Last updated on October 30th, 2023 at 02:54 pm
If you are looking for a surf camp in Hawaii, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top choices for a surf camp in Hawaii, where you can learn some new surfing skills and have a great time along the way.
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About the Hawaiian Islands
Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is the mother of surfing. With massive waves and a rich surfing culture, it is the most famous surf destination in the world. In Hawaii, you will find great waves of all kinds and for all skill levels. In addition, there are a variety of hotels, restaurants, surf shops, and surf camps.
When choosing a surf camp in Hawaii, there are several key factors to consider. For instance, the level of accommodation, transportation, location, and budget are obviously important, but not as much as the experience of the surf instructors and their local knowledge. Moreover, your current surf level, your goals, and the kind of people you will meet are also crucial to make the best out of your surf vacation.
So let’s get right to it, in detail; these are the most recommended surf camps in Hawaii:
A List of the Best Surf Camps in Hawaii:
Pata Sudaka Surf Camp Hawaii
Pata Sudaka Surf Camp Hawaii is situated on the North Shore of Oahu and provides everything you need for a surf vacation. Only 5 minutes away from Haleiwa town and surrounded by stunning nature, this is a perfect getaway where you can relax, travel, and surf.
The surf program includes the following:
10 or 7 Days in a private surf camp on the North Shore of Oahu.
4 -6 Professional surf lessons, including video analysis (Surf equipment is also available).
Surf theory and practical surf training sessions.
2 Delicious and healthy meals per day.
Hikes to waterfalls and mountains.
Snorkel adventures in crystal clear water.
Yoga classes are designed specifically to complement your surfing.
Other fun activities such as skateboarding, slackline, and indoboard training.
Private tours around the island.
Small private group (10 max).
Free airport shuttle.
For more details about surf camps in Oahu, please click here.
StokeDrift, Surf lessons in Waikiki
Stoke Drift is a great surf school in Waikiki Beach, dedicated to the highest quality surf coaching. The camp takes students of all ages, weights, and skill levels and coaches them with passion and professionalism. All students will learn basic safety practices, ocean condition fundamentals, and respect for the cultural significance of surfing. In addition, it partners with local schools to make the program available to as many children in Hawaii as possible.
This surf school offers 2 types of coaching:
Semi-private surf lessons- learn to surf with friends or family in lessons for groups of 2-4 people. Age restrictions apply, and all students must be able to swim.
Private surf lessons- get 1 on 1 attention in a private lesson and get more assistance and flexibility.
For accommodations, you can stay in any of these nearby hotels- Hale Koa Hotel, Halekulani Hotel, Trump Hotel, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Embassy Suites, or Wyndham Condominiums.
For more details about Oahu surf camps, please click here.
Maui Surfer Girls
Maui Surfer Girls offers the best surf lessons and overnight surf camps in Maui for women and girls. This female-owned surf school is open to women, men, and children and specializes in all surfing levels, from first-time to intermediate longboarding. Small class sizes, uncrowded beaches, and dedicated instructors set this camp apart from the others. Moreover, the home break is conveniently situated between Kihei and Lahaina but away from the crowds at those beaches.
Maui Surfer Girls Camps are all-inclusive, with oceanfront accommodations, surf coaching, 3 healthy meals a day, tropical adventures, and many activities throughout the week to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Once you arrive in Maui, you will be greeted at the airport by the friendly staff, and twenty minutes later, you’ll arrive at the oceanfront facility. Each morning, after a healthy and filling breakfast prepared by a private chef, you head a few miles south to the surf spot.
The professional surf coaching team will help you improve and feel more confident in the water each day. Then, the afternoons are dedicated to other activities such as yoga, massages, hiking, snorkeling, stand-up paddling, boat trips, whale watching, reading books, and chilling in a hammock.
For more details about surf camps in Hawaii, please click here.
Ty Gurney Surf School
Situated in the heart of Waikiki, Ty Gurney Surf School is one of Oahu’s premier locations for surf lessons, surf tours, and rentals for all ages and surf abilities. Whether you are looking to ride a wave for the first time or improve your technique, the team of dedicated and professional coaches will deliver a fun, personalized experience customized to your skill level and individual goals.
You can choose between surf lessons and surf tours:
Surf lessons- surf lessons with Ty Gurney Surf School are fun and fully customized to your skill level and specific goals. It emphasizes private and semi-private instruction to get the most out of your time in the water. No matter your age, fitness level, or ability, the crew guarantees you’ll be up and riding during your very first lesson.
