Should you get a surf lesson or just buy a board?

I want to learn to surf. What board should I buy?

Hold on a sec. You want to learn to surf—or you want to buy some gear? Shouldn’t you be asking: “should I get a surf lesson” instead?

Well, maybe.

Let’s unpack the everlasting question of “Should I have a surfing lesson?” And the less-so-pressing (but still important) “Should I surf with a coach to progress?”

🎓 Are surf lessons and coaching worth it?

Short answer? Yes—but with nuance.

Whether you’re paddling out for the first time or stuck in the whitewash phase, a good lesson—or series of them—can seriously shortcut the struggle. But not all lessons are created equal, and coaching evolves depending on your surf journey.

🌊 First surf lesson—is it worth it?

Almost always. Preach.

Why that first lesson matters:

• Ocean safety is non-negotiable. You’ll learn how to paddle out without ending up in a rip, how to bail without injuring someone (or yourself), and hopefully how not to become that kook in the lineup.
• You’ll catch actual waves. Instructors often push you into waves, which helps build confidence and gives you that addictive “I stood up!” moment faster.
• It saves your surf trip. Imagine renting boards, flailing for hours, catching nothing, and feeling discouraged. You will never want to surf again. Or—you could catch a few waves in your very first session. That instructor is going to pay for itself in stoke.
• There’s more. Good instructors know the best sandbars, safest tides, and least crowded peaks. They can help with encouragement and pacing. They want you to succeed.

The verdict? Take the lesson. Surfing is unlike anything else you’ve ever done before.

🧗 When you plateau: cue coaching

Once you’ve moved past the foam and can paddle into whitewater waves on your own—this is the point where many people plateau. Cue: coaching.

Why it’s worth considering:

• You don’t know what you don’t know. Bad habits are hard to break if you don’t even realize you have them. It’s useful to have someone point them out—and show you how to fix them.
• It accelerates your learning. One person shared they went from whitewater to riding 4-foot reef breaks within a year of consistent lessons.
• You get real-time corrections. Like with music, yoga, or martial arts, having someone say “Do this instead” can save you weeks of frustration.
• If you’re trying a new surf break, a local coach can hold your hand—and protect you from the angry locals. Kidding. But not kidding.

“A single lesson is probably not equivalent to three months of going out on your own… but coaching is a time-saver if you’re serious.”

⚠️ But wait—not all lessons are worth it

Surf lessons aren’t one-size-fits-all.

Some common complaints?

• Large group classes with minimal attention.
• Instructors more focused on tourists “standing up once for the photo” than actually learning to surf.
• And those overpriced luxury surf camps that deliver less than they promise—you know the ones.

“You’ll want a school that teaches you how to surf—not just how to stand up.”

To make sure a lesson is worth it:

• Look for small class sizes or private options.
• Ask if they teach reading waves, not just pop-ups.
• Choose instructors with local experience.
• Always read reviews! Look for the ones that mention progress—not just fun.

🏄 But, hold on—Didn’t pros learn on their own?

Some of the best surfers out there were self-taught—but many also had early mentors, friends, or occasional coaching to guide them through sticking points.

The truth is: You can teach yourself. But you’ll progress faster—and safer—with help.

And that help might come from a variety of “coachings”:

• A single first-day lesson
• A week-long surf camp
• A few tune-up sessions
• Or a long-term coach—if you need that kind of encouragement every session

🏁 Final verdict

Are surf lessons and coaching worth it?

• ✅ Yes—for your first session. It’s the best way to start smart, stay safe, and actually have fun.
• ✅ Yes—for ongoing progress, especially if you want to move past whitewater or break through a plateau.
• ❌ Maybe not—if the instructor isn’t a good fit, the waves suck, or it’s just a big group tourist trap.

The real secret? Consistency matters more than anything else. But a few well-timed lessons can save you from months—or years—of bad habits.