Most of the surfing beaches on the North Shore of Oʻahu are for experts only. The two spots we point beginner surfers to are Puaʻena Point and Chun’s Reef, and a beginner should always take a surfing lesson before paddling out at either one.
Which North Shore surf beaches are suitable for beginners?
We recommend two, and each one has its season:
- Puaʻena Point, in Haleʻiwa: the winter season.
- Chun’s Reef: the summer season.
These are the same two spots where we normally hold our own lessons. Neither one is a beginner beach every day of the year. Ocean conditions decide that, which is why the final lesson location can change with the surf, the weather, and the ability of the students.
Is Puaʻena Point a good place for a first surf lesson?
Puaʻena Point is a good option for a first lesson when conditions are suitable. The sheltered inside area can offer smaller waves, but the outside break is different territory. Go with a local instructor who can choose the appropriate area.
Our winter lessons are held in the protected waters at Puaʻena Point. Winter is when the North Shore is at its most powerful, so our guide to whether learning to surf on the North Shore in winter is safe is worth reading before a winter trip.
Is Chun’s Reef good for beginner surfers?
Chun’s Reef is a good option for lessons on small, gentle days, especially in summer. Chun’s Reef is still a reef break, and larger swells can make it unsuitable for beginners.
Chun’s Reef is our summer lesson location, and it has a county lifeguard on duty.
Should a beginner take a surf lesson before surfing the North Shore?
Yes, always. Knowing which area of a break suits a beginner, and on which days, takes local experience that a visitor cannot pick up from the sand.
Every North Shore Surf Girls instructor is an American Red Cross certified lifeguard and acts as the in-water lifeguard for their own students. Each lesson begins with a land lesson on the beach, about 15 to 30 minutes, before anyone gets in the water.
We have taught beginners on the North Shore since 2005, and our lessons are for everybody: women, men, couples, families, and kids. Choose a private or semi-private surf lesson for more individual attention, or join a group surf lesson.
When is a beginner ready for more advanced North Shore surfing beaches?
Not right after the first lesson. Our advice has been the same for years: take a surfing lesson, then spend a season surfing regularly at one of the two beginner spots above before trying more advanced surfing beaches. Time in small, gentle waves builds the skills and ocean sense that the rest of the North Shore demands.
Ready to start in the right place? Book a North Shore surf lesson or call us at 808-637-2977 with questions about ability or ocean conditions.