Surf Lessons

Da Nang’s My Khe Beach is a friendly place to make your first attempt at surfing. The two-hour lesson begins on land with paddling, balance, safety, and the pop-up, then moves into the water for repeated attempts at catching waves. I like the small classes, capped at six people with a maximum four-to-one student ratio, and the experienced instructors, including Owen and Tien. You get more useful coaching than in a large beach group.

I also like that the price includes the board, wax, rash vest or wetsuit, and on-water instruction, so you do not need to arrange gear before arriving. The main consideration is that wave conditions can be modest. That is good for a beginner’s confidence, but it may disappoint an experienced surfer hoping for powerful rides.

Key points before you book

• Two hours at My Khe Beach: Enough time to learn the basics and make several attempts in the water.
• Small-group coaching: Groups can have up to six people, with a stated maximum ratio of one instructor to four students.
• Equipment is included: Boards, wax, rash vests in warmer conditions, and wetsuits in cooler conditions are provided.
• A true first lesson: You work on paddling, balancing, standing, and water safety before heading into the waves.
• Photos and video included: The team uses a GoPro and sends the footage later by email.
• Flexible weather policy: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, while cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Why My Khe Beach works for a first surf lesson

My Khe is a long sandy beach near Da Nang’s An Thuong area, and the meeting point at 35 An Thuong 5 is only a short walk from the shore. The fine sand matters when you are learning. Falling is part of surfing, and a sandy bottom feels less intimidating than a rocky coast.

The beach is also known for approachable conditions. You should not expect a guaranteed wall of surf, though. Conditions change, and one account described the waves as small and limited on the day. For a beginner, smaller waves can be a gift. You have more time to think about your feet and balance instead of being pushed around by heavy water.

The lesson is aimed at people who have never surfed, or who tried once and want better guidance. You do not need to arrive with a board, wetsuit, or technical knowledge. Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation, though transport to the meeting point is not listed as part of the experience.

My Khe has been described by Forbes as one of the world’s top 10 beaches. That is a nice setting, but the beach’s real value here is practical: room to practice, soft sand, and conditions suitable for learning the basic movement of surfing.

What happens during the two-hour lesson

Your session starts with instruction on land. This is not filler. The instructor explains how to lie on the board, paddle, keep your balance, and move your feet into the standing position. You also cover basic water safety before entering the sea.

The pop-up is the key skill. It is the quick movement from lying on the board to standing with your feet placed correctly. It sounds simple, but first-timers often struggle to move quickly while keeping the board steady. A clear demonstration and several dry runs make the first water attempt less confusing.

The instructor then shows you how to catch a wave. After that, most of the session takes place in the water. You will practice paddling into waves, getting your weight over the board, and trying to rise at the right moment. Expect plenty of attempts rather than one long, polished ride.

That is the right format for a first lesson. You learn by repeating the same movement, making small adjustments, and trying again. Some beginners manage to stand and ride a wave during the first session. Others may only hold the position for a few seconds. Both are normal outcomes for two hours.

The instruction is described as patient, encouraging, and safety-focused. That matters more than flashy surfing ability. A good instructor watches what you are doing, gives one or two clear corrections, and helps you try again without making the process feel like a test.

The value of a one-to-four instructor ratio

The stated maximum instructor-to-student ratio is one to four, and the total group can be no larger than six. That gives this lesson a more personal feel than a crowded beach class.

Surfing has a steep learning curve. Small errors in foot placement, timing, or body position can make the board wobble or send you into the water. With fewer students, you have a better chance of receiving feedback during the time you are actually attempting waves.

The group size also affects safety. The instructor can keep track of each person more easily and offer reminders about spacing, paddling, and wave direction. You still need to listen and follow instructions, but you are not simply left to copy a crowd.

Do not read the ratio as a promise of one-to-one tuition. Four students may still be sharing attention, and the exact arrangement can vary. It does mean the class is deliberately kept small, which is one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience over a cheaper, larger group.

Boards, wetsuits, and what you need to bring

The lesson includes surfboards, wax, rash vests, and wetsuits. Rash vests are used in summer, while wetsuits are available in winter, allowing lessons to run throughout the year.

Having the equipment supplied makes the $44 price easier to assess. You are paying for instruction and the practical gear needed to get into the water, not just for a short board hire. You also avoid guessing which board is suitable for a beginner.

The school offers half-day rental rates for beginner boards after the lesson. That can be useful if you find yourself wanting more practice. A lesson teaches the basic movements, but improvement usually comes from repeating them while the advice is still fresh.

Bring water-resistant sunscreen. Two hours on the water can expose you to much more sun than you expect, even when the air feels comfortable. The feedback from a previous session made this point clearly: ordinary assumptions about a short beach activity are not enough. You should also bring whatever personal beach items you normally need, since only the listed surfing equipment is included.

How difficult is it to stand up?

