You will do more than survive your first surf lesson. Five small things make the biggest difference once you are at the beach and in the water: learn a little about paddling ahead of time, do not be afraid to fall, dress for the sun, breathe, and ask questions.
We have been teaching first-time surfers on Oʻahu’s North Shore since 2005, and these are the five tips we come back to most. They are about the lesson itself. For fitness and packing, see our separate guide on how to prepare for a surf lesson in Hawaiʻi.
What should I learn before my first surf lesson?
Tip 1: Research the basics. A little homework helps you understand the ideas and techniques being taught, so you can spend your lesson practicing new skills instead of taking in everything at once.
Paddling is the best place to start. We recommend watching Paddling Technique for Beginner Surfers, a YouTube video by Mission Bay Aquatic Center.
You do not need to memorize anything. Every North Shore Surf Girls lesson begins with a land lesson on the beach that lasts approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on group size and the students’ past experience. If you have already seen paddling once on a screen, the land lesson will feel familiar.
What is the safest way to fall off a surfboard?
Tip 2: Do not be afraid to fall. Falling happens to everyone, and you are going to get wet. The trick is to fall flat like a pancake, staying near the surface of the water.
Here is another nice hack. When you swim back to your surfboard, swim only or mostly with your hands and arms, and do not kick with your feet. Swimming with your arms keeps you from accidentally kicking the floor of the ocean.
Falling is part of the learning process. A fall shows you what went wrong and how to correct it on the next wave. Falling off a surfboard is also a perfectly functional way to stop at the end of your ride, so there is no reason to feel bad about it.
You are not on your own out there, either. All of our instructors are American Red Cross certified lifeguards, and on every lesson your instructor is the in-water lifeguard for their own students.
What should I wear to a surf lesson in Hawaiʻi?
Tip 3: Wear the right gear. Whether you are surfing or just spending the day at the beach, covering your skin from the sun matters. The good news is that you have very little to buy.
- Rash guard and surfboard. We provide surfboards and rash guards on every lesson type, so you do not need to buy a rash guard. A rash guard protects your upper body from the sun.
- Fitted bottoms. A good, snug pair of leggings or board shorts works well.
- The right size. Clothes that are too tight restrict your movement, and clothes that are too loose drag in the water.
- Reef-safe sunscreen. Apply reef-safe sunscreen to your face and to any other skin that is not covered.
How do I stay calm in the water during a surf lesson?
Tip 4: Remember to breathe and relax. Breathing is one of the most important parts of surfing. Steady breathing helps you stay calm in the waves, and a calm surfer burns less oxygen during the moments spent underwater after a fall.
While you watch for your next wave, take long, deep breaths and count them: three seconds in and three seconds out. Counting your breaths keeps you calm and focused, and it works especially well if you are having trouble catching a wave.
When you paddle for a wave, stay relaxed and focused at the same time. Try not to tense your body as you paddle toward your next ride.
Is it okay to ask my surf instructor questions?
Tip 5: Do not be afraid to ask questions. Yes, always ask. Your instructor is there to help you and wants you to succeed, and they will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Share your concerns with your instructor too. If you are nervous about falling, deep water, or anything else, say so. We adapt lessons for age, ability, confidence, and ocean conditions, and your instructor can only adapt to what they know about you.
Questions are welcome from every kind of beginner. North Shore Surf Girls is women-founded, and we teach men, women, couples, families, and kids. If you have questions before lesson day, our surf lesson FAQs cover the common ones, and you can read about who we are on the Our Story page.
Ready to book your first surf lesson?
Now you know a little about paddling, how to fall, what to wear, how to breathe, and that your instructor wants your questions. Those five tips will carry you through your first surf lesson.
If you would like the most one-on-one attention, look at our private and semi-private surf lessons. To compare all the options, book your surf lesson on Oʻahu’s North Shore, or call us at 808-637-2977 with questions about ability, group size, or ocean conditions.