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Discover the thrill of stand up paddleboarding in Waikīkī with private lessons that offer personalized instruction and stunning views of Diamond Head. Perfect for beginners and families, this activity promises a fun, unique ocean experience in Honolulu.
Discover the thrill of stand up paddleboarding in Waikīkī with private lessons that offer personalized instruction and stunning views of Diamond Head. Perfect for beginners and families, this activity promises a fun, unique ocean experience in Honolulu.
Book with Ty Gurney Surf School
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
190 ratings
Operated by Ty Gurney Surf School · Honolulu, Hawaii
Waikīkī, set along the famous shores of Honolulu, Hawaii, offers more than just sun and sand—it provides a gateway to one of the most accessible and rewarding water sports out there: stand up paddleboarding (SUP). SUP Lessons at 205 Lewers Street invite adventurers aged five and up to experience the calm, sapphire waters of Waikīkī from a new vantage point, framed by the majestic silhouette of Diamond Head. This unique offering combines personalized instruction, breathtaking scenery, and easygoing exercise, making it a standout activity in Honolulu’s vibrant oceanfront playground.
What makes these SUP lessons especially remarkable is the private and semi-private format that ensures every paddle stroke is learned at your pace. Whether you book a one-hour or two-hour session, expect focused guidance on paddling techniques, board handling, balance, and ocean safety. Before stepping into the water, instructions begin with a concise land-based demo and safety briefing, setting you up for success on the waves. From there, glide across Waikīkī’s gentle waters, absorbing views of the city's iconic coastline.
Unlike traditional surfing, stand up paddleboarding offers a stable, low-impact workout that suits nearly all skill levels, including children and beginners. The smooth paddle strokes engage your core, enhance balance, and provide a full-body workout amid the soothing Hawaiian breeze. Plus, the scenery here is hard to beat—watch the early morning light fall on Diamond Head or admire the shimmering Pacific stretching beyond the horizon.
Based right in the heart of Honolulu, this lesson provider not only offers quality equipment—paddleboards, paddles, and protective rash guards—but also a welcoming environment that feels more like a trusted local surf school than just a rental outfit. Their location on Lewers Street means you’re steps away from Waikīkī Beach’s bustling energy and plenty of opportunity to explore nearby shops and eateries after your session.
Families, solo travelers, and small groups will find this experience easy to fit into a Hawaii itinerary. Just arrive 15 minutes before your lesson for check-in and prepare by wearing swimwear, applying sunscreen, and bringing a towel. Note that participants must be able to swim and that the lessons aren’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back issues.
Whether you’re seeking an active way to connect with the ocean or simply want to enjoy Waikīkī from a fresh perspective, these SUP lessons offer expert guidance and unforgettable views. It’s more than a lesson; it’s an introduction to a lifestyle rooted in Hawaii's ocean culture and accessible adventure.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; some balance and core strength helps but not required
No prior experience is needed as lessons are tailored for beginners and include basic techniques.
Lessons are open to participants aged 5 and older, making it family-friendly.
In case of unsafe weather or ocean conditions, lessons may be rescheduled or refunded.
Yes, paddleboards, paddles, and rash guards are provided during your session.
Wetsuits are available for rent but are generally unnecessary in Hawaii’s warm waters.
No, participants must be comfortable swimming for safety reasons during the lesson.
Diamond Head, or Leahi, is a volcanic tuff cone that formed over 300,000 years ago and remains an iconic landmark of Oahu.
Hawai‘i’s SUP providers promote reef-safe sunscreen use and ocean-friendly practices to help preserve fragile marine ecosystems.
Ty Gurney Surf School is a Waikīkī-based surf and stand-up paddleboarding school offering lessons, rentals, and guided surf safaris across Oʻahu. The school provides beginner-friendly surf lessons, semi-private and private SUP and surf instruction, surfboard and SUP rentals, a Romantic Sunset Surf Package, and customizable half-day and full-day Surf Safari tours to the North Shore and East Side. Experienced instructors deliver on-water teaching, tailored coaching, and safety guidance for all ages and skill levels. Lessons and safaris include essential equipment when noted—boards, paddles, fins, leashes, and optional rash guards—so guests arrive ready to enjoy the ocean. Semi-private formats limit student-to-instructor ratios for focused attention, while private lessons offer one-on-one instruction and progression at individual pace. Surf Safari tours combine guided surfing with optional snorkeling, hiking, scenic drives, and photographic add-ons; many safaris include hotel pick-up for convenience. Surfboard and SUP rentals feature 12′ SUPs with full deck pads and a range of surfboard sizes and types, accommodating beginners through intermediate riders. Safety and positive experiences are central: instructors emphasize technique, environmental awareness, and comfortable progression. The school operates from Waikīkī, providing easy access to calm beginner waves and iconic views such as Diamond Head. Guests seeking surf instruction, stand-up paddleboarding, guided island tours, or reliable equipment rental can find tailored options and clear what-to-bring guidance. Ty Gurney Surf School focuses on accessible ocean experiences, local knowledge, and memorable time on the water. Flexible booking options accommodate individual lessons, semi-private sessions, rentals, and full- or half-day surf safaris for travel schedules.
Book with Ty Gurney Surf School