"Our whole family surfed! We had two instructors for our kids. 8yr. old Tyler fell in love with Lani. We know what the Aloha Spirit means, the North Shore Surf Girls."
- the Lowe family, Henderson, NV

learn to surf
learn to paddle board
learn to surf
"The North Shore Surf Girls..too cool! My wife & I surfed on our first lesson. The most fun we've ever had in Hawaii; we bbq'd at sunset and hung out! We can't wait to go back!".
--Bill & Jen Myers, Ontario, CA
north shore surf girls

Frequently Asked Questions about Learning to Surf on Oahu

with the North Shore Surf Girls.

Is it safe to learn to surf on the North Shore of Oahu year round?
How long will it take to learn surfing?
Why is the North Shore of Oahu an excellent place to learn how to surf?
Do you teach guys too?
How many people are there in a group surfing lesson?
Do you supply all the equipment?
What do I need to bring?
Can I use my own surfboard?
What if there are no waves for our surfing lesson?
What's the water temperature like in Hawaii?
What's the air temperature like in Hawaii?

What should I do if I wear contacts?
What should I do if I get seasick?
What kind of swimsuit should I wear for my surfing lesson?
Can I keep the equipment to use after the class is over?
Do you provide transportation from Waikiki and Honolulu?
Can you recommend a place for me to stay while on Oahu?
Are your surf instructors allowed to accept tips?

What forms of payment do you accept?

Q. Is it safe to learn to surf on the North Shore of Oahu year round?
A. Yes. On bigger days we teach you to surf in a cove protected from the larger open ocean swells. We evaluate the surf each day and take you to the safest & most fun location for your surfing lesson.

Q. How long will it take to learn surfing?
A. Most people will be able to stand up on their first surfing lesson and some people will be able to catch waves by themselves on their first lesson with coaching. However learning how to read waves, when and where to paddle into them takes time. Depending on your goals...a minimum of 3 surfing lessons is a good start if you plan on taking up the sport.

Q. Why is the North Shore of Oahu an excellent place to learn how to surf?
A. There are a number of reasons. We teach you to surf in a cove protected from the larger waves. The water is cleaner then Waikiki and the beaches are real. The crowds are also substantially lighter and friendlier then in Waikiki. The North Shore is the SURFING CAPITOL of the WORLD, learning to surf out here is about as authentic as it gets.

Q. Do you teach guys too?
A. Yes, about half our students are male.

Q. How many people are there in a group surfing lesson?
A. Our group lessons start at 3 people and never exceed a 4:1 (four students to instructor) ratio.

Q. Do you supply the equipment?
A. Yes. It is included with all surfing lessons and packages.

Q. What do I need to bring?
A. Make sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, sunblock, and water to drink.

Q. Can I use my own surfboard?
A. Yes, but if this is your first time taking a surfing lesson we suggest you use our boards, they have soft tops and are especially made for learning how to surf.

Q. What if there are no waves for our surfing lesson?
A. The North Shore is blessed because there are safe ridable waves virtually every day. In the Summer when it's smaller there is a trade wind generated swell that wraps around the coast bringing safe and fun 1-2 foot waves. And of course in the Winter when the surf is larger we teach in a protected cove with small 1-2 foot waves. In the rare case of ocean conditions being un-ridable we can reschedule your surfing lesson or refund your lesson money.

Q. What's the water temperature like in Hawaii?
A. Hawaii's near-shore water temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year. The average water temperature is 74º F. (23.3 C), with a summer high of 80º F. (26.7º C).

Q. What's the air temperature like in Hawaii?
A. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85º F. (29.4 C) while the average daytime winter temperature is 78º (25.6º C). Temperatures at night are approximately 10º F. lower.

Q. What should I do if I wear contacts?
A. Seeing is of course helpful when learning to surf, although perfect vision is not required. We recommend that you bring an extra set or glasses in case you lose one or both and need to drive after. However, people who use contacts don't loose them if they kept their eyes closed under water.

Q. What should I do if I get seasick?
A. Taking Dramamine has worked really well for some of our past students who are prone to seasickness and is available over the counter (Note: please consult a doctor before taking any medications.)

Q. What kind of swimsuit should I wear for my surfing lesson?
A. Something comfortable. We provide surf jerseys/rashguards.

Q. Can I keep the equipment to use after the class is over?

A. Yes, all lesson prices include the use of the surf board afterwards.

Q. Do you provide transportation from Waikiki and Honolulu?
A. Yes we do, transportation rates depend on the number of people in your group and start at $25 per person for groups of 4 or more. Please call or e-mail us for a quote. However, we strongly suggest you rent a car, it's less expensive and a better way to see the island. You can also catch the public transportation system known as The Bus. It only cost $2.50 each way, but is a bit slow. Ask your hotel concierge for scheduling information.

Q. Can you recommend a place for me to stay while on Oahu?
A. Yes, we can refer you to a variety of well priced vacation rentals - most of our surfing lesson students wish they had stayed on the North Shore of Oahu instead of Waikiki.

Q. Are your surf instructors allowed to except tips?
A. Tipping is at your discretion and greatly appreciated by our surf instructors.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. We accept all major credit cards and cash. The easiest way to book is by going to our Booking Page, or by calling us anytime at 808-637-2977. If we don't pick up we will return the call ASAP.