Surfing is harder than it looks, even in gentle waves. The first challenge is timing. You need to paddle strongly enough to match the wave, then push up quickly while keeping your weight centered.

The next challenge is balance. A few seconds upright can feel like a major win, and it is. Some people finish the lesson able to ride waves independently, while others spend more time practicing the pop-up or falling just after standing.

Your result will depend on the day’s waves, your fitness, and how quickly the movement feels natural. The instructor can improve your technique, but no lesson can guarantee that you will stand up repeatedly. This activity is best approached as a chance to learn the foundations, not as a promise of expert surfing by lunchtime.

The good news is that My Khe’s smaller waves can make the process less punishing. You may get more manageable chances to practice rather than facing a constant series of powerful waves. The tradeoff is that a calm day may not deliver the dramatic surfing footage you imagined.

The instructors and teaching style

Da Nang Outdoor Adventures has operated as a surf school since 2017, and its instructors are described as having more than 20 years of combined experience in the sport. Names that appear in recent feedback include Owen and Tien.

Owen is praised for being friendly and helping a first-time surfer catch waves. Tien is described as passionate and effective, with one person choosing to take a second lesson with him. You cannot select a particular instructor from the information provided, so treat those names as examples rather than a guarantee.

The teaching style seems to be a major strength. The instructors are described as funny, enthusiastic, patient, and encouraging, while still covering safety. That mix is useful for beginners. You need clear corrections, but you also need someone who can keep you relaxed after your fifth fall.

Language support is not specified, so do not assume instruction in a particular language. The information does confirm that a qualified instructor is with you throughout the lesson.

Photos and video from the water

The team uses a GoPro to take photos and videos during the session, then sends them to you by email later. This is a nice extra, especially if you are too busy concentrating to take your own pictures.

The footage can also help you see what you are doing wrong. A still image of your stance may show that your feet are too close together or that your knees are locked. The provider does not give a firm delivery time, so do not plan around receiving the files immediately after the lesson. One account was still waiting for the footage when the feedback was posted.

The photos are a bonus, not the main reason to book. The real value is the coaching and the chance to practice safely. Still, video of a first successful ride is a worthwhile souvenir from Da Nang.

Is $44 a fair price?

At $44 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours at the beach. It is a fair price if you want a structured introduction rather than simply renting a board and guessing what to do.

The fee includes the board, wax, rash vest or wetsuit, instruction, safety briefing, and small-group coaching. GoPro photos and video are also included. You do not have to pay separately for the main equipment needed to take part.

The price is strongest for a complete beginner. A first-time surfer benefits from having the right board, a qualified instructor, and someone watching the technique. If you already surf confidently, you may get better value from a board rental instead, especially since beginner-board rental is available for half a day.

The experience is commonly booked about 12 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve it before your Da Nang stay if the timing matters, especially if you want a particular morning or afternoon. The mobile ticket also makes the booking easy to carry on your phone.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The activity lasts about two hours and begins and ends at 35 An Thuong 5 in Da Nang. It does not include a listed hotel pickup, so you should make your own way to the meeting point.

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time.

Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Keep that rule in mind before booking around uncertain plans. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is near public transportation.

Who will enjoy this lesson most?

This is a good fit for you if:

• You have never surfed and want an instructor beside you.
• You are nervous about choosing equipment or entering the waves alone.
• You prefer a small class to a large beach group.
• You want a physical activity during a Da Nang visit.
• You would like photos or video of your first attempts.
• You are happy to judge success by learning, not by perfect rides.

It is less suitable if you are an experienced surfer seeking larger waves or advanced technique. The lesson focuses on fundamentals, and conditions may be small. It may also frustrate you if you expect to stand up immediately every time.

Families and mixed-ability groups should check their own comfort with ocean activity before booking. The information says most people can participate, but it does not provide a detailed accessibility description or age policy.

Should you book the Da Nang surf lesson?

I would book this if you want a friendly, well-supported first taste of surfing in Da Nang. The strongest points are the short walk to My Khe Beach, included equipment, experienced instruction, and small classes. The price makes sense when you count the gear and coaching together.

Go in with a sensible goal: learn the pop-up, catch a small wave, and enjoy the process. You may stand on your first lesson, or you may only manage a brief moment before falling. If you can accept that uncertainty, this is a practical and fun way to get on the water.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson take place?

The lesson takes place at My Khe Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at 35 An Thuong 5, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam.

How long does the lesson last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours.

What does the lesson cover?

You learn how to paddle, pop up, balance on the board, catch waves, and follow basic water safety.

Is equipment included?

Yes. Surfboards, wax, rash vests, and wetsuits are included in the lesson.

What do I wear?

Rash vests are provided in summer, and wetsuits are provided in winter.

How large is the group?

The activity has a maximum of six participants, with a stated maximum ratio of one instructor to four students.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. The instructors use a GoPro to take photos and videos and send them to you later by email.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.