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Discover How You Can Catch Your First Wave in Oahu

If you’re dreaming of standing up on a surfboard in beautiful Hawaii but feel a tad nervous about your first lesson, this experience might just be what you need. The Surf Lessons with Island Fiel Surf promises a friendly, personalized approach to learning how to surf, along with some fun extras like free photos and social media-ready videos. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, this tour seems designed to make surfing accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Two things we particularly like about this offering are the small group size—just two students per instructor—which ensures you get plenty of attention, and the focus on safety and success. Plus, the added bonus of free photos and videos means you’ll have some great memories to share without any extra hassle. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the price point at $100 per person for just an hour, which isn’t the cheapest, but the quality and personalized instruction might justify it for many.

This tour is especially suitable for travelers who appreciate professional guidance and want a more intimate learning environment, rather than large, impersonal classes. If you’re traveling with friends or family eager to share a fun, beginner-friendly experience in the ocean, this could be a perfect fit. Just keep in mind that the lesson duration is around an hour, so you’ll want to manage your expectations about how much surf time you’ll squeeze into that window.

Key Points

• Personalized Instruction: Small groups of two per instructor mean lots of individual attention.
• Great for Beginners: The focus on safety and step-by-step teaching makes it ideal for first-timers.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Quality dry suit tops, reef shoes, and surfboards are provided, removing the guesswork.
• Photo & Video Extras: Free pictures and social media videos help you relive and share your first surf experience.
• Flexible & Convenient: Mobile tickets and a clear meeting point at Pau Hana Sailing make access straightforward.
• Eco-Conscious: The donation per student supports ocean stewardship, giving your experience a meaningful touch.

A Close Look at the Surf Lessons Experience

If you’re like most first-time surfers, the idea of paddling out into the ocean and catching a wave can seem both exciting and a little intimidating. This tour seems to recognize that and has built its offering around making beginners feel comfortable from the start. The session kicks off with a 10 to 15-minute land demo, where your instructor will walk you through the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety. This is a crucial part, especially for newbies, as it lays the foundation for a safe and successful lesson. What’s great here is that the demo is customized to your skill level and questions, ensuring you’re not overwhelmed or left with doubts.

Following the land instruction, you’ll move into the water for your ocean session. The group is kept intentionally small, which means you’ll get more personalized coaching. Expect to catch one wave every five minutes or less, as the instructors are experienced and know the local surf conditions very well. This pacing is perfect for building confidence—rather than waiting around endlessly, you’ll be in the water, actively practicing and improving.

The equipment provided is carefully selected to enhance your learning experience. Instead of oversized paddle boards that tire you out quickly, the tour uses quality NSP surfboards—designed for easier paddling and stability. Plus, in fall and winter months, the dry suit tops keep you warm and comfortable, ensuring that cold weather doesn’t cut your lesson short or dampen your enthusiasm. The reef shoes and rash guards also add to your comfort, so you can focus on catching waves instead of fighting discomfort.

What Makes This Offer Stand Out?

The small group size is a real highlight. With just two students per instructor, your lesson can be tailored to your pace and needs, which is a contrast to many other surf schools that operate larger classes. The owners, Eddie Fiel and Johnny Noel, bring over 10 years of experience and a genuine love for teaching and the ocean. Their approach is labeled as “patient, knowledgeable, and super fun,” and reviews support this, with one customer calling it a “10/10 experience” and eager to return.

Another aspect worth mentioning is value. Compared to many surf lessons in popular destinations, the $100 fee includes all necessary equipment, dry suits, and professional instruction—which can add up if you rent gear separately or join larger groups. Plus, the free photos and videos are a big bonus. Many travelers love having visuals of their first surf, especially since capturing those moments on your own can be tricky when you’re paddling and balancing.

The Experience Flow

Starting at the Pau Hana Sailing location, the process is straightforward. You’re guided through a quick gear setup and land briefing, followed by the video demo. Then, it’s into the water, where the instructors are very knowledgeable about surf conditions, ensuring you get the best possible chance to succeed on each wave. The ocean time begins when you step into the water, and the instructor’s role is to support you throughout, offering paddling assistance and encouragement.

The sessions typically run about an hour, which many might find just enough to get a feel for surfing without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. The tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple and hassle-free.

Authentic and Responsible

One of the things that stood out from reviews is the positive attitude of the instructors. They genuinely enjoy seeing their students succeed and are patient with everyone’s learning pace. Plus, the fact that each booking contributes to ocean stewardship—by supporting the Aloha i ke Kai Stewardship program—is a meaningful aspect that adds to the experience’s integrity.

Overall Value and Who Should Consider This Tour

While $100 per person might seem steep for just an hour, the personalized coaching, quality gear, and extra perks like free photos make it a worthwhile investment for many. If you’re someone who values professional instruction and small group intimacy, this tour delivers on those fronts. The focus on safety and success, combined with a friendly, knowledgeable team, means you’re well-supported from start to finish.

This experience would appeal to beginners or those looking to refine their surfing skills without the chaos of larger classes. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy learning in a relaxed, supportive environment and want tangible mementos of their time in the water. If you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or even part of a small group, the private aspect of this tour ensures a customized experience.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule or seeking a multi-hour lesson, you might find this one-hour session somewhat limited. Still, for many, the quality over quantity approach works perfectly, especially when you’re eager to dip your toes into surfing without feeling overwhelmed.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners? Yes, the lessons are designed for beginners, with a land demo covering fundamentals and ocean support to help you succeed.

How many people are in each group? The maximum is two students per instructor, which allows for very personalized attention.

What equipment is provided? You’ll get NSP surfboards, Excel dry suit tops, reef shoes, and lockers for your belongings.

Can I bring my own camera? Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own camera or phone, but the tour also provides free photos and videos taken during your lesson.

Is the lesson weather-dependent? Yes, if the weather is poor, the lesson could be canceled, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long does the session last? Around one hour, including land instruction and ocean time.

Where do the lessons start? At Pau Hana Sailing, located at 1651 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu.

Is the price of $100 worth it? For personalized coaching, quality gear, and memorable photos, many find it a good value—especially compared to larger, less intimate lessons.

Are there options for videos or photos? Yes, you can purchase SD-card copies for $49.99 or a YouTube edit for $74.99, or opt for the included free photos.

Can I participate with children or family? The experience is designed for individuals or small groups; it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, but small groups make it adaptable for friends or couples.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to learn to surf in a relaxed, supportive setting on Oahu, this Surf Lessons with Island Fiel Surf seems like an excellent choice. The combination of experienced instructors, small group size, and quality gear creates an environment where beginners can get comfortable and confident in the water. The added bonus of free photos ensures you’ll have lasting memories of your first waves—something many travelers cherish.

While the session’s duration is just about an hour, the focus on safety, success, and personalized attention maximizes what you get in that short time. It’s ideal for travelers who want a genuine surf experience without the crowds or the high price tags of larger schools. Plus, knowing your booking supports ocean stewardship adds a feel-good element to your adventure.

This tour probably won’t suit those looking for a prolonged lesson or a large group experience, but for anyone seeking quality instruction with a friendly vibe, it’s worth considering. Whether you’re solo, a couple, or part of a small group, you’ll likely walk away with a smile, some new skills, and some great photos to remember your Hawaiian surf debut.

Remember: Surfing is as much about fun and connection with the ocean as it is about catching the perfect wave. With the right instructors and a positive mindset, you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve in just an hour. Happy surfing!