Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Surf Lessons in Waikiki, Oahu
Hans Hedemann Surf School is a family-owned business with over 25 years of experience, founded by former professional surfer Hans Hedemann. We are one of Honolulu's top surf schools, offering lessons in Waikiki and North Shore. Our goal is to provide safe, engaging, and effective surf instruction for all ages and skill levels. Our team of certified instructors, many of whom are former professional surfers, brings decades of combined experience to every lesson. We prioritize safety, using proven techniques to ensure students develop strong foundational skills while enjoying Hawaii's iconic waves.As a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner, we maintain a premium service standard year-round. Our equipment is included in all lessons, and we offer tailored programs for children as young as five. With locations at Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki and Laniakea Beach on the North Shore, we provide complimentary transportation to and from Waikiki hotels. Our proprietary teaching system guarantees students will be surfing within two hours, combining land drills, safety briefings, and personalized coaching to accelerate learning.
Services
Surf Lessons
SUP Lessons
Bodyboard Lessons
Surfboard Rentals
Photo Packages
Gift Certificates
Private Lessons
Group Lessons
Sunset Surf
Multi-Day Packages
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience teaching surf lessons in Waikiki
- Our instructors are certified professionals with extensive local knowledge
- We provide all necessary equipment for your lesson at no extra cost
- We offer lessons tailored for children aged 5 and up with specialized coaching
- We guarantee you'll be surfing within two hours through our proven methodology
Associations and certifications
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
What people say
Outstanding instructors
Guaranteed success
Family-friendly
Professional staff
Memorable experience
Services
Surf Lessons
Our surf lessons guarantee students will be surfing within two hours through a structured curriculum. The 2-hour session includes a safety briefing, land drills, and water practice with professional instructors. All equipment is provided, including reef shoes and rash guards, with specialized programs for children aged 5+.
SUP Lessons
Stand-up paddleboarding lessons teach balance and core strength development in Waikiki's calm waters. Group, semi-private, and private options available with all equipment included. Lessons cover safety protocols and proper paddling techniques for beginners through advanced participants.
Bodyboard Lessons
Bodyboarding instruction focuses on wave reading, paddling techniques, and safety in Waikiki's beginner-friendly waters. Available as group, semi-private, or private sessions with all necessary equipment provided. Ideal for families and first-time water sport enthusiasts.
Surfboard Rentals
We offer premium surfboard rentals for all skill levels, including soft tops, hard tops, and specialty boards. Rentals include safety equipment and expert recommendations. Available for 2-hour sessions or multi-day periods with advance reservations recommended.
Photo Packages
Professional photo and video packages capture your surfing experience with HD footage from cameras and drones. Available as add-ons to any lesson for $75, featuring expertly edited highlights of your wave-riding achievements.
People
Hans Hedemann
Founder
Hans Hedemann is a former professional surfer ranked #3 in the world who founded Hawaii's premier surf school in 1997. With decades of competitive experience and film appearances, he developed the school's proprietary teaching methodology that guarantees students surf within two hours.
Jamie Sterling
Lead Instructor
Jamie Sterling is a certified surf instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience. Known for his patient approach and professional demeanor, he specializes in helping first-time surfers overcome initial fears while maintaining strict safety standards during lessons.
Questions
Who is Hans Hedemann?
Hans Hedemann is a former professional surfer ranked #3 in the world who founded Hawaii's premier surf school in 1997. He developed the school's proprietary teaching methodology that guarantees students surf within two hours.
Will I be able to surf after one lesson?
Yes, our proprietary teaching system guarantees students will be surfing within two hours. Most students catch their first wave during their initial lesson, though mastery requires multiple sessions.
Do I need swimming skills for surf lessons?
Swimming skills are preferred but not required. Non-swimmers receive life vests and receive instruction in shallow water areas with additional safety precautions.
How should I prepare for my surf lesson?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. We provide reef shoes and rash guards. Eat a light meal beforehand and arrive hydrated. Meet at our Queen Kapiolani Hotel location 15 minutes before your scheduled session.
Where are your locations?
We operate from two locations: Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki (150 Kapahulu Ave) and Laniakea Beach on the North Shore (61-574 Pohakuloa Way, Haleiwa). Complimentary transportation is available from Waikiki hotels.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Grace X.
Jan 16, 2022
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My dad, my sister, and I came here for a group surfing lesson. None of us had ever surfed before, and all of us were able to stand up by the end! The instructors are fantastic, and give individual feedback even in the group lessons. Highly recommend if you are a first time surfer just wanting to try. The lesson was supposed to be two hours, but we were probably only in the water for about 1. That was more than enough though, the surfing itself is pretty exhausting. The other hour is spent going over safety/basic instructions, as well as travel time since the surf school is a few minutes away from
Kyle Sasser
Jan 11, 2022
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Had a private lesson with Jimmy. Beautiful weather and nice easy waves. The surfing was great. The instructors will ensure you pop up and ride a few. Even the down time in between sets was great. Jimmy was very down to earth and super easy to talk to. Couldn't recommend more!
Melissa Sheth
Jan 08, 2022
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We had scheduled a semi-private 3 person surfing lesson weeks in advance of our trip. The day before our lesson, we called the company to confirm the booking and were told to be ready at our hotel at 9am the next day for a shuttle ride to the surf school. The following day, we received a phone call at 8:30am claiming that our group was running late and would be missing part of the lesson. I spoke to Zara on the phone about the miscommunication, and she was extremely rude and unprofessional, asserting that there was no way someone told us to be ready at the wrong time and refusing to reschedule
Sarah A.
Jan 07, 2022
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The folks at Hans Hedemann Surf School went above and beyond to show our Girl Scout troop the Aloha Spirit! They instructed a surf lesson for our 11 scouts which they will remember forever. They were professional and so generous with their time and equipment. Clearly the instructors have a passion and calling for what they do. I wouldn't hesitate to book an experience with their team. I am sure it will be the highlight of your trip!
Jessica P.
Jan 06, 2022
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Updated:
Hans sent me a nasty gram on my post. Don't get defensive, do a better job teaching and learn how to be a considerate human being. I was surfing at Publics and I saw a bunch of people in these surfboards teaching. The instructors are pretty aggressive around the other surfers. They all seem to have an attitude problem. I do not recommend this surfing company. Also, surfing at Publics sucks because of the coral and rocks.
Hans sent me a nasty gram on my post. Don't get defensive, do a better job teaching and learn how to be a considerate human being. I was surfing at Publics and I saw a bunch of people in these surfboards teaching. The instructors are pretty aggressive around the other surfers. They all seem to have an attitude problem. I do not recommend this surfing company. Also, surfing at Publics sucks because of the coral and rocks.
Kyle T.
Dec 30, 2021
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Very disappointed with the customer service at queen kapiolani. I just wanted to look at the rental surfboards they had to offer. The lady was adamant that I had no idea what I was doing and refuse to point in a general direction. I really tried to be polite and kept trying to ask in different ways to simply look at what option of boards they had; shut down. I grew up surfing on Oahu's north shore. I'm staying at the hotel for the weekend. I don't think I was asking for to much.
Nicholas Humphries
Dec 19, 2021
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We had an instructor who told us to call him "mouse." He had a hard time communicating his lesson, we could only understand about 50% of what he said. He was a little temperamental and said we weren't listening to him, not the way to treat your customers. Furthermore, he worked us like horses. My brother and I are in good shape, 20 and 22 year old students on vacation. However, every time we fell off the board, he wanted us to be next to him immediately. Needless to say, I wouldn't recommend going here, especially if you're alone or with a friend.
