- Introduction
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Surf Lesson Experience
- Location & Meeting Point
- Duration & Schedule
- Equipment & Comfort
- Instruction & Teaching Style
- Group Size & Price
- Photos & Media
- Environmental & Community Focus
- What Travelers Say
- Practical Tips for Your Surf Lesson
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- The Best Of Oahu!
- More Workshops & Classes in Oahu
- More Photography Tours in Oahu
- More Tour Reviews in Oahu
Introduction
Looking for a beginner-friendly, affordable way to experience surfing on Oahu? This surf lesson experience offered by Island Fiel Surf might be just what you need. Designed for first-timers and those looking to improve their skills, it promises a relaxed, personalized approach to catching your first wave or enhancing your technique.
Two things we especially appreciate about this tour are the small group size — just two students per instructor — which ensures plenty of individual attention, and the focus on safety and fun. Plus, the added bonus of having social media videos and photos to remember your day makes it stand out. A potential consideration is the weather dependence; like any outdoor activity, it’s best to check the forecast, especially in fall and winter, when it can get a bit chilly.
This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups eager to experience surfing without the intimidating crowds or overstuffed lessons. If you’re looking for a fun, authentic taste of Hawaiian surfing with a local touch, this experience could be a perfect choice.
👉 See our pick of the The Top 15 Workshops & Classes In Oahu
Key Points

- Small Group Attention: Only two students per instructor for personalized coaching
- Comprehensive Equipment: Quality dry suits, reef shoes, and surfboards included
- Safety & Instruction: 10-15 minute land demo tailored to your skill level
- Photo & Video Package: Social media-ready media at an additional cost
- Local & Responsible: Part of proceeds donated to ocean stewardship programs
- Flexible & Convenient: Private tour with easy meeting point in Honolulu
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Oahu
An In-Depth Look at the Surf Lesson Experience
Location & Meeting Point
The experience begins at Pau Hana Sailing, 1651 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu. This spot is central, accessible via public transit and close to many hotels and beaches, making it a practical starting point for visitors. The activity ends back at the same location, ensuring convenience for those staying nearby.
Duration & Schedule
With approximately one hour of total activity time, this lesson offers a solid introduction without demanding a large time commitment. The schedule includes a 5-minute preparation to set up equipment, followed by a 10 to 15-minute land demonstration, and then your actual ocean time. Because ocean time begins after the land demo, you’ll get a chance to learn fundamentals and ocean safety before hitting the water.
Equipment & Comfort
The tour provides high-quality NSP surfboards, along with Excel dry suit tops (rash guards) and reef shoes. The dry suits are especially helpful during the cooler months, providing comfort and warmth, making the experience more enjoyable. The inclusion of lockers allows you to store your belongings safely, so you can focus on your surfing without worries.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Oahu
Instruction & Teaching Style
Owned and operated by Eddie Fiel, with a highly experienced instructor Johnny Noel, the team emphasizes patience and personalized coaching. They understand that nervousness is normal and aim to create a relaxed environment. Their teaching approach involves a customized demo—covering fundamentals and safety tailored to your comfort level.
Expect to catch one wave every 5 minutes or less, thanks to their knowledge of local surf conditions and wave patterns. Their goal is your success, not just getting you on the board but helping you stand up and enjoy surfing. They also focus on learning at your own pace, which is perfect for beginners.
Group Size & Price
What sets this tour apart is its small group size — just two students per instructor. This allows for more individual attention and quicker feedback, significantly improving your chances of catching your first wave. Priced at $100 per person, it’s a competitive option considering the quality of instruction and equipment.
Photos & Media
For an additional fee, you can purchase GoPro footage or edited videos to share your surfing moments. The tour also includes free photos, which are great for social media and memories. Many reviews highlight how the media adds a fun, shareable element to the experience.
Environmental & Community Focus
A nice touch is that per each student, a donation is made to the Aloha i ke Kai Stewardship program, supporting ocean conservation efforts. This demonstrates the tour’s commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning with Hawaii’s deep-rooted respect for its natural surroundings.
What Travelers Say

While the tour is relatively new, the reviews are glowing. One reviewer describes it as a “10/10 experience” with a friendly and attentive instructor. They appreciated the personalized attention, which made learning enjoyable. The emphasis on safety combined with fun clearly resonates with participants.
The fact that the instructor is passionate about surfing and ocean conservation is evident, and many travelers value this authentic Hawaiian connection. The small group setting and quality equipment are frequently praised for making a difference in their success and comfort.
Practical Tips for Your Surf Lesson

- Arrive on time at the meeting point; the activity starts with a brief equipment prep.
- Dress comfortably—the dry suit tops and reef shoes keep you comfortable, but bring a towel if you want to change afterward.
- Be prepared for variable weather; in cooler months, the dry suit tops come in handy.
- Bring your social media info if you want to purchase photos or videos afterward—it’s a fun way to remember your trip.
- Focus on safety during the land demo; instructors take this seriously to ensure everyone is confident before entering the water.
The Sum Up

This surf lesson experience in Oahu offers a fantastic mix of personalized instruction, quality gear, and environmental responsibility, all at a very reasonable price. It’s especially well-suited for beginners eager to learn in a supportive environment, with the added bonus of social media-ready pictures to share.
The small group setup means you’ll get tailored advice, making the learning process smoother and more engaging. The emphasis on safety, patience, and fun makes it an excellent introduction to surfing for those new to the sport. And if you’re someone who values local, responsible tourism, the donation to ocean stewardship will resonate.
This tour provides excellent value for anyone wanting a genuine, memorable surf experience without the overcrowding or high price tags. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, it’s a smart choice for capturing that perfect first wave and creating lasting Hawaiian memories.
Surf Lessons get your Social Media video & photos you Surfing HI.
FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?
The entire activity lasts about one hour, with most of the time spent in the water after a short land demonstration.
What equipment is included?
You’ll get a quality NSP surfboard, Excel dry suit tops, reef shoes, and access to secured lockers for your belongings.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, the lessons are designed with beginners in mind, focusing on safety, fundamentals, and confidence-building.
What is the group size?
Small groups are prioritized, with only two students per instructor, allowing for personalized coaching.
Can I get photos or videos of my session?
Yes, photos are included for free, and videos can be purchased afterward for an additional fee.
Where do the lessons start and end?
All activities begin and end at Pau Hana Sailing, 1651 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes for after the lesson, and any personal items you want to store in the lockers. The dry suits help keep you warm in cooler weather.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.
Is it weather dependent?
Yes, poor weather may lead to cancellations, but you will be offered a different date or a full refund if that occurs.
This surf lesson in Oahu combines affordability, expert guidance, and a focus on real, enjoyable learning experiences. Perfect for those eager to get their feet wet and share an authentic Hawaiian adventure.






























