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Our Surf Story


Looking for experienced surf instructors to guide you in the art of surfing? Look no further than North Shore Surf Girls, founded by pro surfer Carol Philips. Our team offers a safe, welcoming environment where people of all ages and skill levels can experience the joy of riding waves on Oahu’s iconic North Shore.

Growing up on the North Shore, Carol developed a deep connection to surfing and understands both the excitement and challenges of the sport. Our expert instructors are here to ensure you have a fun and easy learning experience, covering essential skills such as board protocol, navigating ocean currents, and—most importantly—standing up and catching your first wave!

Make the most of your time in Hawaii by learning from the best. Whether you’re a complete beginner or refining your skills, our instructors are passionate about helping you succeed. Contact North Shore Surf Girls today and discover the thrill of surfing with a team that truly cares about your experience.

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Instructors

 

Our professional instructors at North Shore Surf Girls are the best at what they do. 

They have put the time in and have the experience in the waters on the North Shore of Oahu to effectively teach others how to surf. The North Shore Surf Girls are ocean women first, with experiences ranging from surfing Waikiki for fun, charging Waimea Bay for the wave of a lifetime, and surfing around the globe in competition, to surfing for film and television in movies and shows from Blue Crush to Bay Watch.

We are committed to sharing that gift with all who come to our islands with the highest standards of safety in the industry.

Our experienced professional instructors are Red Cross Lifeguard certified and qualified in CPR and First Aid Responder training. Whether they’re teaching surfing lessons on Oahu or surfing Waikiki, all instructors are also trained on the various local spots in terms of current flow and the way the multiple waves break. All instructors begin their surfing lessons on land with an explanation about surfing basics and safety. Men, women, boys, girls, groups, or families are all prepped on what the protocol is for board responsibility, how to look for currents, and, most importantly, how to get up to their feet and ride a wave!

Our surf instructors are with you all the way!

Once your surf lessons enter the water, our instructors are right beside you, helping you learn which waves to catch, paddle techniques, and the proper way to stand up. The North Shore Surf Girl surfing instructors hope to make friends for life with all who visit our surf school and Hawaii. We very much care that you have an enjoyable time learning to surf with us.

Our surf school strict student-to-teacher ratio

You will never have more than four surf school students per instructor per group surf lesson. Our Family Private surfing lesson is a ratio of three surf students per instructor our semi-private lessons are two students to one instructor and a private lesson is one student with one instructor

 

Please get to know a few of our surf instructors as they share a little bit of themselves in the hope of also sharing SURFING… Hawaii’s Gift to the World!

 

Carol

Aloha! My name is Carol Philips, and I believe surfing is Hawaii’s gift to the world. I love sharing this gift by offering surf lessons to people from all walks of life. Growing up in Hawaii, I discovered my love for the waves at 14, bodyboarding on Oahu’s North Shore. That love blossomed into a career, where I competed professionally, winning two National Championships (1989, 1991) and placing second in the world in 1992. In 2000, I ranked 7th in bodyboard surfing at the World Surfing Games.

As the first woman to compete at Pipeline and the founder of the Women’s Pipe Championships, which celebrated its 20th year in 2009, I’ve dedicated myself to breaking barriers for women in surfing. My journey is also featured in the chapter “Stepping Out” in North Shore Chronicles by Bruce Jenkins, and I played the Event Coordinator for the movie Blue Crush.

Beyond the waves, I’m committed to my community, currently serving as Vice President of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. I’ve also served on the North Shore Neighborhood Board and as Chair of the Hawai’i State Commission on the Status of Women. Though I’ve even run for political office, I’m happiest in the ocean, sharing my love for surfing with those experiencing it for the first time.

Peace, Carol

 

Aimee

Aloha, my name is Aimee. I was born and raised on the Island of Kauai and moved to the North Shore of Oahu in 2010. My love of the ocean started at a very young age! As a kid growing up in Hawaii was the best!  Always at the beach, playing, swimming & surfing with friends and family. As a young adult, I moved to California to spread the aloha spirit and wings of adulthood. While there I met some amazing woman surfers, who introduced me to an all-women surf school called Surf Diva (La Jolla, California). They asked me to teach at their surf school as their first Hawaiian Surf Instructor. This was back in the early 2000s when woman surfing was getting big in the industry. I said yes and loved it! I ended up doing surf camps, and surf retreats in Mexico and teaching women from the very young to the young at heart. After my time in California, I came back to Hawaii (Kauai) and continued to teach surf lessons and travel the world to surf. I have been to Costa Rica, Bali, Sayulita, Mexico & Australia. Then, I decided to move to Oahu, where I met Carol (owner of NSSG) in this surfing community. We instantly became friends and she offered me a job! Now, I am a mother to a beautiful daughter that also loves the ocean, For me to teach someone how to ride a wave is the best feeling! Mahalo for reading my story and see you soon!

