Surf Lesson Without the Crowds Including GoPRO Videos

Ala Moana is the appeal here: you get a beginner surf lesson away from Waikiki’s busiest beach scene, with an instructor close by to help you catch waves. The session runs about 90 minutes, and edited GoPro footage is included, so you can keep a record of the inevitable wobbles as well as the rides.

I like two things in particular: the coaches break surfing into manageable steps, and the group stays small, with a maximum of five people. Instructors including Mike, Rio, John, and Michael are praised for patient, safety-minded teaching. One consideration: you must be able to swim, and the water may be chilly while the reef can be rocky, so ask about gear and bring water shoes if you have them.

• Ala Moana meeting point: Start and finish at 75 Ala Moana Park Dr in Honolulu.
• About 90 minutes on the clock: Expect a short beach lesson followed by practice in the water.
• Small-group coaching: The maximum is five, though some sessions may feel more personal.
• GoPro keepsake included: Edited pictures and videos are sent to your email after the lesson.
• A beginner-friendly aim: Instructors help you catch waves and work toward standing up.
• $125 per person: The price includes the lesson and the edited footage, making it more than a quick board rental.

A calmer start at Ala Moana

If Waikiki’s busy surf scene feels like a lot for your first lesson, Ala Moana offers a different setting. The lesson meets at 75 Ala Moana Park Dr, and the activity returns to that same point. You are not signing up for a long excursion across the island: the focus is on getting you from the beach briefing to the water with as little fuss as possible.

The location is a strong part of the experience. One family described it as less crowded than Waikiki, and the surf break as a good fit for their lesson. That does not mean you will have the beach to yourself, or that conditions will be identical each day. It does mean the lesson is designed around a quieter alternative to Waikiki’s most familiar surf spot.

One participant described the water at their session as roughly five feet deep, which helped them feel less anxious when they fell off the board. Treat that as a snapshot, not a promise about depth or conditions. Surf conditions change, and you should be comfortable in the water before booking.

The beach briefing: waves, stance, and surf etiquette

The lesson begins on land with the fundamentals: how a wave works, how to ride it, and how to behave around other surfers. This short briefing matters. Beginners need more than a quick lesson in how to stand; they also need to know where to look, when to listen, and how to share the water safely.

Several instructors are praised for taking time to explain the steps before heading in. Michael, Rio, and other coaches have been noted for breaking the process down clearly and adding practical tips as the lesson goes on. That approach is useful if you are nervous, or if you have never tried a board sport before.

You should still expect to learn by doing. A 90-minute session is an introduction, not a promise that you will leave with polished technique. Your goal is to understand the basics, get some practice, and, if conditions and timing cooperate, catch waves and try standing up.

In the water: coaching, waves, and repeat attempts

Once the beach lesson is done, you head into the water and work on catching waves. The instructor helps you get set up, gives cues about when to stand, and offers advice between attempts. That hands-on support is the heart of the experience: you are not left to figure out timing and balance alone.

The small group can make a real difference. The maximum is five people, but group size may be smaller. Some sessions have been one-on-one or shared by only two people, while another participant described a group of three that still felt closely supervised. The advertised intimate format is appealing, but it is wise to plan around the stated maximum rather than assume you will have a private lesson.

The coaching seems well suited to mixed ability levels. A couple with different levels of experience both managed to stand up, while families with children described patient instruction tailored to the group. A few first-timers caught waves on their first attempt; others needed repeated guidance before standing. Your own progress will depend on your balance, comfort in the water, and the conditions that day.

One helpful detail from a 7 a.m. session: the waves were described as strongest at the beginning, with shorter rides later. That is a single account, not a forecast or guarantee, but it is a good reminder that surf changes during a lesson. If you have a choice of time, ask the operator about current conditions rather than assuming every session will feel the same.

You may be tired by the end. Paddling and balancing take effort, and one participant noted that their shoulders were worn out after the lesson. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, so you do not need to arrive as an athlete, but be ready for active time in the water.

GoPro footage: a useful extra, not just a novelty

The included GoPro photos and videos add something practical to the lesson. It is hard to remember every cue while you are paddling, trying to balance, and keeping track of a wave. Footage gives you a way to relive the experience and see what your first rides looked like.

