Local Guide by North Shore Surf Girls

Learning to surf on the North Shore of Oʻahu doesn’t have to be intimidating. While the area is famous for powerful winter waves, beginners can surf the North Shore year-round with the right timing, tides, and local guidance.

At North Shore Surf Girls, we teach beginners every month of the year — focusing on calm mornings, beginner-friendly breaks, and conditions that help students build confidence safely and successfully.

Here’s our local breakdown of the best time to surf on the North Shore for beginners, including when to surf Puaʻena Point and Chun’s Beach.

Can Beginners Surf on the North Shore All Year?

Yes — the North Shore is beginner-friendly all year long when you know where to go.

While winter brings large surf to exposed reefs, there are protected beginner breaks that remain manageable. Late summer and fall offer the easiest learning conditions, but mornings year-round can be excellent with proper instruction.

This is why local knowledge matters — conditions change daily.

Best Time of Day for Beginners: Morning Sessions

Morning is always the best time to surf on the North Shore for beginners.

Why mornings work best:

• Cleaner, glassier waves

• Lighter winds

• Fewer people in the water

• Safer learning environment

🕗 Ideal lesson window: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Best Tide & Spot for Beginner Surfing

Puaʻena Point — Morning + Low Tide

Puaʻena Point is one of the most reliable beginner surf spots on the North Shore.

Best conditions:

• Morning sessions

• Low tide

• Small, gentle swell

Low tide creates soft, rolling waves that are perfect for:

• First-time surfers

• Kids and families

• Learning paddling and pop-ups

Great for confidence-building lessons

Chun’s Beach — Morning + Middle Tide

Chun’s Beach offers a quieter, more relaxed beginner experience.

Best conditions:

• Morning sessions

• Middle tide (incoming or outgoing)

• Clean, small surf

Mid tide produces smoother wave faces that help beginners practice:

• Timing

• Balance

• Reading waves

Ideal for beginners who want longer rides

Best Season for Beginner Surfing: Late Summer & Fall

While lessons run year-round, late summer and fall are the easiest seasons for beginners.

Why this season is ideal:

• Smaller, more forgiving waves

• Warmer water

• Less crowded lineups

• More relaxed North Shore vibe

Fall, in particular, is a sweet spot — great conditions without winter crowds.

Winter Surfing for Beginners (Yes, It’s Safe)

Winter surf requires extra care, but beginners can still learn:

• At protected beginner breaks

• During calm morning windows

• With experienced local instructors

This is when guided lessons make all the difference.

🌺 Learn to Surf with North Shore Surf Girls

We specialize in:

• Beginner & first-time surfers

• Men, Women, families, and children

• Ocean awareness & wave reading

• Safe, confidence-building instruction

🏄‍♀️ Book a Beginner Surf Lesson

🏄‍♀️ Private Family Surf Lessons

🏄‍♀️ Why Learn with Local Female Instructors