North Shore Surf School

With an outstanding reputation built on consistently excellent instruction, this North Shore operation gets first-timers standing up on their very first waves. The team of instructors—including Kane, James, Maikai, Josh, Lawrence, and owner Kala—all earn praise for being patient, encouraging, and genuinely skilled at breaking down surf technique in ways that click quickly. Multiple reviewers mention the friendly, laid-back vibe that makes learning feel natural rather than stressful, with instructors striking that sweet balance between coaching and just being chill about the whole experience. The booking process gets high marks for being smooth and responsive, with flexible scheduling and clear communication about meeting locations based on conditions. Families particularly appreciate how well the instructors work with kids and different skill levels, while beginners love that the teaching goes beyond just "stand and hope"—they actually learn proper technique, timing, and ocean awareness. Several people were so impressed they booked additional lessons or came back multiple days in a row, which tells you plenty about the quality of the experience.