Private Surf Lesson 100% support any level 90mins is perfect time

A private lesson gives you something a crowded surf class cannot: one instructor focused on your group. Eddie adjusts the land demo to your ability, then helps you put the basics into practice in the ocean. I especially like the included photos and the roughly one-wave-every-five-minutes pace, which gives beginners plenty of chances to improve.

The 10 to 15-minute safety and technique briefing is another strong point. You learn how to handle the board, read the basic situation in the water, and get ready before entering the ocean. The main thing to consider is the price: at $130 per person, this costs more than a shared class, and GoPro footage costs extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Private instruction: Only your group participates, so the lesson can be adjusted to your pace and confidence.
• Custom land demo: Eddie covers surfing fundamentals and ocean safety for 10 to 15 minutes before you enter the water.
• Frequent practice: You can expect about one wave every five minutes or less on average.
• Equipment included: A longboard, reef shoes, rash guard or Excel dry suit top, and a secured locker are provided.
• Photos included: Your surf photos come with the lesson, while GoPro video is an added purchase.
• 90 minutes of ocean time: The stated 90-minute duration includes preparation and the land demo, with ocean time beginning when you enter the water.

A private start at Pau Hana Sailing

Your meeting point is Pau Hana Sailing at 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. The lesson ends at the same place, which keeps the outing simple and avoids arranging a second pickup point.

The private format is the heart of this experience. You are not joining a large class where the instructor must divide attention among many first-timers. Your group works with the instructor directly, making it easier to ask questions, repeat a movement, or slow down if the ocean feels new to you.

That matters most if you are nervous. One participant had never been far out in the ocean before taking the lesson, and the instruction covered both riding waves and ocean safety. You should still expect to listen carefully and follow directions, but the personal format gives you a better chance to build confidence at your own pace.

The lesson is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The available information does not specify a pickup service, so plan to make your own way to Pau Hana Sailing.

The first 15 minutes: surf basics on land

Before getting wet, you receive a 10 to 15-minute land demonstration. This is more useful than rushing straight into the water. Surfing looks simple from the beach, but the timing, body position, and board control can feel unfamiliar once a wave is moving beneath you.

The instructor goes over the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety. The demo is customized to the students, so a first-time surfer should receive a different emphasis from someone who has already stood on a board.

You will have a chance to ask questions before entering the ocean. That pause is valuable. If you are unsure how to get up, where to place your feet, or how to behave around other people in the water, this is the moment to ask.

The land portion also helps the 90-minute schedule make sense. The full activity lasts about an hour and a half, but the clock does not represent 90 minutes of uninterrupted riding. You spend 10 to 15 minutes learning on land and about five minutes getting equipped. Ocean time begins once you enter the water.

Five minutes to get fitted and ready

After the demo, allow about five minutes to prepare with the equipment. You can be offered an Excel dry suit top or a rash guard, along with reef shoes. The gear is practical rather than decorative. A rash guard or dry suit top helps protect you from the board and the water, while reef shoes give your feet some protection near the ocean floor.

A secured locker is included for your belongings. That is a small but important convenience. You do not have to keep your phone, wallet, or other items beside the lesson area while you are in the water.

The equipment package includes an NSP longboard. A longboard is a sensible choice for an introductory lesson because it offers a stable platform for learning the basic movement from lying down to standing. One participant who had more experience chose a more technical board instead and was successful, suggesting that the equipment can be matched to ability when appropriate.

The supplied information does not list changing-room details or a towel service. Bring only what you need and avoid assuming that extra personal items are included.

Ocean time with Eddie and the Island Fiel Surf team

Once you enter the water, the lesson becomes active practice. The expected pace is about one wave every five minutes or less on average. That does not mean every wave will produce a perfect ride, but it does mean you should get repeated attempts instead of waiting a long time for your turn.

This is where a private lesson earns its higher price. Eddie can help you prepare for each attempt and offer corrections between waves. If you pop up too slowly, place your feet poorly, or lose balance at the wrong moment, the next try becomes a chance to adjust rather than simply repeat the same mistake.

The instruction also includes the emotional side of learning. One parent described Eddie spending extra time helping a son feel successful. That detail matters because a first surf lesson can be judged by confidence as much as by distance traveled on the board.

Eddie is known for energetic coaching and a positive attitude. His teaching style includes riding with students and offering hands-on support when needed. A more advanced beginner described catching many waves and riding for long stretches, while also seeing Eddie tow surfers through the break using his arms and legs. You should not book expecting a stunt show, but these details suggest an instructor who is highly active in the water and comfortable helping people through the surf.

The lesson is designed for all levels. Beginners get the fundamentals, while advanced beginners can work on standing, balance, and better wave riding. The private setting makes it easier to keep the session useful for everyone in your group, though people with very different abilities may still need to communicate their goals before starting.

