First thing to do when you get to the North Shore: book an early morning surfing lesson with Oahu Surfing Experience. If you are like me, there is more to travel than where to eat, where to drink, where to lie on the beach, even what to see. You want to better yourself, and you want to awaken in yourself something new. O.S.E. greatly impressed me by the ENTHUSIASTIC and PROFESSIONAL mentorship provided by owner-instructor Emilia Perry. Our surfing lesson started with approximately twenty minutes on shore at a well-known beginner's break, where Emilia discussed the different ways the ocean can wallop a surfer or swimmer, and how to avoid or lessen the damage to oneself. Then, on shore, she instructed me in surfing technique: paddling stance, stand ups, posture, foot position, and instructor-student commands. Physically and mentally: this was a wake-up! If you take this lesson, please please get a good night's sleep. O.S.E. is trying to pack a lot into your lesson and provide great value. The rest of the two-hour lesson was spent in the water. Because we were there early, the alley and the surfing paths were all clear, which was good because I was falling a lot. To get the most of my lesson, Emilia helped me catch some waves by riding out on the longboard with me and steadying the board while I caught the wave, then letting go. In doing this, called tandeming, she's essentially like human training wheels. Then when I was surfing away, she would watch me and shout instructions for safety. The time really just flew by, and by then I was worn out. (Next time I take a surfing lesson, I aim to be a better swimmer, and a better stand upper). Two things most impressed me. 1. How really enjoyable the lesson was. I did not become competent by one lesson's end, but I did greatly enjoy my time attempting to surf. 2. I took away a greater respect for the forces of the ocean. This is something I really needed to learn before venturing out to some of Oahu's other wonderful, but sometimes treacherous beaches. A cautious attitude is valuable. P.S. When I went to crowded Waimea a couple days later and played in the nice big shorebreak, I did remember to protect my head when I ducked under the wave, boogie boarders flying over me. Thanks O.S.E. Joshua L. Racine Wisconsin read more

Tomayo and Emilia were a great instruction team and were very informative and attentive to our needs (they asked each of us our surf/skiing experience to tailor the lesson). After meeting them at an easy to find location on the main road of the North Shore, we followed them to a secluded surf spot further down the road. They made sure we had sunblock and gave us board shirts to keep us from getting rash (this was so key!). We walked down to the beach and the pre-water lesson time seemed very appropriate - balancing safety/instruction and our obvious desire to get out on the water. They taught us some basic commands that were easy to follow and walked us through the entire plan, including where to swim after a run so we were out of the way of other surfers and each other. They gave us a couple strategies to try for standing up, which proved important as we each adapted a different style. The actual surfing was awesome - we all got up enough times that we lost count and by the end were getting up on multiple waves per run. The area they chose for the day seemed great, as we weren't crowded by a lot of other surfers, the waves matched our skills, and we saw some sea turtles just hanging out while waiting for waves. Tomayo and Emilia took us one at a time to approach a wave and gave us up to the second instruction on when to paddle, stand, and pivot a turn. They also gave us pushes for each wave which really helped when we were starting out. Tomayo and Emilia were a very cool couple as well - he's from Oahu and she's an Aussie. They took genuine interest in us and when they heard I was from Boston, gave me advice on how to find and ride waves back home. Towards the end of the lesson, Tomayo was teaching me how to read the water and shore to make a plan when approaching a new surf spot. It was totally out of the scope of the basic lesson I expected, but he seemed genuinely psyched about getting people interested in surfing. If you're looking for the personal surf experience in Hawaii, give them a call! read more

I had such a blast taking a surf lesson with Oahu Surfing Experience - it is my favorite activity I did during my recent trip to Hawaii! I can't say enough wonderful things about Tamayo and Emilia. Their friendly approach, passion for surfing and extensive knowledge of ocean safety created a super comfortable and fun atmosphere in which learning was easy. As a first time surfer, I feel that they were ideal instructors. I did the two hour lesson with 1:1 teacher to student ratio with Tamayo as my instructor. I really enjoyed this experience for a few reasons. First - two hours was long enough that I was able to really see my progress over the course of the session but not so long that I was too exhausted to last the full time (surfing is way more physical and tiring than I had realized). Second - the one on one instruction allowed me to consult with Tamayo in between each wave that I caught (or tried to catch). He was able to watch my technique and then share with me what I could do better with the next wave. I think this accelerated my improvement; by the end of it I was standing up on almost every wave I went for! Third - having Tamayo focused on just me (rather than several novice surfers in a group lesson) made me feel really safe in case I wiped out and needed help. I can get a little nervous around bigger waves and this helped to ease my fears. It was such a positive experience - I was so sad when the lesson was over. I can't wait to get back on a surfboard! If you're looking for a fun, authentic, safe and friendly surfing lesson in which you will learn a ton, I highly recommend Oahu Surfing Experience! read more

