Surf Lessons

Your first wave may come sooner than expected. This two-hour lesson at My Khe Beach gives beginners a calm, practical introduction to surfing, with land instruction, safety guidance, and plenty of time in the water. I especially like the small groups of no more than six and the instructor ratio of one teacher to four students, since you get more useful help than in a crowded beach class.

I also like that the $44 price includes a surfboard, wax, rash vest or wetsuit, and instruction from staff with more than 20 years of experience. The main consideration is the surf itself: conditions can bring small waves, and one participant found the equipment somewhat old. That is not a deal breaker for a first lesson, but serious surfers may want a more polished setup.

Key points at a glance

• My Khe Beach setting: Learn on one of Da Nang’s best-known beaches, with fine sand and beginner-friendly conditions.
• Small class format: The maximum group size is six, with a stated ratio of one instructor for every four students.
• Full beginner instruction: Practice paddling, balancing, standing up, water safety, and catching waves.
• Seasonal equipment included: Rash vests are used in warmer months, while wetsuits are available in cooler weather.
• Photos and video: GoPro images and clips are taken during the session and sent later by email.
• Flexible weather policy: You can receive a full refund or choose another date if poor weather cancels the lesson.

Why My Khe Beach Works for a First Surf Lesson

My Khe Beach is a sensible place to try surfing for the first time. The beach has fine sand, which is less intimidating than a rocky shoreline when you are learning to handle a board. The conditions are described as suitable for lessons throughout the year, though the exact wave quality will always depend on the day.

The setting also keeps the experience simple. You meet at 35 An Thuong 5 in Ngu Hanh Son, a short walk from the beach, then return to the same point at the end. You do not need to arrange a separate beach transfer, and public transportation is nearby.

The beach has a strong reputation in Da Nang and has been recognized by Forbes among the world’s top beaches. That does not guarantee perfect waves on your chosen morning, but it does mean you are learning in a pleasant coastal setting rather than at an awkward, crowded launch point.

One useful detail from the feedback is that the waves may be small. For a first lesson, that can help. Smaller waves give you more time to listen, paddle, and find your balance without feeling as though the ocean is trying to fold you into your board.

What Happens During the Two-Hour Class

The lesson begins on land. Before you head into the water, the instructor explains how to lie on the board, paddle, balance, and move into the standing position. You also receive basic water-safety guidance, an important part of any first surf lesson.

The standing movement is usually called the pop-up. You begin lying on your stomach, push your upper body up, bring your feet underneath you, and rise into a balanced stance. It sounds simple. On a moving board, it takes timing and practice. The land session lets you repeat the movement before waves add pressure.

The instructor also demonstrates how to catch a wave. This gives you a clear picture of the timing before you try it yourself. You then head into the water and spend most of the remaining session practicing, rather than sitting on the beach listening to a long lecture.

That balance is important. A two-hour class can disappear quickly if too much time goes into introductions and equipment handling. Here, the structure is designed to get you standing and riding as soon as the safety basics are covered.

You should not judge success only by how long you stay upright. Catching a wave, finding the correct stance, or standing for a few seconds can all be meaningful progress on your first attempt. Several people managed to stand and ride during their first lesson, while another described the first few seconds upright as a particularly happy moment.

The Value of a Small Class

The maximum group size is six, with a stated instructor-to-student ratio of one to four. That is one of the strongest reasons to choose this lesson instead of a large beach class.

Surf instruction is hands-on. You need someone to notice if your feet are too close together, your weight is leaning too far forward, or your paddle timing is late. In a small group, the instructor can give you several attempts and correct small problems before they become habits.

The personal attention also matters if you feel nervous. The instructors are described as patient, encouraging, funny, and passionate about surfing. Owen and Tien are specifically praised by name, with Tien receiving particular appreciation for his enthusiasm and teaching.

Of course, the ratio does not mean you receive one-to-one coaching for the entire two hours. You will share the water and the instructor’s attention. Still, six people is a manageable maximum, and the stated ratio is reassuring for beginners who want more than a quick demonstration.

Boards, Wetsuits, and What the $44 Covers

The $44 cost per person includes the main equipment required for the lesson:

• Surfboard
• Rash vest in warmer conditions
• Wetsuit in cooler conditions
• Surf wax
• Instructor guidance
• Photos and video taken with a GoPro

That makes the price fairly easy to assess. You are not paying $44 for a short board rental and a few basic tips. You receive a complete introductory session, equipment, safety instruction, and a chance to practice in the water with a qualified teacher.

There is also a half-day rental rate for beginner boards if you want more practice after the lesson. That can be useful if you manage to stand up and want to repeat the experience while the basic movements are still fresh.

The equipment may not satisfy someone looking for top-end surf gear. One Spanish-language comment described it as old, though the same comment praised the teacher and the quality of the attention. For a beginner, an older board can still work well if it is stable and suited to learning. If equipment quality matters greatly to you, ask about the available board before committing to additional rental time.