Surf tours- surf tours include scenic drives, activities, and surfing at the best locations on Oahu’s North Shore or East Side, all guided by experienced surf instructors. These surf tours may be booked as a full-day or half-day excursion and can be fully customized to include a wide range of activities, from snorkeling and sightseeing to hiking and more.
For more information about surf camps in the Hawaiian Islands, please click here.
Go Nuts Hawaii
Go Nuts Hawaii is a leading surf store in Oahu. In addition, it provides surf lessons, surf tours, and surf camps. Immerse yourself in the Aloha spirit by riding the waves. The warm and welcoming professional instructors provide surf lessons that gently introduce both kids and adult beginners to the world of surfing.
All surf lessons include:
Guaranteed to stand up and surf.
Safety is a top priority.
Personal surf tours.
Lessons are given in Waikiki or Diamond Head according to ocean and wind conditions on the day of the lesson. North Shore lessons are available upon request.
All tours include surfboards.
All instructors are CPR & LIFEGUARD certified.
All instructors are great professionals who make your experience unforgettable.
Japanese speaker is also available.
There is no better way to get introduced into the surfing world than through personalized 1 on 1 private surf lessons.
Learn to surf from your very own private surf instructor. Get personalized expert surf instruction. Receive the high-quality attention that you deserve and the professional service that you expect.
You can rest assured knowing that you will not only get expert surfing guidance but also take home a delightful and memorable surfing experience.
Surf Camps:
The local guides will take you out surfing on some of the best surf spots in the
Hawaiian Islands, always according to your prior surf experience. In fact, the camp is situated at the famous V-land beach, just next to Sunset Beach, a prime location if you want to live and breathe at the same pace as the most famous surfers in the world. You won’t miss any of the fantastic North Shore’s winter surf sessions.
For more details about surf camps, retreats, and hotels, please click here.
Siren Surf Adventures, Oahu
Siren Surf Adventures loves to host surfers or families on their quest for a fun vacation. Here, you can customize a surf deal specifically to your needs and budget and make the best out of your stay.
Luckily, you don’t have to have any previous surf experience, as the camp is geared to all abilities, from the total beginner to advanced. You do need to have basic swimming skills, though. Also, to get the most out of your surf safari, it is best to be in good physical health and injury-free.
The maximum guest count is 4 people per retreat. This allows the coaches to give personal attention for superior learning. As a result of these small numbers, you get to surf the best waves and be coached by professional surfers Kristy and Cat. This also guarantees an authentic surf experience in which you receive the best coaching that money can buy.
For more details about surf camps and accommodation options, please click here.
Maui Wave Riders
Maui Wave Riders is a family-owned and operated business that provides surfing lessons to each student with a fun, safe, and professional attitude. Therefore, the instructors adapt their coaching style of teaching to the ability of each student, and they will go that extra mile to make your surf experience the most memorable one.
The camp offers the following options:
SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS- this program is excellent, primarily for couples or for kids. It consists of 2-12 students from your party with a private instructor. The lesson will be more individualized than the group lesson and allow you to get more attention from your instructor.
PRIVATE LESSON- suitable for those who want a more advanced lesson or complete individualized attention. It is also highly recommended for surfers who want to work on their skills or for those who are hesitant beginners.
SURF SAFARI- this adventure is for intermediate to advanced surfers who wish to explore the best surf spots on the island.
For more information about surf camps in Hawaii, please click here.
Hawaii Surf and Performance
In this camp, the goal is to improve your surfing regardless of your current level. Coach Kahea does this by improving your movement and breathing on land, which translates to the water and your quality of life so you can keep surfing for years to come.
You can choose any of the following programs:
Young Adult Surf Camps- this is an all-inclusive surf training camp where athletes learn to move better, breathe better, surf better, and compete better. Days start with breathwork and movement to set the platform for surfing performance.
Masters Surf Movement Experience- these adult surf experiences will give you a better understanding of surfing body mechanics, techniques, and a program to keep your body pain-free and surfing stronger for years to come.
Surf Coaching- group or private sessions to focus on improving surf technique, body mechanics, and competition strategies. Sessions run 3 hours long and start with dynamic stretching, a 20-minute workout, and carve boarding to train surf muscle memory.
Foundation Training- a series of exercises designed to restore natural movement patterns. These exercises teach you how to effectively use your body and build it up rather than the constant breakdown our modern lives create.