I own and operate the #1 surf school in Southern California and I recently made a trip to the Mecca of surfing, North Shore O'ahu. While I was there surfing, I meet Tamayo the owner of Oahu Surfing Experience in the water. He being a local surfer and lifeguard on the famed north shore is an impressive feat and he could have been imbued him with deserved arrogance but nothing could be further from the truth. He was so approachable and full of the aloha spirit, I was truly shocked. I was so impressed with his openness, I wanted to find out more about him. So I researched his company on line and found out that we had a similar foundation and approach to teaching. I ended up talking to him again and at this point I knew he would be the only person I would feel comfortable giving my clients referrals to go to while in Hawaii. I am hyper critical and do no give my endorsement easily. I can with full faith tell you that if you plan on doing a surf lesson in Hawaii, no matter which island or shore, make the effort to go see Tamayo and his wife for your lesson. The waters of Hawaii are no joke with the strong ocean current, reef, razor sharp lava rock, and inconceivably strong surf, you will definitely be and know you are with a competent instructor in the event that anything unfortunate happens. Freeing you to just focus on enjoying the scenery and this amazing sport we love so much. Have fun, and tell Tamayo, Martin from Kapowui said "Hi". Aloha. read more

My surf lesson with Emilia on the North Shore was one of the best experiences from my trip to Oahu. I had been (trying to) surf for a while and really wanted to get some pointers from someone who knows what they're doing - you really can't go wrong with Oahu Surfing Experience (OSE) as they are all professionals. The best thing about OSE is that its a one on one lesson, not like the lessons for groups of 20 or more you see on all the beaches - with OSE you get a full 90 minutes one on one with a professional and I have never seen that offered anywhere for all abilities. This means that the instructor can catch the wave with you, observe you on the wave and give you tips while you're on the wave and follow up pointers afterwards. Emilia started the lesson on the beach and immediately improved my form, pop up and balance so that when I got in the water I caught the first wave, and many more after that. Oahu Surfing Experience know all the best spots for each skill level and can bring to you to quiet breaks so you're not crowded out. I also learned a lot about water safety, surfing etiquette and got useful pointers on paddling and positioning on the board as well as things I can be doing off the board out of the water to improve strength and balance. A surf lesson with Oahu Surfing Experience is without a doubt one of the best things to do in the North Shore Oahu and I would definitely recommend them to anyone of any ability. read more

Aloha, so I moved here 5 years ago and I was never planning to do stand up paddle or surfing but that changed since I met Emilia and Tamayo! At my first job I worked with Emilia and she encouraged me to get in the water here and do it all! 4 years later Tamayo and Emilia started this business and i was finally ready. I started with the stand up paddle on the river at the Haleiwa bridge. They were both there and had such good advice on how to stand and use the paddles it's was easy and amazing! We did the whole river together and it was amazing! They were there the whole time showing me how to do it and it helped so much! I had a great experience . After that I thought I should try surfing! So two weeks later they set me up with a board that would work for me and took me to a local spot and Tamayo and Emilia both gave me there advice on the sand then they took me out! I caught my first wave right away ! Super fun ! In the water one gave advice while the other filmed it for an awesome experience ! They treat you like your family for the best ALOHA experience ever! I own A business in Haleiwa and I highly recommend this couple for the water journey of a lifetime! They are pros and have much aloha! Hope you get to have the experience I have had with this power team! I am lucky to have met them and got to have the VIP treatment in the water on the north shore! read more

Things you must do in Oahu: Oahu Surf Experience Tamayo Perry was an all-around awesome surf teacher. I spent two mornings with him on the North Shore and I had a blast. I hadn't surfed in years and I was definitely a beginner so I wanted to work one on one with someone who could not only help get me up on a wave, but teach me and refine a knowledge base for future aquatic adventures. Tamayo talked a lot about water safety [protect your head and don't turn your back too long to the sea!!], local etiquette, what to look for on wave break, where is the safe zone, what to do if you get in the impact zone, etc. It was one of the best learning experiences I've had. Sometimes great athletes don't make great teachers, but not in this case. Tamayo shared in the excitement when I rode a long wave or when maybe it was a short ride but I did better on a specific technique. He is also just as quick to give you a pointer on what to do better next time. I really felt like he was there with me as more of a coach than just as someone I hired to help me surf. I only wish I had a few more days with him. Even though I'm back in Chicago, I still have a pretty significant surf stoke smile on my face. Mahalo Tamayo, can't wait to do this again soon. read more

