A first surf lesson can feel like a total unknown. This one turns it into a clear plan, with a short custom land demo and real ocean time.

You get a private session tailored to your level, plus included gear and surf photos, so you are not stuck guessing what to do next.

What I like most is the way the instruction is structured. You start with fundamentals and safety, then you move into the water with a pace that aims for about a wave every 5 minutes or less.

My only real consideration is the media cost. Surf photos are included, but extra video options and Go-Pro add-ons cost extra, with prices listed for each format.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

• 10 to 15 minute land fundamentals with ocean safety, customized to your students
• Private coaching only for your group, so you are not sharing attention
• Expect frequent wave attempts, roughly 1 wave every 5 minutes or less
• Included surf essentials: dry suit top or rash guard, reef shoes, and an NSP longboard
• Secured lockers for your belongings during the session
• Eddie’s teaching style, hands-on and upbeat, including showy moments like surf handstands while you ride

Why a Private 90-Minute Surf Lesson Works So Well on Oahu

Surf lessons fail when they rush you. They also fail when you spend half the time waiting and half the time wondering what to do. This format is built to prevent both.

You have 1 hour 30 minutes total, and it is truly private, meaning your instructor’s attention stays on you and your group. That matters a lot when you are learning basics like standing position, balance, and how to read simple ocean cues.

This is also a smart choice for Oahu because the water time is the point. The session is designed so you are not stuck on the beach for long stretches. When the lesson is paced well, you stay excited instead of getting cold, tired, or discouraged.

Meeting at Pau Hana Sailing and Getting Ready in 5 Minutes

Your start point is Pau Hana Sailing, 1651 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815. The session ends back at the meeting point, so there is no “now go find the rest of your day” feeling.

You should plan to show up ready to move. The flow is built around fast setup: there is about 5 minutes to prepare you with the equipment before the session’s ocean time begins. That means the most efficient way to enjoy this is to come in dressed appropriately for the water and ready to follow directions quickly.

Being near public transportation is a plus if you are staying around Waikiki or Ala Moana. You can keep the day simple, then spend the rest of your time exploring the area once you are done.

10 to 15 Minutes on Land: Safety and Fundamentals First

Before you touch the board, you get a 10 to 15 minute land demo. This part is not random. It is focused on fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety, and it is customized to the students.

That customization is what I would look for if you are nervous. If you are a first-timer, you want the instructor to start with the basics you can actually use immediately. If you are an advanced beginner, you still want key fixes, like adjusting where your weight goes or how to time your pop-up.

Ocean safety gets handled up front. Even if you already know a little, it helps to have your instructor explain what matters most in that moment, like basic wave awareness and how to behave around surf conditions.

The land demo ends when you feel comfortable, not when the clock says you should be ready. That is a subtle but important difference, because surfing is a skills sport, and confidence is part of the skill.

Into the Water: How the Lesson Aims for Frequent Waves

Ocean time starts once you enter the ocean, not after a long walk or extra waiting. This matters because your learning curve depends on repetition.

The session is paced so you can expect an attempt roughly every 5 minutes or less. That does two things for you:

• You get repeated chances to practice the same core motions.
• You keep momentum, which is often the difference between learning and just getting knocked around.

In the water, you are coached while you are actually trying. One thing that comes through clearly in the experience style is that Eddie teaches in a hands-on, ride-with-you way. In other words, you are not just being told what to do from the shore.

You can also get a bit of entertainment without losing focus. One of the standout impressions from past lessons is watching Eddie do surf handstands while riding, right around the action. It is not the point of the lesson, but it signals confidence, control, and comfort in the conditions.

Equipment That Lowers the Learning Friction

Good surf gear is part of the success story, and this lesson includes a solid setup.

Here is what is included:

• Excel dry suit top or rash guard (and reef shoes)
• NSP longboard
• Secured lockers for your belongings
• Surf photos from your session (videos available for purchase)

The dry suit top versus rash guard choice is a practical detail. Water comfort affects everything: your stamina, your focus, and how long you can stay relaxed during practice. If you are sensitive to cold, having a warm layer option helps you stay in learning mode instead of counting minutes until you get out.

The NSP longboard is also a smart match for many learners. Longboards typically make it easier to get stable and find balance while you build the muscle memory for pop-up timing.

Reef shoes add confidence too. They protect your feet and reduce the chance of getting sidelined by accidental scrapes. And secured lockers mean you are not leaving your valuables in a pile while you are in the surf zone.

Eddie’s Coaching Style: Patience, Positivity, and Real Feedback

If you are going to spend money on a surf lesson, you are buying more than technique. You are buying the right feedback at the right moment.