For more details about surf coaching in Hawaii, please click here.
What is the Cost of Surf Camps in Hawaii?
When booking a surf camp in Hawaii, the camp’s cost should be a significant factor in your decision. Luckily, in Hawaii, you can find various surf camp packages to suit different budgets, and most of them offer excellent value for your money. Factors like seasonality, location, the quality of accommodation, and the number of days determine the cost of a surf camp. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that best suits your needs. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Hawaii costs less than booking all services on your own. As for the numbers, a one-week package at a surf camp in Hawaii costs somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000.
What Time of Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Hawaii?
Luckily, the Hawaiian Islands offer wonderful surf conditions all year long. However, there are 2 surf seasons you should know about in order to choose the best location:
In winter, between November and April, the Northern Shores receive the best swells. During these months, the water is cooler, and the waves are bigger. Therefore, it is recommended mainly for advanced surfers.
In Summer, between May and October, the Southern beaches receive the best waves. During these months, the surf and weather conditions are fantastic, and therefore, it is a wonderful time to come to a surf camp in Hawaii.
What is the Advantage of Surf Camps in Hawaii?
Going on a surf vacation on the sunny beaches of Hawaii is a fantastic experience. For surfers, there is no greater joy than leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to simply riding waves. However, planning a surf trip can be quite a hassle, especially when you lack local knowledge. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty annoying.
This is precisely where a surf camp in Hawaii kicks in. By booking a surf camp, you remove the unpleasant part from the equation and focus only on the fun part. So, while the camp handles logistics like transportation, accommodation, meals, and equipment, you can simply relax and enjoy. In addition, surf camps in Hawaii provide a great opportunity to meet other surfers from around the world.
Are Surf Camps in Hawaii Suitable for Beginners?
In Hawaii, there is a wide selection of surf spots with waves that suit all skill levels. For example, the waves in spots like Pipeline and Jaws are powerful and tough to deal with. However, in spots like Waikiki and Kalapaki Beach, you will find mellow waves and an excellent environment for surfing lessons. Therefore, any surfer can enjoy a surf vacation in Hawaii. Moreover, the instructors in all the surf camps in Hawaii know exactly where to take their students to keep them safe and help them practice in waves that suit their skills.
Which Location in the Hawaiian Islands is Best for a Surf Camp?
As mentioned, there is a fantastic variety of surf beaches in Hawaii. However, the following locations are the most recommended for a surf camp:
1. South Oahu- In this area, you can surf spots like Waikiki’s Canoes and Diamond Head.
2. North Oahu- This is the pro surfer’s playground, with world-class barrels in spots like Pipeline, Sunset Beach, Waimea, and more.
3. South Maui- Here, you can surf breaks like Ma’alaea and Lahaina.
4. North Maui- In winter, there are great waves at Ho’okipa and Honolua Bay.
How to Book a Surf Camp in Hawaii?
Once you choose a surf camp in Hawaii, booking it is easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, is what type of surf camp you are looking for. These are the two main options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for surf lessons or a coaching program, the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most reliable information about surf programs, weekly schedules, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and only need a place to stay close to the waves, you can find great deals at www.booking.com.
Both websites are user-friendly and reliable, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf camp in Hawaii.
Essential Things to Check Before Booking a Surf Camp in Hawaii
Before choosing your preferred surf camp in Hawaii, it is crucial to understand exactly what the camp provides, so check the following to avoid misunderstandings:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf sessions? The smaller the group is, the more personal attention you will get from the coach. Therefore, look for a ratio of 5 to 1 or less.
2. Are surfboard rentals provided by the camp, or should you bring your own surfboard? Also, can you use the camp’s gear for practice on your own?
3. Are airport transfers included, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different beaches during your stay?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included and which are not?
5. How many surf sessions are included in the package each day? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? How many people will you be sharing the room with?
7. Does the coaching program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers during the sessions?
8. Which qualifications do the surf coaches have? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.
9. Which coaching tools will be used during the surf sessions? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any additional services you should know about, or does the initial price of the camp cover everything?
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the top surf camps in Hawaii, although there are more good ones on the Big Island and in Kauai. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter which one of them you choose, as they are all great and offer pretty much the same thing. What is most important, however, is your attitude toward the experience. If you come with an open mind and ready to learn, practice, and make the best out of it, you can improve your surfing skills drastically, meet new friends, and simply enjoy the adventure.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Hawaii, or the one about surf resorts in Hawaii.
