I checked the forecast and the waves are going to be HUGE, does that mean my lesson will be canceled or I’ll be forced to surf in large waves?

• Due to our incomparable location at Turtle Bay we have access to perfect beginner waves 365 days a year. No matter how big or small the waves are, we are able to adjust our surfing spot on property to fit the day's conditions. If we are not able to surf in front of our shop we provide complimentary golf cart transfers to/from surfing locations.

Will Jamie O’Brien be teaching my lesson?

• While Jamie does own and operate our surf school, he does not teach or guide himself. However, every instructor and guide has been hand selected by Jamie to provide you the safest and best experience possible, and they are eagerly waiting to get you in the water.

I’m an advanced/intermediate surfer and looking to improve my surfing, can you help?

• We specialize in teaching beginners and first-time surfers, and our surf break is best for learning the basics. We do not offer advanced surf coaching, but if you call our shop we will be able to refer you to someone who can assist.

What is included in the experience?

• All equipment needed for experience is provided, including surfboards, wetsuits, leashes, and surf wax.

What are your lesson times and when is the best time to surf?

• We offer lessons daily at 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:45 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:15 PM, all lessons are 1.5 hours long. Due to our epic surfing location we enjoy great waves all day long, but many surfers prefer to surf at the earliest time slot available due to the joy of being out on the water during the morning glass.

What happens during the lesson?

• All lessons start with a 15 – 20 minute “land lesson” where you will learn ocean safety, surfing technique, and get familiar with the equipment. Once your instructor gives the green light, you’ll head out to the water to surf for 1 hour or more riding waves followed by reviewing your photos at our surf shop.

What is your payment and refund policy?

• We require full payment upon booking, but you may cancel up to 48 hours prior to your lesson for a full refund. Changes to reservations made within the 48 hour window are not guaranteed but we will make best efforts to accommodate.

Which lesson type do you recommend?

• While all of our lesson types guarantee an epic time, our most popular option by far is our Ohana (private group) lesson. Your family or group gets their own private instructor dedicated to just your group which allows more attention and personalized instruction. You’ll catch more waves than the public group lesson and you’ll save money per person vs the 1:1 private lesson. The Ohana lesson surfer to instructor ratio is 4:1 and is open to surfers of all ages, but surfers under 10 years old will need to pay an additional fee for an extra instructor for safety reasons.

Why are you asking for my age?

• We ask for this information so that we can ensure we have the right instructor ratio for you as well as pick the right surfboards for your lesson.

Are there Age restrictions?

• No, we can teach all ages from 2 to 99. We require that children under 12 are in a private lesson one on one, or with their parents on an Ohana package. If the guests are young children, around 6 years old and under they will often need to be on the board with the instructor (what we call a tandem lesson), and this will be a private lesson. If the guests are around 70 or older and feel they need the extra attention, a private lesson is advisable. Guests must be at least 12 years old to join a public group lesson.

Can I surf if I get seasick?

• For Guests who are prone to motion or seasickness, please be advised that surfing, stand up paddling, and other activities offered by us have been known to trigger symptoms. Many guests are able to limit these by taking the motion sickness medication of their choice ~60 minutes before their experience.

What should I wear?

• Wear a swimsuit of your choice and bring sunscreen, we will provide a rash guard and reef shoes. For ladies we recommend a well-fitting suit that will stay in place during surfing and swimming.

Where should we meet for our lesson, when should we be there, and where will we be surfing?

• All experiences start and end at our Surf Shop, which is located on the western side of Ritz Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay on the beach level near the loading dock. To access, enter the resort through the main entrance/porte cochere, take a left at the “Surf House”, then follow the stairs down to your left which end at the entrance to our Surf Shop.

Are the instructors CPR certified?

• Yes, all instructors are CPR and lifesaving certified.

Will there be a photographer?

• Yes, every lesson will be photographed, and the images will be available for purchase.

Can I rent a surfboard if I don’t want to take a lesson and how much does it cost?

• Yes, you can rent a board from our surf shop for $40/hr or $60/2 hrs. Be advised that during the winter months we may choose not to rent boards due to dangerous conditions.

I have a disability; can I take a surfing lesson?

• Yes, we would love to take you surfing! We specialize in getting everyone out into the water regardless of age or ability. If the disability requires extra attention, you will need to take a private lesson.

I can’t swim, can I take a surfing lesson?

• Yes, we can certainly take you surfing. We do require for safety that non-swimmers take a private lesson one on one. To join our other lesson types, guests must be able to swim comfortably in the ocean without assistance or a lifejacket. We do have lifejackets available that non-swimmers may wear for their comfort during the lesson.

Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.