Emilia Perry Emilia Perry and the rest of the team at Oahu Surf Experience are the absolute best choice if you are looking to learn to surf or up your game in general. They are all very knowledgeable, professional and have that approachable can-do attitude that will fill your afternoon with fun and excitement! We chose them for surf lessons while we stayed for two weeks in Haleiwa, Oahu. I remember looking for things to do on the North Shore of Oahu and reading their add online at Trip Advisor caught my eye immediately. I am so glad I chose them for my first time experience because not only did I learn a lot but I had an awesome time doing it! In speaking with me a few minutes Emilia had learned enough about me to determine my skill level and assess me strength. This assessment influenced her choice for where we started among the many choices of beaches along the North Shore. She even provided me with a board and rash guard, all I had to show up with was a set of trunks and sunscreen. I had such a fantastic time that I am already planning my next stay and will be contacting her to do a few days' worth of lessons next time. Do yourself a favor and give Emilia a call down at Oahu Surf Experience, you won't be disappointed! read more

I can't say enough good things about our surf lesson with Oahu Surfing Experience. Tamayo and Emilia were such wonderful teachers, they just exude this love of surfing that they want to share with the world. And their experience really shows, from the beautiful, secluded beach and waves you'll be surfing all to yourself, to the focus on safety and fun, to the excellent instruction. You're in seriously expert hands. The whole lesson was so well thought out - after a brief safety orientation and on-beach lesson, it was basically one-on-one for a whole two hours on the water and we were standing up on our first waves. They're super personable, patient, friendly, fun, and attentive, really thoughtful with their feedback and instruction - you're sure to make a ton of improvement in a short time. And you'll have a really, really great time at it!! Probably my only regret is that we did it late in our trip and I would have wanted to do it earlier and sign up for a second lesson, it was seriously that fantastic! Bonus points for even bringing us wetsuit tops (it was a bit of a chilly day) and sharing local delicious food spots on the north shore. read more

This is an absolute MUST on the North Shore of Oahu if you love the sport and art of surfing. I am an intermediate surfer at best and this team of professionals gave me the time of day to be in the water with them and be a sponge. Being a former athlete myself , I don't think people appreciate how accessible these legends of the water are to you and willing to help you love to learn the sport. We spent time learning about the ocean and why / how we surf. It's not just about riding waves. It's about being smart and energy efficient. It's about understanding positioning in the water , etiquette , and technique with your board. Spending time learning these things with Tamayo and Emilia will result in you catching more waves than you could ever imagine ! Emilia is the best and she makes you feel safe , stoked , and ready to get aggressive and work in the water. Truly a magical team and definitely something I'll carry with me in any future endeavors in life. I feel smarter waking out of the water with OSE. Mahalo . - Lex read more

My wife and took a surf lesson with OSE with Emilia and Steve in late April and it was our favorite part of our Oahu trip! We went to a remote beach on the North Shore and it was the perfect spot for a couple of beginners to learn. They were both awesome teachers and made us feel super comfortable in the water. We felt safe the entire time as they know the beach and waves well. We started on the beach with some practice and tips, then into the water to put it all together. My wife was able to get up right away with Emilia b/c she is awesome. It took me a little longer but with the Steve's positive attitude and coaching, I was finally able to get up and ride! I would highly recommend OSE to anyone visiting the North Shore of Oahu. They are both amazing people with tons of experience in the water. Hoping to return the favor when they visit us in Colorado next winter:) Mahalo to both for an amazing experience and for taking great care of us!!! read more

So helpful, and so much fun! After the first lesson I went back for more! Oahu Surf Experience were recommended to me by locals for a surf lesson on the North Shore, and I recommend them and their one-on-one approach to anyone. Emilia started with some questions and then tailored the whole session (location, equipment, content...) to my experience, fitness and aspirations - this is the opposite of a one-size-fits-all group lesson. Emilia continually emphasised how best to stay safe, surf with others, and manage time in the water, broadening the learning a lot beyond selecting, catching and riding waves. She is a good teacher, using different ways of describing and demonstrating all points, and providing good feedback but also challenging me to first analyse for myself what had just happened and why, and keeping it all fun! I learned a huge amount in a short time. Thanks OSE! read more