The company provides gear for different seasons, which helps make the lesson practical throughout the year. You should still bring your own water-resistant sunscreen. One participant underestimated the strength of the sun during two hours on the water and regretted it.

The Most Important Lesson: Managing Expectations

Surfing is difficult at first. The board moves, the wave arrives faster than expected, and your body has to coordinate several actions at once. A good instructor can improve your chances, but no lesson can promise that you will surf smoothly by the end.

This class is best understood as an introduction. You will learn the basic positions, try to catch waves, and possibly stand for a few seconds or ride independently. Some beginners may do more. Others may spend much of the session falling off and trying again.

The wave conditions matter just as much as your ability. One participant described the waves as few and small, but also praised the clear explanations and excellent attention. That is a useful reminder that a quiet surf day is not necessarily a bad lesson day. Small waves can be better for learning, even if they produce fewer dramatic rides.

The teaching style appears to be a major strength. The instructors focus on encouragement as well as technique, which can make the difference between giving up after several falls and trying one more time. If you are patient and willing to repeat the pop-up, you should get real value from the session even if you do not leave surfing across the beach.

GoPro Photos and Video After the Lesson

The instructor takes photos and video with a GoPro while you practice. These are sent to you later by email, giving you a record of your first session and a chance to see your stance and balance from the outside.

That footage can also help you improve. You may notice that you are looking down, standing too upright, or placing your feet unevenly. A beginner often cannot feel these mistakes while concentrating on staying on the board.

The timing of delivery deserves a little patience. At least one person was still waiting for the footage after the lesson. The photos and video are a welcome extra, but I would treat them as a bonus rather than the main reason to book.

If the images matter to you, confirm the email address carefully and ask when you should expect them. Also bring your own phone or camera only if you can keep it secure. The company’s GoPro service is the safer choice while you are in the water.

Who Will Get the Most From This Experience?

This lesson suits first-time surfers and people who have tried surfing once or twice but still need help standing and catching waves. It also works well for couples, friends, and small groups who want an active break from Da Nang’s food, sightseeing, and city streets.

You should be reasonably comfortable taking part in a water activity. The operator says most people can participate, but the supplied information does not provide a detailed list of swimming, fitness, or medical requirements. If you have a concern, contact the provider before booking rather than guessing.

The lesson is less suited to experienced surfers who already know how to paddle, read waves, and select a board. You may find the instruction too basic, and beginner boards are designed for stability rather than performance.

It is also not ideal if you need guaranteed large waves or a fixed surfing outcome. Weather and wave conditions can change. The reward here is the chance to learn in a friendly setting, not a promise of a perfect ride.

Timing, Meeting Point, and Weather Flexibility

You meet at 35 An Thuong 5, in Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang. The activity lasts about two hours and finishes back at the meeting point. The location is near public transportation and within a short walk of My Khe Beach.

The start time matters because sun, wind, and wave conditions can affect comfort. The supplied information does not specify a best daily departure time, so check your booking details carefully and ask the provider if you want advice for your date.

Bad weather is handled fairly. If the class is canceled because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

This policy gives you useful protection, but it does not remove the need to plan. Keep an eye on your schedule and make any changes before the 24-hour cut-off, based on local Da Nang time.

How This Compares With Simply Renting a Board

A half-day beginner-board rental is available, but I would choose the lesson first if you have never surfed. The first hour of independent practice can otherwise become a cycle of lying on the board, missing waves, standing too early, and not knowing what went wrong.

The class teaches you the basic sequence and gives you immediate corrections. After that, a rental may make more sense because you have a better idea of how to paddle, where to place your feet, and how to handle the board.

You also receive safety guidance during the lesson. That is valuable even in calm conditions. The beach may be friendly for beginners, but the ocean still deserves attention and respect.

If you already surf confidently, renting may be more appropriate. For everyone else, the lesson offers a stronger starting point and may save you a frustrating morning.

My Verdict: Book It If You Want a Genuine First Try

I would recommend this lesson if you want an approachable introduction to surfing in Da Nang. The strongest features are the patient instructors, the small group size, the included equipment, and the chance to spend most of the class practicing rather than watching.

The $44 price is reasonable for a full two-hour lesson with a board, seasonal protective gear, wax, instruction, and GoPro footage. Just bring water-resistant sunscreen, keep your expectations realistic, and accept that wave conditions may be modest.

Book it if standing up once would make your day. Skip it if you already surf well or need high-performance equipment and powerful waves. For a first attempt at My Khe Beach, this is a friendly and well-supported way to find out if surfing is for you.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson meet?

The meeting point is 35 An Thuong 5, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang, Vietnam. The lesson ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The surf lesson lasts approximately two hours.

What beach is used for the lesson?

The class takes place at My Khe Beach in Da Nang.

Is equipment included?

Yes. The price includes a surfboard, wax, and either a rash vest or wetsuit, depending on the season.

How large is the class?

The activity has a maximum of six participants. The stated instructor-to-student ratio is one instructor for every four students.

Are photos and videos included?

The instructors take photos and video with a GoPro during the lesson and send them later by email.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.