a sense of the lesson’s rhythm.

You should expect repeated attempts rather than one long explanation followed by a single chance. Eddie can help position you, tell you when to paddle, and correct your form as you go. Each attempt gives you another chance to understand the timing.

The private setting also lets the session adjust to your confidence. If you are anxious, you can work at a slower pace. If you catch on quickly, you can attempt more waves or work on a more technical board. One experienced student chose the more technical option instead of the big, easy board and succeeded during the lesson. That does not mean every participant will be ready for the same board, but it shows that the instruction is not limited to absolute beginners.

The session may suit advanced beginners particularly well. Someone who can already stand but wants more wave time or clearer feedback may gain more from private coaching than from a basic group class.

Still, keep expectations sensible. Ocean conditions affect every surf lesson. The claim of frequent wave attempts is an average, not a promise that every wave will be clean or that you will ride for a particular distance. Your results depend on your balance, timing, comfort, and the conditions on the day.

What Eddie Adds to the Lesson

Eddie is the named instructor associated with the strongest praise for this activity. His teaching style comes across as energetic, patient, and hands-on. He has worked with beginners, children, and advanced beginners, and he is known for staying engaged with students rather than simply watching from shore.

A family lesson with a son is a good example of what this can mean in practice. Eddie spent extra time helping the child feel successful and kept the focus on confidence. That extra patience can matter more than technical advice when a young surfer is deciding if the sport feels fun or frightening.

Another session involved advanced beginners who caught many waves and sometimes rode for nearly a minute. Eddie also demonstrated unusual board skills, including surfing handstands, and was able to help pull two surfers through the surf. Those details show athletic ability and enthusiasm, but you should treat them as examples of the instructor’s skill, not as part of the promised itinerary.

His personality also seems to be part of the appeal. The teaching style has a strong, upbeat New York flavor, with plenty of encouragement and interaction around the beach. If you prefer a quiet, highly formal lesson, this may feel more animated than expected. If you want a coach who keeps the mood light, it should suit you well.

Photos Included, Videos Extra

Surf photos are included in the price. That is a useful benefit because you can focus on learning instead of asking someone on shore to document every attempt.

The photos also give you a chance to see your position on the board. A still image can show where your feet landed, how low you bent your knees, or why you lost balance. Even if you do not become a regular surfer, the images make a better souvenir than a generic beach snapshot.

GoPro footage is not included. You can purchase a savable link for $39.99, an SD card for $49.99, or a complete edited video for $74.99. These add-ons can be worthwhile if you want to study your technique or share the session, but they change the final cost.

At $130 per person, the lesson is not a bare board rental. The price includes private coaching, equipment, reef shoes, a locker, and photos. I see the strongest value for a first lesson, a family milestone, or anyone who wants focused help. If you only want to try standing on a board once and do not care about instruction or photos, the price may feel high.

Group discounts are available, though the amount is not specified. Ask about the discount when booking if you are bringing several people.

Who Should Book This Lesson

This is a good fit for first-time surfers who want clear instruction before entering the water. It also suits families, since the instructor has experience giving children extra attention and helping them build confidence.

Couples and small groups with different skill levels may appreciate the private structure. A beginner does not have to keep up with an advanced beginner, and the stronger surfer can work on more than the basic stand-up motion.

The lesson can also work for people who have tried surfing before but still struggle with wave timing. The frequent attempts and direct coaching give you more chances to fix one problem at a time.

You should be comfortable participating in an ocean activity. The information says most people can take part, but it does not promise that every physical ability or medical condition is suitable. If you have concerns, ask the provider before booking.

Timing, Weather, and Cancellation

Plan on about 90 minutes from start to finish. Five minutes goes toward equipment preparation, followed by 10 to 15 minutes on land. Ocean time begins when you enter the water, so the water portion is shorter than the full booking length.

The activity depends on good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted, and all cut-off times use local Oahu time.

Confirmation arrives when you book. The activity is offered in English and can be booked with a mobile ticket.

Is $130 a Fair Price for 90 Minutes?

The value depends on what you want from a surf lesson. You are paying for a private activity rather than a large class, and the fee covers the main equipment and personal instruction. The included photos add a little more value, especially for a first surfing day.

The short duration is the main limitation. Once you remove equipment preparation and the beach demonstration, your time in the water is less than 90 minutes. That is still enough for repeated attempts, but it may feel brief if you are hoping for a long session.

The private format helps justify the price. Eddie can adjust the instruction to your group, provide extra help to a child, or work with an advanced beginner on a more technical board. That flexibility is harder to get in a standard class.

Video costs extra, so decide in advance how much you want to spend. With the top video package, your total becomes notably higher than the advertised lesson price. The photos included in the base price may be enough for most people.

My Take: Book It If Personal Coaching Matters

I would choose this lesson if you want a supportive first introduction to surfing, need help building confidence, or are traveling with a small group at mixed levels. Eddie’s patience, energy, and ability to give extra attention are the main reasons to book.

I would hesitate if you want a long water session, dislike lively instruction, or only want the cheapest possible way to rent a board. The 90-minute schedule includes setup and teaching on land, and video souvenirs cost more.

For a first Oahu surf lesson, the combination of private coaching, ocean-safety instruction, included gear, frequent wave attempts, and photos makes the $130 price reasonable. Just remember that success means learning at your own pace, not a guaranteed perfect ride.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson begin?

The lesson begins at Pau Hana Sailing, 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts approximately 90 minutes. Allow about five minutes for equipment preparation and 10 to 15 minutes for the land demonstration. Ocean time begins when you enter the water.

Is this a private surf lesson?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What equipment is included?

You receive an NSP longboard, reef shoes, an Excel dry suit top or rash guard, and access to a secured locker for your belongings.

Are photos or videos included?

Surf photos are included. GoPro video footage costs extra: $39.99 for a savable link, $49.99 for an SD card, or $74.99 for a complete edited video.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.