Aloha, My son and I had the most amazing first ever surf lesson on the beautiful North Shore with Oahu Surfing Experience. Emilia and Steve were fantastic instructors and we felt an extra layer of safety with Tamayo watching over us in the lifeguard tower. The weather and water conditions were epic. They took us to a beautiful place that was not crowded and we were both able to stand up on the first wave!! Definitely due to their excellent instructions. Emilia was tandem with me on our board helping me learn about the water, and what to do, and when. My son was on his own board while Steve was right there coaching him the whole time. OSE is an extremely professional team and really made us feel comfortable in the water. Definitely looking forward to catching more waves. Mahalo Nui Loa for taking such great care of us!! read more

I set my daughter up with Emilia and Tamayo for her senior photo shoot, she has always believed she was a mermaid so this opportunity was exciting and a once in a lifetime experience. Emilia fit her for her fin, by the way she makes every one of them, they are not the cheap one from the store. Emilia fixed her hair and makeup and off they went with Tamayo to the beach and threw the sunset. This was the highlight of her summer, she not only left with some stunning photos she also left with memories. She was treated and doted on like a Hollywood star, the photos are breath taking and this incredibly talented team were perfect in every way, they were where they said they would be, the time and they hit the sunset perfectly. Don't just talk about being a mermaid be one for the day. read more

If you're looking for a good surf instructor on the North Shore, I highly recommend Emilia with Oahu Surfing Experience. She contacted me before the lesson to ask about my experience level and specific things I wanted to improve on. I was really impressed with how well they tailored the lesson to my needs. I was looking for more of an intermediate lesson - I let her know that I wasn't worried about catching a ton of waves, but I needed help stepping up to bigger waves. She did a great job of showing me how to position myself and time the bigger waves. And most importantly, I never felt unsafe. It was a really incredible experience. Whether you're looking for a beginner, intermediate, or advanced lesson, I'm confident Emilia and OSE is the right choice. Thanks for an awesome time! read more

This was my friend and I's first surfing lesson. We did the 2 hour private lesson with Emilia and Steve. They were great! Not only were they excellent teachers, but in general awesome people. They made us feel comfortable and safe at all times. We were both able to get up on our first wave. This is credited to the individualized one on one teaching we received. This was such a great experience! If you are looking for things to do on Oahu, surfing the North Shore is a must. We highly recommend you choose the team at Oahu Surfing Experience for your surf lessons. TIP FOR FEMALES: It is recommended to wear board shorts or wet suits to help prevent rubbing from the board...if you do not have either of these, leggings/athletic material pants will work as well, that is was we used. read more

I took three weeks to visit family on Oahu, and knew I wanted to learn to surf while out there. After a lot of research on lesson options, I went with Oahu Surfing Experience, because I wanted local people who knew the island and 1:1 instruction. I was not disappointed. I planned to take one lesson, but wound up taking three so I could build confidence and feel really comfortable surfing by myself and with the etiquette & culture that comes with knowing what I'm doing. Emilia was fantastic, patient, and great at building my belief that I could quickly move to smaller boards on larger waves. Because of my time with OSE, I feel confident surfing at different breaks, and plan to continue surfing on the beaches closer to home. read more

Looking for the best surfing lessons in Oahu? Look no further. Going with Tamayo and Emilia you will get a personalized individual session in carefully selected beautiful locations with the best conditions on any given day. We had so much fun we went with them twice! It's not the cheapest lessons you'll have, but well worth the cost. They go out of their way to ensure you have a good time in the ocean and provide you with a lot information to take with you. And they are really nice and fun people too. Hanging out with them was both a priviledge and a pleasure. Thanks Tamayo and Emilia, you are the best! read more

One hundred percent recommend surfing lessons with Oahu Surfing Experience!! My boyfriend and I took surf lessons right on the north shore of Oahu. We had beautiful conditions and the best instruction! They are very knowledgeable about ocean safety and surf instruction and I felt very comfortable out there even though it was my very first surf lesson. We had fun, caught some waves and learned a lot of tips and tools to help us surf in the future. Highly recommend this surf experience as one of the coolest things to do on Oahu with the team at Oahu Surfing Experience! Thanks for everything guys!! read more