Aimee with daughter

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Jana

Aloha and Welcome to the North Shore surf girls surf school. My name is Janna, and I have been enjoying a life of surfing since age 10. Born and raised here on Oahu’s North Shore, I am more than happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. Any sport in the water has been a common theme in my life since I was a small child; I have competed as a collegiate NCAA swimmer & water polo player, I enjoy paddling boarding, stand up paddling, and of course, surfing, anything in the water and I am hooked. Surfing is my passion, and I would love to share that with you.

Christian

Aloha, and welcome to the North Shore! My Name is Christian; I am an all-around water woman and first leaned to surf from my lifeguard parents when I was 2 years old. I was raised on Maui and moved to the North Shore of Oahu in 1990 to study marine biology and train Hawaiian monk seals at the Waikiki Aquarium. I have been surfing and competing on the North Shore since then. I have also traveled to Fiji, Indonesia, Australia, and Mexico to surf and dive. My specialty is teaching children, and I am the proud mother of a five-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy, both of whom started surfing before they could walk and have won numerous trophies. I love living and surfing on the North Shore and love teaching people to surf!

Gypsy

Aloha, I am Gypsy. Welcome to our surf school. I grew up surfing and competing in the big waves of Sunset beach on the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii. Here the warm waters, friendly surf girls, and waves made of perfection
will send you to a place you have only dreamed of…surfing Hawaii! Whether in Waikiki or the North Shore, surfing is more than a board and a body in the wilderness; it is a mindset and a cleansing. Teaching surf is our love. We use Hawaii’s gift to the World to live the best that life offers us by surfing Hawaii! I want to share the amazing feeling of surfing through our surf school. There’s more to life than concrete blocks and pollution, there’s surf, ocean, more surf, and our Hawaii home.

BE FREE AND COME SURF WITH US, WE’LL TAKE YOU FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!

Beccy

Aloha! My name is Beccy Cravens. I was born and raised in Southern California but have made Hawai’i my home for the past 5-years and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else for the rest of my life. I have been surfing and swimming since before I could walk. I feel so blessed to be able to surf the waves of the North Shore. I am currently a competing Stand-up Paddler, or as some people call it, “ocean sweeper” and just recently won 1st place in the 4 mile ‘SUP into Summer’ race. I am also very active in the ocean and surf community by volunteering time with non-profit organizations and beach cleanups. I love to spend most of my time in the water and would also love to take you out to experience the beautiful waters of Hawai’i and help spread the Aloha spirit that I felt when I first arrived.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Surfing Lessons

Q: Where do you offer surfing lessons?
A: We provide surfing lessons at two prime locations on the North Shore of Oahu: Puaena Point and Chun’s Reef Beaches. Both spots are just 3 miles apart. After booking your surf lesson, we’ll send you an email with maps and directions. You can also find both locations on Google Maps for easy navigation.

Q: Is it safe to learn to surf on the North Shore of Oahu?
A: Yes! The North Shore is a great place for surf lessons year-round. On days with bigger waves, we teach in a protected cove with smaller, safe waves. We evaluate ocean conditions daily and choose the best spot for your surfing lesson to ensure safety and fun.

Q: Do you have a photographer for my surfing lesson?
A: Yes, we often have a photographer capturing amazing moments during your surfing lesson. For $40 per person, you’ll receive high-resolution digital photos. Please request this when booking your lesson to ensure the photographer is available.

Q: What types of surf lessons do you offer?
A: We offer a range of surfing lessons for different group sizes and skill levels, including:
Private surfing lessons (1 student to 1 instructor)
Semi-private surf lessons (2 students to 1 instructor)
Family surf lessons (3 students to 1 instructor)
Group surfing lessons (up to 4 students per instructor)

Q: What age range do you teach in your surfing lessons?
A: We teach surfing lessons to students of all ages, from 2 years old to adults. For children under 8, we recommend booking a private or tandem surf lesson to ensure they get the best experience.

