Surf Lessons get your Social Media video & photos you Surfing HI.

On this Oahu lesson, the focus is not on squeezing a crowd into the water. Eddie Fiel, the owner, and instructor Johnny Noel keep instruction to two students per instructor, with a short land demo before you paddle out. The small ratio gives you a better chance to ask questions and get help when you need it.

I like two things in particular: paddle assistance and practical gear. You get an NSP surfboard, reef shoes, and an Excel dry suit top or rash guard, while instructors help you catch waves instead of leaving you to work it all out alone. The free photos are another nice touch if you want a record of your first rides.

The main consideration is the short session. It lasts about an hour, and the exact amount of time you spend on waves will depend on the conditions. GoPro footage is an extra purchase, so do not assume that free photos mean a full video package is included.

At a glance

• Two students per instructor: A small teaching ratio means more individual attention than a crowded group lesson.
• A 10 to 15 minute land demo: You cover surfing basics and ocean safety before heading into the water.
• Paddle assistance is part of the approach: The instructors help you catch waves rather than relying on oversized boards.
• Useful equipment is included: You get an NSP surfboard, an Excel dry suit top or rash guard, reef shoes, and a secured locker.
• Free photos, paid GoPro footage: Photos are described as free; GoPro footage and edited video are available for additional fees.
• About an hour for $100 per person: A focused introduction, best suited to you if you want hands-on coaching rather than a long surf outing.

The lesson begins on land

Meet at Pau Hana Sailing, at 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. The activity ends back at the same point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup location. The lesson is described as private, meaning only your group participates, while instruction is planned at two students per instructor.

Allow for a brief equipment setup before the lesson starts. The stated preparation time is about five minutes, followed by a 10 to 15 minute land demo. That demo covers the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety, and the instructors say they tailor it to the students. If you have a question, this is the moment to ask it before you are trying to listen while balancing in the water.

The gear list is specific: an NSP surfboard, an Excel dry suit top or rash guard, reef shoes, and a secured locker for your belongings. The dry suit top is especially useful in fall and winter, when the water and air can feel chilly. The lesson description does not specify which garment every student receives, so ask when booking if you have a preference.

Two students per instructor makes a difference

Surf lessons can be frustrating when the group is large and the instructor is busy with someone else just as you need help. Island Fiel Surf’s stated ratio of two students per instructor is a meaningful part of the value here. You should have more opportunity to get feedback, ask follow-up questions, and receive help paddling into position.

Eddie Fiel is the owner and one of the instructors; Johnny Noel is the other instructor named. The operation describes more than 10 years of experience, with both instructors familiar with the waves. That matters for beginners, who often need help not only learning how to stand, but also getting into the right place to try.

The lesson is also described as private, with only your group taking part. That does not mean you book a one-to-one lesson by default: the stated teaching ratio is two students per instructor. If you are booking as a pair, this arrangement may suit you well. If you are going alone or have a larger party, confirm how the instructor allocation will work for your booking.

Board, shoes, and help catching waves

The instructors make a point of avoiding oversized paddleboards, which they say can tire students quickly. Instead, the lesson centers on surfboards, with paddle assistance to help you catch waves. For a new surfer, that support can make the first hour feel more like learning to ride than spending the whole time paddling without a clear idea of what to do.

The stated pace is one wave every five minutes or less. Treat that as an expectation rather than a guarantee: waves and ocean conditions vary, and the information does not promise a fixed number of rides. Still, knowing that the instructors aim to keep students moving is useful. You are not signing up for a long lecture followed by a brief attempt at surfing.

Reef shoes are provided, along with the board and top. The source information does not explain the beach or ocean entry in detail, so bring any questions about conditions, clothing, or what to wear directly to the operator. The included secured locker is handy for belongings you do not want to take into the water.

What the hour feels like

The listed duration is approximately one hour, but the schedule also notes five minutes to prepare and a 10 to 15 minute land demo. It further says ocean time begins when you enter the water. That distinction is worth keeping in mind: the total appointment and the time actually spent in the ocean are not necessarily the same thing.

Once you enter the water, the lesson is meant to be active. Instructors provide paddle assistance, help you work toward catching waves, and remain with the group rather than leaving anyone behind. The aim is to give you repeated chances to practice, with instruction adapted to the students’ needs.

Beginners should find the format reassuring. Surfing involves timing, balance, and learning how to respond to the water, so an attentive instructor can be more valuable than a longer session with little individual help. The trade-off is that an hour passes quickly. If you want a full day of surfing or a longer progression lesson, this is a first taste, not a substitute for extended practice.

Photos are included, but video costs extra

The experience promotes social-media photos and describes pictures as free. That is a useful extra, especially if you would like a record of your first attempt without needing to manage a camera yourself. The details do not explain how many photos you receive or exactly how they are delivered, so confirm those points before the lesson if they matter to you.

GoPro footage is separate and costs extra. The listed options are $39.99 for footage by email, $49.99 to purchase the SD card, or $74.99 for a YouTube edit. These choices may suit you if you want a video to share or review later, but they can add a notable amount to a $100 lesson. Decide in advance whether footage is worth the extra cost, and ask which package best matches what you want.

Is $100 good value?

At $100 per person, this lesson is priced as a short, coached introduction rather than a long surf session. The value comes from the small instructor ratio, equipment, reef shoes, locker, paddle help, and free photos. Those inclusions can make the price easier to justify if you want a structured first lesson and do not own any gear.

The price is less compelling if your main goal is simply to spend as long as possible in the water. The session is about an hour, and optional video purchases are not included. You should also factor in the time for setup and the land demo, since ocean time begins only when you enter the water.

A current rating of 5 out of 5 is based on three reviews, a very small sample. The comments highlight a friendly, attentive instructor and a fun experience, which match the lesson’s emphasis on patience and individual support. That is encouraging, but a handful of ratings cannot tell you how every session will go.

Who should book this lesson?

I would consider this a good fit if you are new to surfing, want close guidance, and would rather have an instructor help you catch waves than figure out paddling alone. It also suits couples or friends who want to take a lesson together, particularly if you value a small teaching group and a few free photos.

It may be less suitable if you want a long session, an included edited video, or a guaranteed number of waves. The advertised wave pace is an aim, not a promise, and ocean time depends on the conditions. If you are comparing options, ask about the actual time in the water and what the free photos include.

The experience is offered in English, accepts mobile tickets, and has group discounts. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate, though the provided information does not spell out specific physical requirements.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book Island Fiel Surf if you want a compact, closely coached first lesson with the basic gear supplied and paddle assistance built in. The strongest reasons are the two-students-per-instructor format and the patient, attentive approach praised in the available feedback.

Before paying, confirm the time you should expect to spend in the water and clarify what the free photos include. If you want GoPro footage, add that cost to your budget. For a beginner who values personal attention over a long session, $100 is a reasonable price for a focused start.

FAQ

How much does the surf lesson cost?

The listed price is $100 per person. Group discounts are available.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about one hour. Allow for about five minutes to prepare and a 10 to 15 minute land demo; 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 meeting point.

What equipment is included?

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

Is video included in the price?

Free photos are described as included. GoPro footage costs extra: $39.99 for footage by email, $49.99 for an SD card, or $74.99 for a YouTube edit.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

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