Why ocean safety is part of the value

A surf lesson should not be only about standing up for a few seconds. You also need to understand how to manage the board and move through the water safely. The land demo covers ocean safety before you begin, which is especially useful if you are unfamiliar with the ocean or have never been far from shore.

The instruction can help replace vague fear with clear steps. You learn what to do before entering, how to approach the activity, and how to respond during practice. That does not remove the need to pay attention. Ocean conditions can change, and your own comfort level matters.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. This is a reasonable policy for an ocean activity, but it means you should leave some flexibility in your Oahu schedule if surfing is important to you.

Photos included, video at an extra cost

Your surf photos are included in the $130 price. This is one of the best practical touches, since you can focus on the lesson rather than asking someone on shore to document every attempt.

Photos also give you a way to see what you were doing on the board. A still image can show whether your feet were too close together or how your posture changed during a ride. For families, the pictures preserve the celebrations and first successful attempts that are easy to miss while everyone is watching from the beach.

GoPro footage is not included. You can purchase a savable link for $39.99, an SD card for $49.99, or a complete edited video for $74.99. These costs can add up quickly, especially for a family, so decide in advance how much you care about video.

If photos are enough, the included package keeps the base price clearer. If you want a polished film, budget for it before booking rather than treating it as a surprise expense at the end.

Is $130 per person a fair price?

At $130 per person, this is not the cheapest way to try surfing on Oahu. You are paying for private instruction rather than simply renting a board or joining a large group.

The value comes from the attention. Your lesson includes the land demo, ocean safety guidance, equipment, reef shoes, a rash guard or Excel dry suit top, a locker, and surf photos. You also receive repeated attempts at a useful pace, with an average of one wave every five minutes or less.

For a first-time surfer who wants personal help, that package can make sense. A single lesson is more likely to feel productive when the instructor can focus on your timing and confidence. It is also a good fit for a parent bringing a child, since the instructor can spend extra time helping one student succeed.

The price is harder to justify if you already surf confidently and only want board access. In that case, the private coaching and equipment may be more than you need. It also may not suit a group that is focused mainly on keeping costs low.

Group discounts are available, but the specific discount is not provided. Ask about the rate when booking if you are bringing several people.

Who will get the most from this lesson?

I would consider this lesson a strong match for:

• First-time surfers who want close instruction
• Nervous beginners who value an ocean safety briefing
• Families with a child who may need extra patience
• Advanced beginners who want help catching more waves
• Small groups who want to learn together without unrelated participants
• Visitors who want photos without arranging their own photographer

The lesson may be less suitable if you want a long, uninterrupted ocean session. The 90-minute duration includes the land demo and equipment preparation, so the actual time in the water is shorter.

It may also be less suitable if you want professional video included in the advertised price. Photos are included, but each GoPro option costs extra.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the lesson are not accepted for a refund, and cut-off times use local Oahu time.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation. The supplied details do not list special physical requirements, but surfing requires you to enter the ocean, handle a board, and follow safety instructions.

The lesson is offered in English. It is booked well ahead on average, about 43 days in advance, so reserve early if you have fixed Oahu dates. That lead time is especially useful if you want a particular day during a busy holiday period.

Should you book this private Oahu surf lesson?

Book it if you want personal coaching, repeated attempts, and a supportive introduction to surfing rather than a quick beach activity. Eddie’s patient style, active help in the water, and willingness to work with beginners and advanced beginners are the main reasons to choose it.

The included equipment, locker, and photos improve the value, while the custom land demo gives the lesson a sensible start. Just remember that 90 minutes includes preparation, ocean time depends on weather, and GoPro video is extra.

If $130 fits your budget, this is a practical choice for making your first Oahu surf lesson feel organized and personal. If you mainly want inexpensive water time or already know exactly what you are doing, compare the cost with a shared class or rental.

FAQ

Where does the private surf lesson meet?

The meeting point is Pau Hana Sailing at 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815.

Where does the activity end?

The lesson ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the surf lesson?

The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is the activity private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

How much does the lesson cost?

The listed price is $130 per person. Group discounts are available, but the exact discount is not specified.

What happens before entering the ocean?

You receive a 10 to 15-minute land demonstration covering surfing fundamentals and ocean safety. Equipment preparation takes about five minutes.

When does ocean time begin?

Ocean time begins when you enter the ocean, after the land demo and equipment preparation.

What equipment is included?

The lesson includes an NSP longboard, reef shoes, an Excel dry suit top or rash guard, and a secured locker for your belongings.

Are photos or videos included?

Surf photos are included. GoPro video is available for an additional $39.99 for a savable link, $49.99 for an SD card, or $74.99 for a complete edited video.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.