Welcome to Oahu, Hawaii’s surfing paradise!

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, the North Shore offers an unrivalled surfing experience. In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of surfing lessons on Oahu’s famed North Shore.

Why Choose the North Shore for Surfing Lessons?

World-Renowned Waves


The North Shore of Oahu stands out as a premier surfing destination, renowned for producing some of the world’s best surfers, largely due to its extraordinary variety of waves. From gentle, rolling swells perfect for beginners to towering, powerful waves that challenge even the most seasoned professionals, the North Shore offers a complete spectrum of surfing experiences. This diversity not only fosters a robust learning environment for novices but also continually tests the skills of expert surfers, ensuring a constant evolution and refinement of their techniques.

Moreover, the uniqueness of the North Shore’s coastline plays a pivotal role in its year-round surf appeal. Unlike many surf spots that are seasonal, the North Shore’s geographical layout gifts it with consistent surf conditions, accommodating surfers of all levels at any time of the year. Beginners can find safe and manageable waves to start their surfing journey, while experts can chase the adrenaline rush on some of the world’s most challenging breaks. This unique combination of wave variety and consistent conditions makes the North Shore an unparalleled breeding ground for top-tier surfing talent, nurturing beginners into world-class surfers.

Expert Instructors

The North Shore Surf Girls stand out as some of the best surf instructors in the world, a distinction they’ve earned through a unique blend of empathy, skill, and unparalleled expertise. With over 40 years of experience surfing the diverse waves of the North Shore, these instructors bring not just technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of the local waters. Their empathetic teaching approach, particularly significant in a sport often dominated by male perspectives, offers a nurturing and supportive environment. This female-driven teaching style resonates especially with women and girls, providing them with relatable role models who inspire confidence and a can-do spirit in the surf.

This combination of local expertise and a uniquely empathetic teaching approach ensures a positive and successful learning experience for all students. Whether it’s navigating the basics for beginners or refining techniques for more advanced surfers, the North Shore Surf Girls tailor their instruction to suit individual needs and learning styles. Their knowledge of the North Shore’s diverse conditions means they can offer safe, yet challenging lessons, fostering a sense of accomplishment and a deep love for surfing. This blend of skill, empathy, and local insight makes learning with the North Shore Surf Girls a truly exceptional experience.

Surfing Lessons for All Levels

Beginners Welcome


Surf lessons with the North Shore Surf Girls are meticulously designed to cater to beginners, placing a strong emphasis on safety and fundamental techniques. Safety is paramount, especially for those new to the sport, and instructors prioritize teaching students how to read ocean conditions, manage their surfboards, and understand wave dynamics. This foundational knowledge is critical in ensuring a safe and enjoyable surfing experience. Additionally, beginners are introduced to basic techniques, such as paddling, standing up on the board, and wave timing. These lessons are structured in a step-by-step manner, allowing novices to build confidence and competence at a comfortable pace.

Moreover, the surf lessons incorporate practical, hands-on training with personalized feedback. Instructors closely monitor each student’s progress, offering tips and adjustments to improve their technique. This personalized approach ensures that beginners not only learn the technical aspects of surfing but also develop a deeper connection with the sport. The aim is to equip beginners with the skills and confidence needed to continue their surfing journey long after the lessons end. This supportive and comprehensive approach to teaching beginners has proven to be highly effective, often turning first-time surfers into passionate enthusiasts of the sport.

Intermediate and Advanced Training

Advanced surf lessons with the North Shore Surf Girls are specifically tailored for those looking to elevate their surfing skills to the next level. These lessons delve deep into advanced techniques that are intricate and precise like wave reading and understanding how to leverage ocean currents, which are essential for mastering the sport. Experienced instructors focus on refining students’ abilities to execute moves such as cutbacks and snaps. They also emphasize the importance of reading waves – understanding their formation, timing, and the best approach for each type. This knowledge is crucial for making split-second decisions and successfully navigating challenging surf conditions.

In these advanced sessions, students can also upon request incorporate video analysis, a powerful tool for improvement. By reviewing footage, surfers can visualize and understand their movements, identifying areas for enhancement. This approach is highly effective in fine-tuning techniques and developing a more sophisticated surfing style. The ultimate goal of these advanced lessons is not just to improve skills, but also to deepen the surfer’s connection with the ocean, enhancing their overall surfing experience.

What to Expect in Your Surfing Lesson

Equipment and Safety


Surfing lessons on the North Shore Surf Girls not only offer an exhilarating experience but also place a high priority on safety, starting with the equipment provided. For beginners, specially designed surfboards are used, crafted with safety in mind. These boards are larger and more buoyant, offering greater stability and ease of handling, which is crucial for those just starting. The use of soft-top surfboards also minimizes the risk of injury during falls. Additionally, every participant is equipped with high-quality rashguards. These serve a dual purpose: they protect against the sun’s harmful rays and also reduce the risk of abrasions from the board.

