Your best option for surf lessons in Waikiki, Oahu.
Dive into the adventure of being surrounded by Hawaii’s beautiful, turquoise waters and gliding along the warm Waikiki waves. Come have fun and ride with Oahu’s most well-known surf school today!
We are one of Honolulu’s top surf schools, founded by former professional surfer Hans Hedemann, and the perfect option to take surfing lessons when you visit Waikiki Beach.
As a family-owned business with over 25 years of experience, we offer surf lessons that are guaranteed to have you riding waves while staying safe.
We were awarded a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor in 2019 and strive to maintain a premium service for you and your family year round.
At Hans Hedemann Surf School we handle all levels of students and surfing lessons. Whether you are a beginner surfer or have some surfing experience, we’ll take care of you and make sure your surf lessons are up to what you need. If you have taken surfing lessons before, our instructor will evaluate your skill level and teach you accordingly.
Hans Hedemann Surf School: Your best option
- You’re guaranteed to be surfing within a two-hour lesson
- Equipment included in all of our lessons
- Take the memory with you so you can watch yourself surfing at Waikiki with photos and videos from your lesson in HD for $75.
- Our experienced surf instructors are trained to teach kids of all ages.
- Waikiki Beach offers turquoise ocean waters with clear sand and warm waves
- No wetsuit needed
- One of the most popular surf hotspots to learn how to surf
- We take care of analyzing the ocean conditions to ensure your safety and make you feel comfortable.
- Since we are a surf school founded by a former professional surfer you can also sign up to get surf lessons with a professional surf instructor.
- Kids, ages 5 and more are welcomed
Our surfing lessons
Whether you want to take a surf lesson or a guided stand-up paddle tour, Hans Hedemann Surf School has you covered. Our goal is to watch you ride the iconic waves in Waikiki while enjoying the tide and experiencing the beauty of this ancient sport.
Our professional instructors will coach you every step of the way to make sure you get the most out of each surfing lesson. We provide all the equipment for your lesson.
Most importantly we want you to have fun while learning how to surf and make the most out of the beach instructions before heading into the water.
Our typical surf lesson is 2 hours long and consists of a technique slide show, a safety briefing, a land lesson, and time spent in the water.
- 30 minutes on land.
- 90 minutes in the water, roughly, catching waves.
If you’re visiting the tropical waters of Waikiki, surfing is a must. Our experienced surfer instructors will make sure you get as many waves as possible by pushing the back of your surfboard, giving you a burst of momentum.
After we push you into the wave you’ll hear us yell excitedly “stand up!” You’ll then use the technique we taught you on land to stand up on your board. And just like that, you’re surfing! Smile as our cameraman and drone pilot capture your rides perfectly.
Some of our students can stand up right away and others take a little longer. Either way, we guarantee you’ll be surfing by the end of the first surf lessons, especially because you’ll be doing it with friends.
Group lessons
The perfect option for beginning your surfing career. Participants must be at least 14 years old and if you want to join a group lesson but are visiting on your own we’ll incorporate you to one. Perfect if you want to learn with friends.
Semi-Private Surf Lesson
Three people will be getting surf lessons with this option. No matter the skill level of any participant, your surf lesson will be adjusted to accommodate everyone and make sure instruction is accordingly.
Private Surf Lessons
A private lesson is the best option if you want more one-on-one time with the instructor. Private lessons are best for children between 5 and 14 years old, intermediate surfers that want to step it up, or even beginner surfers that require extra instruction.
Want to improve at surfing quickly?
We recommend booking a series of 5-10 lessons. Ask us about our discounted rates for booking your surf lessons in bulk.
Your first surf lesson
Our meeting point is at our surf shop in the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, right next to the Honolulu Zoo. As we guide you out to the break you’ll enjoy the scenic view of Diamond Head towering above the Honolulu buildings.
We’ll start the lesson with a slideshow where you will be learning the basic techniques of surfing along with a brief safety overview. We’ll also provide you with reef shoes and a rash guard.
