Learn to surf with a small group of just 4 students or fewer during this 2-hour group surf lesson in Oahu. With a professional instructor guiding you, learn to paddle, stand up, and ride a wave on the North Shore or Waikiki. No experience necessary, surf board rental included.

2-hour small-group surf lesson
Morning and afternoon lesson options
Waikiki or North Shore locations
Surf board and reef shoes included
Groups of 3-4 people ensure personalized attention from your instructor

What's Included

Professional instruction from a certified teacher
All Equipments including surfboard, rash guard, and reef shoes
Safe storage lockers to store your belongings
All taxes and fees

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Gratuities (left to individual discretion)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

150 Kapahulu Ave
150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Please check in at the surf shop 20 - 30 minutes prior to activity which is located at Queen Kapiolani Hotel Lobby Surf Shop

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your way to your chosen location at your lesson time. This surf school was founded by legend Hans Hedermann and has been teaching surfing for years. These 2-hour lessons are available on both the North Shore and Waikiki, at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm. You'll meet your professional instructor and your small group of 4 people or fewer of a similar skill level, then get sized up for a surf board and reef shoes (optional).

Get a basic safety overview and participate in a discussion of surfing etiquette, then practice on your board for about 20 minutes before you head out to the surf break. Learn paddling technique, how to turn, stand up, and how to maneuver around the waves. Your instructor will be nearby the whole time, making sure you get plenty of guidance and feel comfortable.

After 2 hours, cruise back to shore.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

288 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 288 reviews

Great instructors, fun time!

Chris_C, Aug 2023

My family and I really enjoyed the surf lessons. It was a short walk to the shore from the meeting location and after a brief lesson on the shore we were into the water. We all managed to get up a few times during our time in the water, but it sure was a workout for the arms!

Great experience as a solo novice.

Jeffrey_C, Aug 2023

Was a little worried going to a group lesson by myself, but the instructors, Hoku and Gavin, were very welcoming and fantastic teachers for a newbie like me. Would definitely recommend even if you're solo. The check-in process was also easy.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that Hoku and Gavin made you feel welcome and provided fantastic instruction during your group lesson. We appreciate your recommendation, and we're here to make solo surfers feel right at home. We hope to see you catching more waves with us in the future!

First time surfing - highly recommended

Sean_L, Aug 2023

First time surfing and the instructors were incredible! They are super helpful. We both rode waves successfully. Would highly recommend the Hans Hedemann surf school!!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for sharing your first-time surfing experience with us! We're thrilled that you found our instructors incredible and had a successful ride on the waves. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more exciting surf sessions at Hans Hedemann Surf School!

Recommend

Susan_K, Aug 2023

Surf instructors were friendly, encouraging and knowledgeable. We had a great time. Very happy with our experience

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that our surf instructors were friendly, encouraging, and knowledgeable, making your experience enjoyable. We're here to provide great experiences, and your feedback is much appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back for more fun in the waves!

So worth it!

Rose_C, Aug 2023

Amazing time! Upgraded to semi-private and added the picture package. Worth every penny! Instructor was encouraging and had my daughters up and surfing in no time. Highly recommended.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

We're delighted to hear that you had an amazing time and enjoyed the semi-private lesson along with the picture package! It's wonderful to know that your daughters had a great surfing experience with our encouraging instructor. Thank you for the high recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you and your family back for more memorable surf sessions in the future!

Easy-as surfing

Andrew_N, Jul 2023

Team was great! Had the whole group out easily getting the hang of the waves!! They were friendly, cheerful, and knew how to make surfing simple for a range of learners.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that our team made your surfing experience enjoyable and accessible for everyone. We hope to see you and your group catching more waves with us in the future!

Great experience! Will definitely recommend!

Brandon_C, Jul 2023

Surf instructors were awesome, kept instructions simple and easy to follow. Overall, an amazing experience. Will definitely recommend to friends!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thank you for the review, We're happy to hear that you had an amazing experience and our instructors were awesome. Hope to see you surf again. Thank you for the recommendation

Excellent instructors,...

Matthew_P, Jul 2023

Excellent instructors, and the instructor-to-student ratio was amazing (3 to 6). Would definitely go again.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

It’s great to hear that you had an excellent experience with the instructors and that the instructor-to-student ratio was favorable. I’m glad you would consider going again. Thank you for sharing your positive experience!

Good instructors, very direct

April_K, Jul 2023

Conditions of the day were perfect, slight lull on waves but instructors were extremely knowledgable on how to make the most of the swells that we did have.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thank you for your review! We’re glad to hear that you had a great experience with our instructors, even with the slight lull in waves. Our instructors are knowledgeable and experienced in making the most of the conditions, and we’re happy that they were able to help you have a successful surfing session. Thank you for choosing our surf school and we hope to see you again soon!

Well organize and good...

Eric_D, Jul 2023

Well organize and good equipment. Instructor are welcoming and make the experiment fun. I enjoy my surf lessons!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thank you for surfing with us!

Experienced coach,...

Leo_W, Jul 2023

Experienced coach, professional course, and great experience in the water. Additionally, the coaches are patient and nice to teach every single step and give suggestion on the move after each round

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with out instructors. We hope to see you surf again soon!

Fun, safe, and cool

Zhenia_M, Jun 2023

The kids had so much fun, it was very exciting for them, and the instructor were very cool. They would love it and they wanted to do it again.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thank you for the review. Glad the kids had fun surfing and hope to see them surf again!

Such a great experience!

Tiffany_R, Jun 2023

It was so much fun! It was a little hard for me at first but then I got much better. Once you get used to the motions it’s a littler easier. The boards they gave us were long and wide so it was tiring to paddle after I finished riding the wave and paddles back to my instructor. My instructor was Seth and he was very nice and explained everything very clear.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you for the review! We are glad you had fun with Seth. Hope too see you surf with us again.

Fantastic experience

Avril_L, Jun 2023

Instructors were wonderful, engaging and fun! The company was well organized and the entire experience was top notch, highly recommended!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you for the recommendation! Hope to see you surf again with us.

Great first lesson!

Chandler_L, Jun 2023

After a quick run through of the basics, the team got us out on the water in no time! Be prepared to paddle, but with the help of the surf instructors, I was up on my second run! I would highly recommend the video and photo package as well!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Mahalo for the review! Hope to see you surf again.

Arm workout but catching a wave is fun

Stephanie_S, May 2023

Seth was a good teacher and made the lesson fun. More arm paddling than I expected but getting up was pretty easy.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Glad you had fun surfing with Seth! Hope to see you surf for another lesson with him.

Fire

Eni_L, May 2023

Great instructors. They were very patient and helpful when we were struggling. Most of all they made the experience a lot of fun.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you for surfing with us, glad you had fun surfing!

Surf lessons from a pro

xoxoxomy, May 2023

Our group had a special guest instructor, owner and professional surfer Hans. Being able to talk to him was extremely cool.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for surfing with us! Hope to see you again

Give it a try

GiaHan_T, May 2023

The instructors were lovely and got us standing up on our boards in no time. It was so much fun, would highly recommend!

Response from Host, May 2023

Glad to hear that you had fun! See you surf with us again

The instructors were...

Michael_C, Mar 2023

The instructors were amazing and helped me and my friends so much! It was such a fun experience and is now something we all want to continue to do. I will definitely be back!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for the kind review! We're so glad you enjoyed your surf lesson!