Our lessons incorporate a customized safety process that is tailored to each individual’s age and ability. This personalized approach ensures that every learner feels secure and comfortable in the water. Instructors conduct a thorough safety briefing that includes ocean awareness, understanding surf conditions, and emergency protocols. For younger or less confident swimmers, extra precautions are taken, and instructors always remain within close proximity to provide immediate assistance if needed. This meticulous focus on safety allows beginners to fully immerse themselves in learning and enjoying the sport, secure in the knowledge that their well-being is the top priority.

In-Water and On-Land Training

In surf lessons, striking the right balance between practical in-water experience and on-land theory is essential for effective learning. The on-land theory forms the foundation of a surfer’s education, where beginners learn about the basics of wave dynamics, surf etiquette, and essential safety protocols. This theoretical knowledge is crucial for understanding how to navigate the ocean responsibly and safely. However, the true essence of surfing is best grasped through hands-on, in-water practice. This is where learners get to apply their theoretical knowledge, from paddling techniques to wave catching, in real-world conditions. The exhilarating experience of being in the water, feeling the push of a wave, and eventually standing up on a board, transforms theory into practical skill.

This holistic approach to surf education ensures a well-rounded development for aspiring surfers. In-water sessions are carefully structured to gradually build on the learner’s on-land training, allowing them to progressively challenge themselves while under the watchful guidance of experienced instructors. This balance is key to building confidence and competence in the water. As students progress, the focus shifts more towards refining in-water techniques, but the value of on-land theory remains, offering insights into advanced topics like wave selection, surfing strategy, and ongoing safety practices. By harmonizing on-land theory with practical in-water experience, surf lessons provide a comprehensive pathway for learning and enjoying the sport to its fullest.

Choosing the Best Surf School for You.

Accreditation and Reviews

Choosing the right surf school is crucial for a safe and enriching learning experience, and two key factors in making this decision are accreditation and reviews. Accredited surf schools have met specific standards for safety, instructor qualification, and teaching methods, ensuring a high-quality learning environment. Reading reviews on Google or Yelp from past students offers real-world insights into the school’s teaching effectiveness, atmosphere, and overall experience. These reviews often provide valuable information about the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, helping you make an informed choice. Taking the time to research and verify these aspects can significantly enhance your surfing journey.

Personalized Experience

Finding a surf school that aligns with your learning style is paramount for a fulfilling and effective surfing experience. The North Shore Surf Girls particularly excel in this regard, offering a supportive and adaptive teaching environment that caters to various learner types. For those who are nervous or apprehensive, their empathetic and patient approach helps to ease fears, instilling confidence and comfort in the water. This nurturing atmosphere is ideal for families, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all ages. Conversely, athletic individuals or those eager for a challenge are also well-served, as the instructors skillfully guide them through accelerated learning paths, quickly elevating their skills to the next level.

The versatility in teaching styles at North Shore Surf Girls means that every student receives personalized attention tailored to their specific needs and goals. Whether it’s a gentle introduction to the waves or a rigorous skill enhancement session, the instructors adeptly adjust their techniques. This personalization ensures that each learner, regardless of their background or aspirations, gets the most out of their surfing lessons, making the North Shore Surf Girls an ideal choice for a wide range of surf enthusiasts.

Beyond the Lesson: Embracing the Surf Culture

Local Surf Spots and Communities

Exploring local surf spots and immersing oneself in the vibrant surf communities of the North Shore is not just about catching waves; it’s about embracing a joyous and laid-back lifestyle deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Joining the surf tribe here means entering a world where the ‘happy-go-lucky’ values of surfing reign supreme, a place where camaraderie and respect for the ocean are as natural as the waves themselves. This unique surfing ethos, steeped in Hawaiian tradition, fosters a sense of belonging and shared joy among surfers, whether they’re locals or visitors. The North Shore’s surf spots are renowned not just for their spectacular waves but also for the warm, welcoming atmosphere that prevails on the beaches and in the water if you earn it.

Becoming part of this community offers a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for surfing and an appreciation for its Hawaiian roots. The spirit of ‘Aloha’, so central to Hawaiian culture, permeates the surfing experience here, creating an environment where everyone, from beginners to seasoned surfers, can learn, grow, and enjoy the sport in a harmonious setting. Engaging with this community is not only fun but also enriching, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of surfing and its role in Hawaiian heritage.

Conservation and Respect for Nature

The importance of ocean conservation and environmental respect cannot be overstated, especially for communities closely tied to the sea, like those involved in surfing. Preserving the health of our oceans, including vital coral reefs, is critical not only for the biodiversity they support but also for human survival. Coral reefs, often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, play a key role in maintaining the ocean’s balance, supporting an array of marine life. Keeping plastics and other pollutants out of the ocean is essential in this regard. These pollutants not only harm marine life but also disrupt the delicate ecological balance, leading to devastating consequences like the destruction of coral reefs and the decline in fish populations. Such environmental degradation not only impacts the sport of surfing but also affects global food security and the health of our planet. Therefore, every effort to protect and preserve our oceans contributes significantly to sustaining life both in and out of the water.

Embarking on a surfing journey on Oahu’s North Shore is more than just a lesson; it’s an entry into a world of adventure, culture, and respect for the ocean. Book your lesson today and prepare to ride the waves!