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

A private lesson gives you room to ask questions, get personal coaching, and try surfing with an instructor beside you. Eddie’s approach is hands-on: he rides with students and adjusts the lesson to their ability, from first-timers to surfers working on new skills.

I like two things in particular: the included gear and photos keep the day simple, and the short safety-and-skills demo means you get a useful briefing before heading into the ocean. The instructor’s upbeat, patient style is another plus, especially if you feel nervous about trying a new sport.

The main consideration is time. The session lasts about 90 minutes, but that includes a land demo and equipment prep, and ocean time starts only when you enter the water. Surf conditions also matter, so success and wave count can’t be guaranteed.

At a glance

• Private coaching: Only your group takes part, so the instructor can tailor the lesson to your level and questions.
• A quick land briefing: Expect 10 to 15 minutes on surfing basics and ocean safety before heading out.
• Gear is included: You’ll have an NSP longboard, reef shoes, and a rash guard or Excel dry suit top.
• Photos come with the lesson: Video footage is optional and costs extra.
• A practical meeting point: Start and finish at Pau Hana Sailing, 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu.
• Book ahead: The experience is booked an average of 43 days in advance, so plan early if your dates are fixed.

The lesson begins on land

You meet at Pau Hana Sailing, at 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes it easier to plan your day than a lesson that finishes somewhere else. Public transportation is nearby, though the exact route depends on where you’re staying.

The first 10 to 15 minutes are spent on shore. Your instructor goes over surfing fundamentals and ocean safety, adapting the explanation to the students in your group. That matters if you’re new: you can ask about positioning, paddling, or what to do in the water before you’re trying to process instructions while managing a board.

After the demo, there are about five minutes to get ready with the equipment. You can use an Excel dry suit top or rash guard, plus reef shoes. The longboard is an NSP model, and secured lockers are available for belongings. The supplied details don’t specify changing facilities, so bring what you need to get ready without relying on them.

A private lesson, not a one-size-fits-all class

This is a private activity, meaning only your group participates. That’s useful for families, couples, or friends who want to learn together without sharing the instructor with strangers. It also gives the coach more room to adapt explanations and practice to each person’s comfort and ability.

Eddie is the instructor most closely associated with the lesson. His teaching style is described as energetic and patient, with a focus on helping students improve rather than simply sending them out to try their luck. He rides with students, too, which gives you a close-up demonstration and a coach alongside you as you work on catching a wave.

One memorable detail: Eddie has been known to surf alongside students and pull off a handstand. Treat that as a possible bit of beachside showmanship, not a scheduled feature. The more useful point is that the lesson appears to be active and personal, rather than a brief explanation followed by the instructor watching from shore.

What happens in the water

Ocean time begins when you enter the water, not when the 90-minute session starts. The supplied timing suggests about 15 to 20 minutes are used for the land demo and equipment preparation, though the exact split may vary. If you’re comparing this with a 90-minute block of continuous surfing, keep that distinction in mind.

The stated average is one wave every five minutes or less. That gives you a rough sense of how often you may get a chance to practice, but it is not a promise. Conditions, timing, and the group’s pace can affect how many attempts you get.

The instructor’s aim is to tailor the demo to the students and answer questions before heading out. Beginners can benefit from that step-by-step start, while more experienced learners may have room to work on technique. One advanced beginner described catching many waves and riding for close to a minute at times, but that is an individual result, not a standard outcome you should count on.

If it’s your first time in the ocean, say so early. One student who had little surfing experience and felt nervous about going farther out found the safety instruction helpful. The lesson is offered for all levels, but that doesn’t remove the need to listen closely, be honest about your comfort, and follow your instructor’s directions.

The gear and keepsakes included

You don’t need to bring a surfboard or reef shoes. The lesson includes an NSP longboard, reef shoes, and either an Excel dry suit top or a rash guard. Secured lockers are also provided, so you have a place for belongings while you’re in the water.

Photos are included in the price, a welcome extra if you’d like a record of your first successful ride or a family lesson. Video is not included. If you want GoPro footage, the listed prices are $39.99 for a savable link, $49.99 for an SD card, or $74.99 for a complete edited video.

That difference is worth sorting out before you book. The included photos may be enough for you, while anyone who wants moving footage should factor the add-on into the cost. There’s no need to buy video to take part in the lesson.

Is $130 per person good value?

At $130 per person, this is not just a board rental. You’re paying for a private lesson, instruction before entering the water, safety guidance, equipment, reef shoes, a locker, and photos. For someone who wants an instructor’s attention and a first go at surfing without arranging the gear separately, that package has practical value.

The private format is especially important when you’re learning with a child or with someone whose confidence differs from yours. A family can move at its own pace, and the instructor can spend extra time helping a student feel ready. A parent described Eddie taking extra care with a young surfer, which points to the benefit of one-on-one attention, though the amount of instruction each person needs will vary.

Group discounts are offered, but the discount amount is not specified. If you’re booking with several people, check the final price for your group rather than assuming a particular saving. Remember, optional video can add another $39.99 to $74.99, depending on the format you choose.

Who will enjoy this most

This lesson suits first-time surfers who want close guidance, and beginners who’d rather ask questions in a private setting than join a larger class. It can also work for advanced beginners and more experienced surfers seeking help with specific skills. The instructor’s approach is described as adaptable across levels, though no particular skill improvement is guaranteed in one session.

It’s a good choice if you’re nervous about ocean safety or want a teacher who stays involved in the action. It may be less suitable if your main goal is a long block of uninterrupted surfing, since the stated 90 minutes include briefing and preparation. Check how much water time you can expect when you book if that distinction is central to your plans.

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The information provided doesn’t give specific details about physical requirements or the exact surf location, so ask the operator if you have a concern that would affect your ability to take part.

Planning your booking

The meeting and end point are the same: Pau Hana Sailing, 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96815. The experience is offered in English, and you receive confirmation when you book. It is booked an average of 43 days ahead, which is a useful sign to reserve early if you have a narrow travel window.

The lesson depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this Oahu surf lesson?

Book it if you want personal coaching, included equipment, and an instructor who teaches both technique and ocean safety. Eddie’s energetic, patient style and the private format are the strongest reasons to choose it, especially for a first surf lesson or a family outing.

Think twice if you’re expecting all 90 minutes to be spent in the water, or if you need a guaranteed number of waves. The lesson is about 90 minutes overall, and ocean time starts after the briefing and prep. If you’re comfortable with that trade-off, $130 per person buys a well-equipped introduction with individual attention and photos to keep.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The activity lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The 10 to 15 minute land demo and about five minutes of equipment preparation are part of the session, and ocean time starts when you enter the water.

Where does the lesson meet?

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

Is this a private lesson?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What equipment is included?

The lesson includes an NSP longboard, reef shoes, and an Excel dry suit top or rash guard. Secured lockers are also available.

Are photos and videos included?

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.

Is the lesson suitable for beginners?

The lesson is offered for any level, and the instructor tailors the land demo to the students. It includes guidance on surfing basics and ocean safety.

What language is the lesson offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the start time.