Come Prepared: What To Bring To Your First Surf Lesson & More

As you begin packing for your vacation to Haleiwa and the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll start to think about what you need for fun in the sun. If surf lessons are on your list of things to try (and they should be!) you might be wondering what you need. We’ve compiled a quick list of what to bring to your first surf lesson.

  • Beach Bag: Because you’ll have some gear that needs to make it to the beach!
  • Towel: This one seems pretty obvious, but it’s often one of the most overlooked items.
  • Appropriate Swimwear: This can change based on who you are and how comfortable you are in the water. You will be working hard, so you’ll want a swimsuit that stays on your body while you’re working out. For guys we recommend surf trunks.
  • A Rash Guard or Other Swim Shirt: Surfboards have a layer of abrasive wax, which is good when you’re up on your feet and want to stay on the board! However, that wax can rub your skin raw when you are paddling and moving around on the surfboard. A rash guard will protect you from wax rash, underarm rash as well as protection from the sun!
  • Clothes For Before & After: A nice large beach towel is always nice and a change of dry comfortable clothes and possibly a long sleeve in case you have a chill.
  • Sunscreen
  • Water & Snacks

What To Expect From Your First Surf Lesson

Headed out to catch a wave on the North Shore? Here are some of the things you can expect during your first surf lesson with Surf N Sea!

  • Getting Ready: As you head to your first surf lesson, make sure you pack all the essentials. We suggest eating a light snack that will keep you full while you work out, staying hydrated, and ensuring you have the proper sun protection, either by lathering up with some SPF or by wearing a surf shirt.
  • Getting Started: Make sure you communicate with our instructors to let them know if you have any concerns or questions about learning to surf. All of our instructors have different teaching styles, but they are able to accommodate any concerns you have — just let us know!
  • Difficulty Level: Surfing does take a level of athleticism and fitness. You should be a competent swimmer and ready to get a workout in! Standing and balancing on a surfboard can be a challenge. Bring a good attitude though, and you’ll go far.
  • Surf Experience: Sometimes, those who have taken lessons from other surf shops or in other locations think about renting boards from our shop to surf in Haleiwa. However, we caution against this. Even having a lesson on Waikiki is different than surfing the North Shore. We’re the surfing capital of the world, and conditions can be challenging, including rip tides, changing currents, reefs, and even other surfers. Our instructors are well-versed in these conditions and can help you navigate and maintain proper surfing etiquette.
  • The Details: Our lessons take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day. The lessons will either be for standup paddle boarding or surfing; the first person to sign up dictates which sport the instructor will cover that day. Children are welcome, so long as they can swim and parents accompany them. All equipment is provided for the three-hour lesson.

5 Things To Know Before Your First Surf Lesson

  1. You get what you give: Surf N Sea, Haleiwa’s oldest surf shop, has a variety of levels for lessons, ranging from beginner to advanced surf lessons. There are a lot of options, so no matter what, you’ll be able to find something that fits. However, the student has to put in the effort because the lesson is all about what you, the student, choose to make it. That can be a fun morning laughing with friends or a start to a serious sport — whatever effort you put in, you’ll get out!
  2. Come prepared: Just like you wouldn’t show up to the first day of school without a pencil, there are a few things you’ll need to prepare for before you head to the beach. This includes knowing your physical abilities, slapping on some sun protection, and eating a healthy breakfast. These quick preparations will ensure your lesson is a success.
  3. Stay in your comfort zone: While it’s great to be excited and give your first lesson your all, remember that surfing can be a difficult sport. Stay in your comfort zone, and only push yourself when your instructor thinks you’re ready.
  4. You will fall: It’s not a question of if you fall, but really a matter of when. Don’t be afraid to get wet during your lesson! You will fall in, you will get a mouthful of salt water, and you will be just fine! The first fall might startle you, but it’s all part of the lesson. Just stay calm, relaxed and enjoy the warm water.
  5. Your body will hate and thank you: You will be sore tomorrow — there’s no way around that! If this is your first surf lesson, you’ll be using muscles that don’t get used on a daily basis, so you’ll feel it the next day. You’ll probably be a little sore, especially in your arms. However, this means you got a great workout, and your body just needs a short time to recover before you hit the waves again!

Come surf with us at Surf N’ Sea on Oahu!

Ready to start your surfing journey? Contact us today to book your first surf lesson and get all your questions answered. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from our experienced instructors and have a fantastic time in the water. Get in touch now!