Our instructors will walk you around the corner to San Souci beach where we’ll start the land lesson. The first time you visit us we will begin with a land class, which all beginners must take before getting into the water.
In this time, we will set you up with a solid foundation based on a proven technique to get you riding waves as soon as possible.
This will help keep you safe and learn the best way to catch waves. The land lesson consists of surf drills to ensure your technique is at its best, and after stretching you’ll head into the water with all your equipment ready.
What you should bring:
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Friends
- Hat
- Towel
- You can leave any valuables at our shop in your personal locker
FAQ
Who is Hans Hedemann?
Hans Hedemann is a well-known surfer from Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up surfing the North Shore and South Shores of Oahu. Right out of high school he started competing on the surfing world tour and quickly become a name to watch.
Beating out top competition he soon ranked 3rd in the world for surfing. He was featured in the popular Hollywood film titled “North Shore” which debuted in 1987. After 18 years of professional surfing, he retired and decided to start a surf school.
How do I prepare for my surf lesson?
To make sure you don’t get affected during your surf lessons, be sure to be ready for sun exposure. We recommend using high-quality sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof top.
The surf top comes with the surfing lesson, we also have sunscreen available for purchase.
We recommend eating a healthy meal and drinking a lot of water before and after the lesson.
Will I be able to go surfing by myself after one lesson?
Usually, one lesson won’t be enough to go surfing without an instructor. After roughly 5-10 surf lessons, you’ll start to develop the skillset to surf by yourself. You need time to handle the surfboard.
It may take a year or two to really develop all these skill sets.
Do I need to know how to swim for the surf lesson?
It is preferred but not a necessity. Just let us know that you cannot swim and we will provide you with a life vest and make sure you surf where it’s shallow.
How do I book a surf lesson in Waikiki?
To book a lesson just call 808-924-7778 or book directly on this website. We have 3 available sessions per day. We look forward to hearing from you!
Where are you located?
We are located at 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. If you are driving here there is parking at the Honolulu Zoo and street meter parking. After you park look for the Queen Kapiolani Hotel; we are located in the lobby.
If you’re looking for an adventure, learning to surf in Waikiki is the perfect activity. The waves here are world-famous, and surfing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian weather.
While surfing can be challenging, it’s also incredibly exhilarating and rewarding. And what better place to learn than in Waikiki, where you can find some of the best surfing conditions in the world?
While you can certainly try to surf on your own, we highly recommend taking a surf lesson from a professional. That way, you can learn the proper techniques and safety measures. Plus, surfing is more fun when you’re with friends! Luckily, we offer the best surf lessons in Oahu! So grab your friends, hit the beach, and start learning how to surf!
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore all that Waikiki has to offer. There are a lot of surf spots for advanced surfers to enjoy, and the views from the water are simply incredible. So whether you’re a surfing novice or a seasoned pro, surfing in Waikiki is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Over 600 Customers Love Surfing With Us
My son had an awesome surfing experience. Hugo, his coach, was outstanding! He was professional, caring, and very experienced. The staff was also great, and the photographer was the best. Thank you so much! Highly recommended!
– Peter S. | TripAdvisor
I took my 9 year old granddaughter to Hans Hedemann Surf School in Waikiki. Because of her age she had to take private lessons. She took 2 lessons while we were there. Both instructors were excellent. Would recommend this place for surf lessons
– Leest G. | TripAdvisor
I’m so happy that I took the plunge and signed up for a surf lesson. I’ve always been curious but too scared to surf. I had a fantastic experience with Jamie Sterling. He is patient and and a true professional! Next time the kids are getting lessons, too!
– Crista M. | TripAdvisor
My daughters and I had an excellent experience. Our instructors Duke and Jimmy made the experience fun and kept us laughing the entire time. I would highly recommend. A first class operation!!
– Henry E. | TripAdvisor