Q: Why is the North Shore of Oahu the best place for learning to surf?
A: The North Shore of Oahu is the Surfing Capital of the World. Our surfing lessons take place in a protected cove, ensuring safety from the larger swells that the North Shore is famous for. With cleaner water, authentic beaches, and smaller crowds than Waikiki, you’ll enjoy a truly authentic surfing experience here.

Q: How long does it take to learn to surf?
A: Many beginners can stand up during their first surfing lesson. For those looking to advance their skills, including reading waves and paddling into them, we recommend booking at least three lessons to build a strong foundation.

Q: Should I book a one-hour, one-and-a-half-hour, or two-hour surfing lesson?
A: The ideal lesson length depends on your fitness level and stamina. For beginners who are fit and comfortable in the water, a two-hour lesson allows you to maximize your time and progress. However, if you’re less accustomed to physical activity or unsure about your endurance, a one-hour or one-and-a-half-hour lesson may be a better fit to prevent fatigue while still learning the basics. We can always extend future lessons as you build confidence and strength!

Q: Do you teach men to surf?
A: Yes, we teach surfing lessons to both men and women. About half of our students are male.

Q: How many people are in a group surf lesson?
A: Our group surfing lessons start with three students and maintain a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio to ensure personalized instruction.

Q: What should I bring to my surfing lesson?
A: For your surfing lesson, be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated.

Q: Can I use my own surfboard for the lesson?
A: Yes, you can bring your own surfboard. However, for beginners, we recommend using our soft-top surfboards designed specifically for learning to surf.

Q: What happens if there are no waves during my surfing lesson?
A: The North Shore of Oahu typically has ridable waves year-round. In the summer, smaller waves are generated by trade winds. In winter, we teach in a protected cove to avoid the larger swells. If conditions are unsafe, we’ll reschedule your lesson or offer a refund.

Q: What’s the water temperature in Hawaii for surfing?
A: Hawaii’s near-shore water temperature averages 74°F (23.3°C), with summer highs around 80°F (26.7°C), making it ideal for surfing lessons year-round.

Q: Can I take a surfing lesson in the rain?
A: Yes, we conduct surf lessons in the rain as you’ll be getting wet anyway. However, if you prefer not to surf in the rain, we offer rescheduling or refunds if the weather at the location is unfavorable.

Q: What should I do if I wear contacts during my surfing lesson?
A: If you wear contacts, it’s best to keep your eyes closed underwater. Many surfers wear contacts without any issues. We recommend bringing an extra pair of lenses just in case.

Q: What if I get seasick during my surfing lesson?
A: If you’re prone to seasickness, taking over-the-counter medications like Dramamine has helped some students (please consult a doctor before taking any medication).

Q: What type of swimsuit should I wear for my surfing lesson?
A: Wear something comfortable. We provide rashguards or surf jerseys for protection during your surfing lesson.

Q: Do you provide transportation from Waikiki,  Honolulu, or Ko Olina to the North Shore?
A: Unfortunately, we don’t offer transportation. However, we recommend renting a car to explore the island. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available, and public transportation options, such as The Bus, are also an affordable alternative.

Q: Can you recommend places to stay on Oahu?
A: Yes, we can refer you to rentals near the North Shore. One of our favorites is the North Shore Back Packers.  Many students enjoy staying on the North Shore closer to their surfing lessons rather than staying in Waikiki.

Q: Do surf instructors accept tips?
A: Yes, our surf instructors greatly appreciate tips for their work during your surfing lesson.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept all major credit cards and cash. You can easily book your surfing lesson online through our booking page or by calling us directly at 808-637-2977.

Q: Do you offer surfing lessons for special needs students?
A: Yes, we love working with special needs students. We require special needs students to book a private surfing lesson to ensure they receive one-on-one attention. When booking, please include a note regarding the nature of the student’s disability so we can tailor the lesson to their needs.

Q: Can I add extras to my surfing lesson?
A: Yes! We offer several extras to enhance your surf lesson experience:
Photos or Videos: Capture your surfing lesson with professional photos or videos for $40 per person. You’ll receive all images digitally in high resolution. Please request this when booking.
Souvenir T-Shirts: Take home a special surfing lesson t-shirt as a keepsake, available in various sizes and designs. Umbrella Rental: Stay comfortable on the beach with our umbrella rental, available during your surfing lesson for an additional fee.