Oahu Surf Lessons Review: Catch Waves and Snap Photos with Island Fiel Surf
Taking up surfing in Hawaii is a bucket list dream for many, but knowing where to start can be tricky. We haven’t personally tried this particular tour, but based on reviews and detailed info, it looks like an excellent choice for beginners eager to learn in a friendly, supportive environment.
What instantly caught our eye are the small group sizes, ensuring personalized attention; the focus on safety and technique, making sure learners are comfortable; and the inclusion of social media-ready photos and videos—a real bonus for those wanting to share their new skills. One consideration might be the cost, which at $100 per person seems very reasonable, especially considering the quality of instruction and equipment.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a professional, fun, and safe intro to surfing without breaking the bank. It’s also perfect if you’re keen on having digital memories of the experience or if you’re traveling solo and want a personalized lesson.
Good To Know
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- Small Group Instruction: Only two students per instructor, allowing for tailored guidance.
- Experienced Guides: Certified instructors with 10+ years of knowledge, focused on your success.
- Quality Equipment: Modern NSP surfboards, dry suit tops, reef shoes, and lockers for your belongings.
- Custom Land and Ocean Sessions: Short land demo followed by focused ocean practice.
- Social Media Bonus: Free photos and videos to capture your surfing journey.
- Affordable Price: At $100, the lessons offer solid value, especially with personalized attention.
Detailed Breakdown of the Surf Lesson Experience
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Meeting Point and Convenience
The tour begins at Pau Hana Sailing, 1651 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu. The meeting point is easy to find, near public transportation options, making it a hassle-free start for most travelers. The guide and instructor, Eddie Fiel, along with Johnny Noel, greet you, setting a friendly, welcoming tone from the outset.
Equipment and Preparation
Once you arrive, you’re provided with top-quality gear: NSP surfboards, Excel dry suit tops (perfect for cooler months), and reef shoes. The lockers allow you to store your belongings safely, so you don’t have to worry about your stuff while paddling out. Just about 5 minutes are needed to get suited up and ready.
The Land Demo: Setting the Foundation
The 10 to 15-minute land demonstration is a key part of this experience. It covers fundamental surfing techniques and ocean safety, tailored to your skill level. Reviewers highlight this as a very personalized approach—“custom to each student”—ensuring everyone starts on the same page, confident and prepared.
The Ocean Time: Catching Waves
Once in the water, the pace is designed for success: one wave every 5 minutes or less. This slow, steady rhythm allows each participant to practice without feeling overwhelmed. The instructors excel at patience, always ready to answer questions, and offer paddle assistance when needed. This is especially helpful if you’re nervous or new to paddling.
Small Group Advantage
With only two students per instructor, you get ample individual attention. Reviewers mention that this setup allows for more time on your board and less waiting around, making the experience more engaging and productive. Expect to spend most of your time actually on the waves, rather than waiting on others.
Focus on Safety and Success
The instructors prioritize your safety, demonstrating ocean safety basics during the land demo. They are knowledgeable and patient, ensuring you feel comfortable even if it’s your first time. Several reviews praise their supportive attitude, with one mentioning, “Instructor was friendly, knowledgeable & attentive.”
Photos and Videos: Memories to Keep
One standout feature is the free photos and videos included, so you can show off your surfing skills back home. If you want higher-quality footage or a YouTube edit, additional options are available for purchase, including SD-card and editing services.
What Sets This Tour Apart?
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Personal Attention in a Small Group
Unlike large surf schools, this experience guarantees more individual coaching, which can significantly improve your learning curve. The emphasis on giving each student the best chance to succeed is clear, from custom land demos to paddle assistance.
High-Quality Equipment & Comfort
The use of modern NSP boards and dry suits ensures you’re comfortable regardless of the weather. The dry suits are especially handy during fall and winter, providing warmth and dryness, which can make a big difference in chilly waters.
Knowledge and Patience
Guided by a seasoned instructor with over 10 years of experience, you’ll be in capable hands. The reviews reinforce this, praising the instructor’s friendliness and attentiveness, which is crucial for nervous beginners.
Affordable Price
At $100 per person, the lessons are quite competitive, considering the personalized approach, quality gear, and photo package. For first-timers looking for a value-packed experience, this tour offers a lot.
Environmental Commitment
For eco-conscious travelers, it’s nice to know that a portion of proceeds goes to Aloha i ke Kai, supporting ocean stewardship. It reflects a shared love for the ocean and a responsible approach to tourism.
The Complete Itinerary
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Start at Pau Hana Sailing in Honolulu, where you’re greeted by the instructor and introduced to the gear. After a quick gear-up and lockers secured, you’ll spend 15 minutes on land, learning the basics and ocean safety.
Next, you’ll head into the water, where small groups will focus on practicing paddling, positioning, and catching waves. Depending on conditions, you’ll get around one wave every 5 minutes— ample time to practice and refine your skills. This session usually lasts about an hour.
The tour concludes back at the starting point, with additional time for photos and sharing your new surfing clips.
Who Would Love This Experience?
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This tour is a fantastic option for beginners, especially those who appreciate small groups and personalized coaching. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking a relaxed, supportive environment to learn surfing. With the added benefit of professional photos, it’s also ideal for travelers wanting memorable digital keepsakes.
Those who prefer more advanced or longer lessons might want to look elsewhere, but for casual, fun, and effective intro lessons, this tour hits the mark.
FAQ
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What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive a surfboard (NSP), dry suit tops, reef shoes, and secured lockers for your belongings. Photos and videos of your surf are included for free.
How long does the lesson last?
The total experience is approximately 1 hour, including a short land demo and ocean time.
Is the tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the land demo and small group setting are designed to help first-timers learn safely and comfortably.
Are the photos and videos really free?
Yes, the package includes free pictures and videos of you surfing, with options to buy higher-quality footage if desired.
What should I wear?
You’ll be provided with reef shoes and dry suit tops, but wearing a swimsuit underneath and bringing sunscreen is advisable.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Final Thoughts
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This surfing lesson in Oahu offers a well-rounded, personalized experience for those eager to learn surfing with expert guidance. The combination of small groups, high-quality gear, and supportive instructors creates an environment conducive to success, even for complete beginners.
The added bonus of social media photos and videos makes it a fun, shareable adventure, perfect for capturing your first waves. With a reasonable price point and eco-conscious efforts, it’s a solid choice for travelers seeking value and authentic Hawaiian surfing fun.
Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into surfing or just want a memorable, supportive introduction to wave riding, this tour is likely to leave you with a smile—and hopefully, a new hobby.