The edited files are sent to your email after the lesson. One participant received them within 48 hours, but no fixed delivery time is stated, so allow for a wait. The footage is a bonus, not a substitute for instruction, and it cannot guarantee a perfect shot of every wave. Still, it is a welcome part of the package, especially if you would otherwise have no good way to capture your time in the water.

The GoPro also helps make the $125 price easier to assess. You are paying for a guided lesson, individual coaching within a small group, and edited media, rather than simply renting a surfboard. If you mainly want to try surfing with an instructor, the footage is an added keepsake. If the video is a major reason for booking, remember that your best clips depend on what happens during the session.

What to bring, and what to know before you go

You must be able to swim and should have a moderate level of fitness. Those are the most important practical requirements. The lesson is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Gear details are not fully specified for every session. One participant said the instructor supplied a board, rash guard, and water shoes; another advised bringing your own water shoes because the reef was rocky and sharp. Since gear can vary, ask the operator what will be provided for your date. If you already own water shoes, packing them is a sensible precaution.

Some participants found the water chilly, particularly during an early-morning lesson. A neoprene top helped one person stay warm. Again, conditions can vary, so consider bringing a layer for before and after your time in the water, and check with the operator about what suits the day.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which can help if you are not driving. The activity ends at the same location, so you can plan your next stop without arranging a separate return transfer.

Is $125 a good value?

At $125 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on a board, but the price covers more than equipment access. You receive instruction, help catching waves, and edited GoPro media. For a first surf lesson, coaching is the part that can turn a brief swim around on a board into a useful introduction to the sport.

The small-group limit matters, too. A crowded lesson can leave a beginner waiting for a turn or missing feedback. Here, a group of up to five gives the instructor a better chance to notice how each person is doing. It is not the same as guaranteed private instruction, but the reported sessions of one to three people suggest that some bookings may feel especially personal.

The value is strongest if you want a supported first attempt and like the idea of taking home footage. It is less compelling if you are already an experienced surfer looking for advanced coaching, since the lesson centers on basics and beginner progress. The session is also short enough to fit into a busy Honolulu day, though that brevity means you should not expect a full course.

Who will get the most from this lesson?

First-time surfers are the clearest match. The instructors focus on the basics, safety, and getting you into the water, and many beginners have managed to stand up or catch a few waves. That outcome is encouraging, but not guaranteed. Book for the instruction and experience, not a specific number of successful rides.

Families may find the format appealing, including families with children. Reports describe children as young as nine taking part and instructors adapting to the needs of different ages. The information provided does not state a minimum age, so confirm that directly before booking for a child.

The lesson also suits couples and friends with different confidence levels. Coaching can be adjusted person by person, which helps if one of you is eager to paddle out and the other is nervous. If you are not a confident swimmer, however, this is not the right activity.

The overall rating is 5 out of 5, with 100% of 167 travelers recommending it. The strongest points are consistent: patient instructors, clear safety guidance, plenty of encouragement, and GoPro footage that adds a lasting memento. A few practical caveats remain: group size can vary, the water may feel cold, and rocky reef may call for water shoes.

Should you book it?

Book this lesson if you want a friendly, hands-on introduction to surfing at Ala Moana, especially if you value a small group and want edited GoPro footage included. It suits beginners, families with children who meet the operator’s requirements, and friends who want to try the sport together without committing to a longer course.

Before booking, confirm what equipment is supplied and ask about the conditions expected for your session. Make sure everyone taking part can swim, and keep expectations flexible: the instructor can help you learn and catch waves, but no lesson can promise that every first-timer will stand up. If that sounds fair, $125 buys a focused first taste of surfing with a useful keepsake at the end.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the lesson meet?

Meet at 75 Ala Moana Park Dr, Honolulu, HI 96815. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is five travelers. The group may be smaller, but a private lesson is not guaranteed.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Participants must be able to swim.

What language is the lesson offered in?

The lesson is offered in English.

Are GoPro photos and videos included?

Yes. The instructor captures the surf experience, edits the material, and sends it to you by email after the lesson. A specific delivery time is not guaranteed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes made within that period are not accepted.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

If the activity is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.