Eddie’s reputation in these sessions shows up as something you can feel in the teaching approach: positivity, patience, and a strong focus on making you successful. Past experiences describe him as someone who helps you improve whether you are brand new or working through more advanced beginner skills.

There is also a detail that I think is worth calling out because it affects learning quality. Eddie is described as riding with you and teaching in a way that stays connected to what you are doing in real time. That kind of instruction is where small corrections can turn into big results quickly.

Another repeated theme is encouragement. People note his energy and kindness, and it is not just “good vibes” for morale. The way instructors deliver instruction changes how quickly you commit to the technique, especially when you feel awkward on the first few attempts.

And yes, you might see a few jaw-dropping moments like handstands. But the real value is that you are coached by someone who clearly loves the sport, and that enthusiasm helps you stay patient with the learning curve.

Price and Value: What You Get for $130 Per Person

The price is $130.00 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes. That is the kind of rate where value matters, because you want your money to turn into actual skill and actual ocean time.

Here is what supports the value:

• Private instruction for your group, so you are not split across many students
• Included gear: board, reef shoes, and a dry suit top or rash guard
• Included surf photos from your session
• A structure that aims for frequent wave attempts, roughly 1 wave every 5 minutes or less
• Secured lockers, so you can focus on the lesson

The biggest reason this feels like good value is simple: the lesson reduces friction. You do not have to source boards or basic protective gear. You also do not spend your whole day waiting around.

If you are the type of traveler who hates uncertainty, the clear structure helps. Land demo first, quick setup, then ocean time. That rhythm keeps you from feeling lost.

Photos, Videos, and the Go-Pro Add-On Decision

Media is a common “surprise cost” in activities like this, so it is smart to decide your preferences ahead of time.

What is included:

• Your surf photos are included in the package.

What is not included:

• Videos are available for purchase.
• Go-Pro-related options are listed separately: savable link, SD-card, and complete edited video, each with their own price.

So here is the practical way to think about it. If you just want a few proof-of-ride images for social or memories, you can treat photos as the main takeaway. If you care about having a full edit or a Go-Pro archive, budget for those add-ons so it does not feel like a last-minute surprise.

One more tip: if you do not love managing files and links, you might prefer the complete edited video option. If you do not care as much about editing, a smaller add-on might be more your speed.

Who Should Book This Lesson, and Who Might Reconsider

This lesson is built for any level, and most travelers can participate. It is a great match if you:

• Are brand new and want safety plus fundamentals before you get tossed around
• Are an advanced beginner and want focused correction and more consistent rides
• Want a private experience that keeps your learning efficient

You might reconsider if you are traveling during a time where weather is uncertain, because the experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you will either be offered a different date or a refund, so it is smart to keep flexibility in your plans.

Also, if you only want the cheapest possible activity and do not care about photos or video at all, the paid add-ons for media could be less appealing. The photos are included, but the video upsells are real.

A Quick Plan to Make Your Lesson Go Smoothly

You will get the best results if you show up ready to learn fast.

My practical checklist:

• Wear something you can comfortably take into the water.
• Listen closely during the land demo, especially the safety portion.
• Use the first few attempts to adjust balance, not to judge your final ability.
• If you feel nervous, that is normal. Your instructor’s job is to customize the demo and help you feel comfortable before you enter the ocean.

If you keep that mindset, the frequent wave attempts start to feel like progress. Not just random luck.

Final Call: Should You Book Island Fiel Surf?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a private surf lesson that stays focused on fundamentals, ocean safety, and frequent time on the board. The setup is efficient, gear is included, and the coaching style is described as patient and positive, with a real ability to help learners get rides quickly.

Book it if:

• You value a structured lesson and private attention
• You want included gear and photos
• You want to maximize ocean time instead of waiting around

Pass or wait if:

• You are inflexible about dates due to weather
• You want a lesson with minimal extra spending beyond the base price and you are unsure about video add-ons

If your goal is confidence plus actual wave time on Oahu, this one is built to deliver.

FAQ

How long is the private surf lesson?

It is about 1 hour 30 minutes total.

Where does the surf lesson start and end?

It starts at Pau Hana Sailing, 1651 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this lesson private or group-based?

This is private, so only your group participates.

What surf gear is included?

You are provided an NSP longboard, reef shoes, and either an Excel dry suit top or a rash guard. Secured lockers for your belongings are also included.

Are photos or videos included?

Surf photos are included. Videos are available for purchase.

How much time is spent on land before going into the ocean?

You get a 10 to 15 minute land demo, plus about 5 minutes to prepare with the equipment.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.