Your First Ride: Lessons, Rentals, and Gear
Getting started the right way with the right people
Written by a Local Surf Expert
Kalani MillerA Feeling You'll Never Forget
Getting your first ride is a feeling you'll never forget, but starting the right way is crucial for your safety, enjoyment, and the well-being of everyone else in the water.
I see it all the time: visitors grabbing a sleek, pointy shortboard because they think it looks cool. Let me be clear: that is the hardest and most dangerous way to learn.
Your First Board is Your Best Friend
For your first time, you want a big, thick, wide, soft-top longboard (usually 8-9 feet long). Why? It's all about stability and paddle power. A bigger board is more stable, making it easier to stand up. It catches waves more easily, so you'll spend more time riding and less time struggling. Most importantly, its soft construction is safer for you and for others if you wipe out.
✅ Perfect for Beginners
- • 8-9 foot soft-top longboard
- • Wide and thick for stability
- • Soft foam construction
- • Easy to catch waves
- • Safe for you and others
⚠️ Intermediate Options
- • 7-8 foot funboard
- • Hybrid shapes
- • Some fiberglass boards
- • More maneuverability
- • Requires some experience
❌ Avoid as Beginner
- • Short performance boards
- • Thin, narrow shapes
- • Hard fiberglass/epoxy
- • Difficult to catch waves
- • Dangerous for beginners
Why Take a Lesson
I always advise newcomers to start with a lesson from a reputable, local school. A good instructor does more than just push you into waves. They teach you ocean awareness: how to read the currents, where the channel is, and how to handle yourself in the lineup. They provide critical safety instruction and instill the rules of etiquette from day one, which is the best way to start your surfing journey with respect.
What a Good Lesson Includes:
- • Ocean safety and awareness
- • Reading currents and channels
- • Proper paddling technique
- • Wave selection skills
- • Surf etiquette and respect
- • Pop-up and balance techniques
- • Wipeout safety
- • Equipment knowledge
Supporting Local Surf Outfitters
Supporting local, family-owned businesses is part of living with aloha. These are the shops and schools I trust to take care of you, whether you're renting a board or taking your very first lesson.
💰 Typical Pricing
- Group Lesson: $75-$95
- Private Lesson: $150-$200
- Board Rental: $35-$50/day
- Multi-day Rental: $25-$35/day
🎒 What to Bring
- Swimsuit/board shorts
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Towel
- Positive attitude
Trusted Local Surf Schools & Shops
Kona Coast (West Side)
Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors
Owned by a Native Hawaiian ʻohana since '98. These guys are certified lifeguards who live and breathe this water. The best for safety and real aloha.
• Native Hawaiian owned
• Certified lifeguards
• Since 1998
Kahalu'u Bay Surf & Sea
Located right across from the best beginner spot. They've been there forever and have the biggest selection of rental boards in Kona.
• Prime Kahaluʻu location
• Largest rental selection
• Long-established
Kona Town Surf Adventures
Started by a local with family roots going back to the 1800s. Great for a personalized experience with true local knowledge.
• Multi-generational local
• Personalized service
• Deep local knowledge
Miller's Surf Shop
A Kona institution. This is a real-deal surf shop. They don't do lessons, but they know everyone and will point you to the right instructor.
• Kona institution
• Authentic surf shop
• Great local connections
Hilo Coast (East Side)
Orchidland Surfboards
The classic Hilo surf shop, open on the bayfront since 1972. This is where the Hilo surf community gets their gear.
• Since 1972
• Hilo bayfront location
• Community hub
The Surf Cottage
A great Hilo-based option specializing in lessons and unique adventures like SUP waterfall tours.
• Hilo-based
• Lesson specialists
• Unique adventures
Hilo Ocean Adventures
Offers private 1-on-1 lessons in Hilo, perfect for focused instruction on the windward side.
• Private lessons
• 1-on-1 instruction
• Windward side focus
Hulakai
With shops on both sides of the island, Hulakai is a great, locally-rooted option for gear and adventures wherever you are.
• Both Kona & Hilo
• Locally-rooted
• Full service
Ready to Read the Ocean?
Now that you have your gear sorted, let's dive into understanding Big Island swell science and forecasting.
Learn Swell Science