Advanced surfers don't need to be taught how to catch waves — they need help closing the small gaps that separate a good session from a great one. At this level, coaching looks less like instruction and more like refinement: technical breakdowns, conditions you'd otherwise avoid, and the mental side of surfing well under pressure. Here's where we spend most of our time with advanced athletes. Rail-to-Rail Efficiency The biggest technical difference between a strong intermedia

Thinking about booking a surf lesson but not sure if you're “fit enough”? Here's the good news: if you're in reasonably decent shape, you're going to stand up and ride a wave. We're so confident about it, we guarantee it. What the Guarantee Actually Means Book our two-hour surf lesson and we guarantee you'll stand up and ride a wave. The physical bar to qualify is low — if you can knock out a single push-up, you're in. So if you're someone who's active, walks regularly, hits

Two days guiding a billionaire family at Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch, cracking jokes with Raimana, eating mediocre high-end poke, and sleeping in an Airstream between perfect man-made barrels.

Between a Super El Niño winding up in the background and Hurricane Lala already testing our coastlines this August, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the more dynamic ocean seasons Hawaii has seen in a while. That doesn't mean staying out of the water — it means getting in smarter. Here's how our community, and especially anyone new to surfing, can make the most of an active season without taking unnecessary risks. Check the Forecast Before You Check the Waves The single best h

Mid-August brought Hawaii its first real test of an already active 2026 hurricane season, when Hurricane Lala tracked toward the islands and put every coastline, from the Big Island to Kauai, on alert. The Timeline Lala weakened to a tropical storm by Sunday, August 16, as it passed near the islands without a direct landfall, centered about 105 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona with sustained winds near 70 mph. Even without landfall, the storm's reach was enormous. The Big

If you've been hearing a lot of “El Niño” talk this year, there's a good reason. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center now puts the odds at greater than 90% that El Niño becomes very strong through fall and winter 2026–27, with some forecasters watching for what could be one of the most powerful events in over a century. It's already shaping up to be one of the seasons Hawaii's surf and ocean community will be talking about for years. What Is El Niño, Quickly El Niño is a natural

Surfing has its own language, and knowing a few key terms will make your first lesson (and the surf talk afterward) a lot easier to follow. The Basics Lineup — the area where surfers wait to catch waves Pop-up — the motion of going from lying down to standing on the board Whitewash — the foamy, already-broken part of a wave, often used for beginner practice Set — a group of waves arriving together Lull — the calmer gap between sets Duck dive / turtle roll — techniques for get

Walk into any surf shop as a beginner and the wall of boards can feel overwhelming. Here's the simple version of what actually matters for your first board. Bigger Is Better When You're Starting Out It's tempting to want a sleek, short board like the pros ride. Don't. Beginners learn faster on large, stable, soft-top boards — they paddle easier, catch waves sooner, and are far more forgiving of mistakes. Soft-Top vs. Hard Board Soft-top (foam) boards are the standard for begi

You don't need to be an athlete to learn to surf, but a little prep can help you get more out of your first lesson. Shoulder and Back Endurance Paddling relies heavily on shoulders and upper back. Simple bodyweight exercises like push-ups or resistance band rows a few times a week can help build the endurance you'll need. Balance Practice Balance drills — like standing on one leg, or practicing on a balance board or even a couch cushion at home — help train the stabilizing mu

Surfing can be one of the best family activities on a Hawaii trip — here's what parents should know before booking. What Age Can Kids Start? There's no universal minimum age — it depends more on a child's comfort in the water than a specific number. Many kids as young as 5–6 can start, with the right instructor and conditions. What to Look for in a Kids' Lesson Instructors experienced specifically with children, not just adults Smaller, calmer waves chosen for young beginners

What you wear affects your comfort in the water more than people expect — here's how to think about it as a beginner. Rash Guards: The Hawaii Default In warm water destinations like Oahu, a rash guard over swimwear is usually all you need. It protects against sunburn and board rash without adding bulk or overheating you. When a Wetsuit Makes Sense In cooler water or cooler seasons, a wetsuit adds warmth and a bit of extra buoyancy. It's more common in places like California o

The North Shore of Oahu is world-famous for monster winter waves — but that reputation can be intimidating if you're just starting out. The good news: this coast also has a handful of genuinely beginner-friendly spots, especially outside of peak winter swell season. Here's where a qualified local instructor is most likely to take you for your first lesson. Why Spot Selection Matters So Much Here Unlike a lot of beginner surf destinations, the North Shore isn't uniformly gentl

If you book a surf lesson on Oahu's North Shore, there's a good chance you'll meet Dom Nokai — the instructor behind Venture North Shore, and a familiar face in the water up and down this coast. A Life Built Around the Ocean Dom grew up immersed in Hawaii's surf culture, eventually building a career around the sport he loves. He served as President of the Hawaiian Surfing Association, Big Island chapter, from 2014 to 2018, and has worked as a certified ISA (International Surf

The unwritten rules of surfing matter as much as the technical skills. Understanding surf etiquette keeps everyone in the water safer, happier, and more welcome — especially on a coastline as respected as the North Shore. Right of Way: One Surfer Per Wave The surfer closest to the peak of the wave — the point where it's breaking first — has priority. This is the single most important rule in the water. If someone is already up and riding, it's their wave; don't paddle for it

Oahu offers two of the most famous places to learn to surf in the world — the North Shore and Waikiki. Both are excellent for beginners, but they offer very different experiences. Here's how to decide which is right for you. Waikiki: The Classic Beginner Wave Waikiki is world-famous for good reason. Its long, gentle, rolling waves and warm, shallow water make it one of the most forgiving places anywhere to learn to surf. It's also incredibly convenient — many visitors are sta

Booking your first surf lesson is exciting — but it's normal to wonder exactly what the day will look like. Here's a clear walkthrough of what to expect from start to finish when you book with Venture North Shore. Before You Arrive Wear comfortable swimwear, apply reef-safe sunscreen ahead of time, and bring a towel and a change of clothes. Eat a light meal an hour or so before your lesson so you have energy without feeling weighed down. Meeting Your Instructor Your lesson st

Whether you're gearing up for your first lesson or you've already caught a few waves, these ten tips will help you build a strong foundation as a beginner surfer on Oahu's North Shore. 1. Start With the Right Board A large, soft-top beginner board offers stability that makes learning dramatically easier. Don't rush onto a smaller, high-performance board too early. 2. Learn the Pop-Up on Land First Practicing the pop-up on the sand builds muscle memory before you ever try it o

If you've ever stood on the beach at Haleiwa or Waimea watching surfers glide across the water, you've probably asked yourself the same question: "Could I actually learn to do that?" The answer is a resounding yes. One of the biggest myths about surfing is that you need to be incredibly athletic, fearless, or have grown up near the ocean. The truth is every experienced surfer started exactly where you are now — standing on the beach, wondering if they could catch their first

If you're searching for surf lessons on the North Shore of Oahu, you're looking in the right place. This stretch of coastline is world-famous for big winter waves, but it's also home to calm, forgiving breaks that make it a genuinely great place for beginners to learn — as long as you know where to go and who to learn from. At Venture North Shore, we've taught visitors of every age and background how to catch their first wave right here on Oahu's legendary coast. Why Learn to

Are you ready to catch some waves in paradise? Before hitting the water, make sure you have the right attire for your first surfing...