Get Stoked on Surfing at This New Surf School in Waikīkī

Whether you’re new to the world of surfing or looking to improve your skills, the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf lets you experience it at one of the world’s most famous beaches.

Located in the heart of Waikīkī, the School of Surf is the latest venture of North Shore native and professional surfer Jamie O’Brien.

The School of Surf represents a new concept for O’Brien, following his Surf Experiences at Turtle Bay on the North Shore of Oʻahu and Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. Unlike the Surf Experiences at Turtle Bay and Coronado, the School of Surf is tailored to provide a fun and affordable experience. What better way to achieve this than at the birthplace of surfing?

Located at the Twin Fin Hotel, this surf school uniquely blends the hotel’s hospitality with surf culture through Beach Candy Waikīkī, a program that offers premium beach rentals and, now, top-notch surf lessons. There’s also a retail shop, with bucket hats, rashguards, slippers, water bottles and more—all curated by O’Brien and his team.

Surf lessons vary in price depending on whether you book private or group lessons. Group lessons start at $99; $209 for a private lesson. The lessons are all 90 minutes and held at Publics, a surf break on the Diamond Head side of Waikīkī.

The writer surfing with the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf.
Photo: Courtesy of the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf

As an inexperienced surfer, I took a lesson from surf instructor Brandon, a Waikīkī local who has spent years instructing people like me. From learning the basic skills of surfing outside the water to applying them in the water, he eased any fears and made sure I felt comfortable but also capable. He made the lesson not only informational but incredibly fun!

Jamie and his team are acutely aware of being the “new kids on the block” when it comes to their surf school. Local Hawaiian families have been providing surf lessons on the island and in Waikīkī for decades, so they acknowledge their privilege and responsibility in securing a space on Kalākaua Avenue. Managing partner Kaikea Elias notes, “There are so many awesome people running surf schools that have been doing it for so long we are honored to be contributing to that legacy.”

While many local surf schools focus on advancing skills, the School of Surf emphasizes providing a fun vibe for first-time surfers through retail, photos, and video.

From seeing O’Brien’s boards on the walls to getting signed posters and even surprise surf lessons, both Jamie’s Surf Experience and School of Surf offer a unique experience that differs from numerous schools in Hawaiʻi and is infused with his personal touches. O’Brien remarks that surfing is the only thing he’s ever known, so sharing that with others is the greatest gift.

“My goal is to be the one-stop surf school when people go to Hawaiʻi,” O’Brien says.

For more information and to book a surf lesson, visit jobschoolofsurf.com.