Private 1:1 Surf Coaching at Turtle Bay — Personalized Waves with Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience

KAHUKU SURF FIELD GUIDE

Private 1:1 Surf Coaching at Turtle Bay — Personalized Waves with Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience

A 1.5-hour, one-on-one surf lesson that pairs focused land training with in-water coaching to accelerate progress and keep beginners safe.

Private 1:1 Surf Coaching at Turtle Bay — Personalized Waves with Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience.

Duration
1.5 Hours
Location
Kahuku
Operator
Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience
Category
Surf
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On the windward shores of Kahuku, a private surf lesson distills surfing into a concentrated hour of learning: a personalized land session followed by relentless, one-on-one in-water coaching. The Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience designs these lessons to maximize wave catching, build confidence quickly, and deliver a safe, memorable introduction to surfing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

ONE-ON-ONE

Exclusive 1:1 Instruction

A dedicated professional guide focuses solely on you for the entire lesson, giving real-time corrective feedback in the water to speed skill acquisition and refine technique.

PROGRESSION

Land Lesson to In-Water Practice

Lessons begin with a targeted land session covering paddling, stance, safety, wave choice and popping up, then move to sustained in-water coaching to put those skills to use.

SAFETY & MEMORIES

Beginner-Friendly Safety and Photo Coverage

The experience emphasizes a safe, fun learning environment with beginner boards and the option to purchase a photographer’s images of your progress and highlights.

What the day feels like

What the Lesson Feels Like

The rhythm of the lesson is immediate and focused: a 15–20 minute land briefing to prime technique and ocean sense, then a full block in the water with an instructor by your side—catching waves, adjusting stance, and building confidence one wave at a time.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this lesson suits best — and who should consider alternatives.

1
Families with Young ChildrenIdeal for families who want focused attention for kids: children under 12 must be in a private lesson one-on-one or with their parents on an Ohana package to ensure safety and the right instructor ratio.
2
Very Young Guests (≈2–6 years)Suitable with private arrangements—young children (around 6 and under) will often need a tandem/private lesson where an instructor rides with them on the board.
3
Guests with Disabilities or Non-SwimmersAccessible — the operator welcomes all ages and abilities, but guests who need extra attention or are non-swimmers should book a private one-on-one lesson for safety.
4
Older Guests Needing Extra AttentionGuests around 70 or older who want more individualized support are advised to choose a private lesson to ensure comfort and safety.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and sunscreen.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

If the surf forecast looks huge, will my lesson be canceled or will I have to surf big waves?

No — the operation has access to beginner-friendly waves on the Turtle Bay property year-round and will adjust the surfing spot to fit conditions. If the lesson cannot be held in front of the shop, complimentary golf cart transfers to an alternate on-property location are provided.

Will Jamie O’Brien personally teach my lesson?

No — Jamie owns and operates the surf school but does not personally teach. All instructors have been hand selected by Jamie to provide a safe, high-quality experience.

Can you coach advanced or intermediate surfers?

No — the school specializes in beginners and first-time surfers and does not offer advanced surf coaching; they can provide referrals if you need advanced instruction.

What is included with the lesson?

All necessary equipment is provided, including surfboards, wetsuits, leashes and surf wax.

What are the lesson times and how long is a lesson?

Lessons run daily at 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:45 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:15 PM. Each lesson is 1.5 hours long; many surfers prefer the earliest morning slot for calm conditions.

What happens during the lesson?

Lessons begin with a 15–20 minute land lesson covering safety and technique, followed by roughly an hour or more surfing in the water; the session concludes with reviewing your photos at the surf shop.

What is the payment and refund policy?

Full payment is required upon booking. You may cancel up to 48 hours prior for a full refund; changes within 48 hours are not guaranteed though the operator will make best efforts to accommodate.

Are there age restrictions?

The school can teach ages 2 through 99. Children under 12 must be in a private lesson one-on-one or be in a group with parents on an Ohana package; very young children may require tandem/private lessons. Guests must be at least 12 to join a public group lesson.

Are the instructors certified in CPR and lifesaving?

Yes — all instructors are CPR and lifesaving certified.

Will there be a photographer during my lesson?

Yes — every lesson is photographed and images are available for purchase.