How we rank: Google rating, weighted so a 5.0 from six reviews doesn't outrank a 4.9 from a thousand. Schools can't pay to move up this list; a paid placement is labelled as one. Listings that share a phone number or website are marked as the same team.
// Packing list
Most schools provide the board and wetsuit, so you can arrive with very little. These are the small things worth packing.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
Rash guard (UV surf shirt)
Stops the wetsuit and board rubbing your chest raw, and covers your shoulders if the water is warm enough to skip the wetsuit.
See options on Amazon →Mineral (zinc) sunscreen
You will spend a couple of hours on open water. Zinc stays on your face better than spray and is easier on the reef.
See options on Amazon →Changing poncho or hooded towel
Gets you out of a wet wetsuit in a beach parking lot without the towel dance.
See options on Amazon →Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
Keeps your phone, keys and car fob dry and sand-free while you are in the water.
See options on Amazon →Reef booties or water shoes
Only where the entry is rocky or reefy. Sandy beaches rarely need them, so ask the school first.
See options on Amazon →Surf hat with a chin strap
Shades your face during the beach briefing and in the water; the strap keeps it on when you fall off.
See options on Amazon →Full checklist, including what to leave at home: What to bring to surf lessons
Seasonal averages for South Carolina — not a live surf report for this beach. South Carolina surf seasons in full
// 4 Surf schools listed
Local instructors, real reviews, and how to reach each school direct.
Highest rated
Kokopelli Surf Camp, Paddleboard & Kayak Tours & Rentals5.0 from 814 reviews
Lowest published group price
Makai Surfingfrom $30 per person
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
// Free Surf Guide
The Beginner's Surf Guide
Wave basics, gear checklist, lesson tips — all free, delivered instantly.
4 schools on the map
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// The price check
Based on prices published by 4 of 4 schools · checked October 2026
The other 0 don't list prices on their websites, so they are not in these figures. Rates change with season, group size and what's included. Confirm with the school before you book.
What the schools say about their lessons
From each school's own website. Schools that don't say aren't counted as a no; confirm when you book.
// Side by side
| School | Rating | Group | Private | Kids | Lesson | Phone | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kokopelli Surf Camp, Paddleboard & Kayak Tours & Rentals | 5.0 (814) | Price not published, ask the school | $65/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · 1:3 Student teacher ratio · ages 5+Board + wetsuit included | +1 843-340-9565 | Book Kokopelli Surf Camp, Paddleboard & Kayak Tours & Rentals on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Native surf Lessons | 5.0 (24) | $60–$110/person | $65–$115/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | Board + wetsuit included | +1 843-312-7420 | Book Native surf Lessons on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Makai Surfing | 5.0 (6) | $30–$40/person | $50–$60/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | one person to as many as groups of tenBoard + wetsuit included | +1 843-213-8046 | Book Makai Surfing on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Native surf school NMB | 5.0 (1) | $75/person | $100/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | Board + wetsuit included | +1 843-312-7420 | Book Native surf school NMB on their website (opens in a new tab) |
Ask = not published on the school's website, so call or message to get a quote. Prices are the lowest each school lists. Lesson details are what each school states on its own website; a dash means not stated.
// Know before you book
Group lessons are the usual starting point: they cost less per person, and you share an instructor with typically 4 to 8 other students. Private lessons give you one-on-one attention and a faster start, which suits nervous beginners, anyone short on time, or surfers working on a specific skill, at a higher price per person. Semi-private sits in between, for two to three people who want to learn together. Class size and what is included vary by school, so confirm when you book.
You share an instructor with other students, typically 4 to 8 per instructor, for around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Best for: First-timers on a budget and anyone who likes learning alongside others.
Published by Native surf Lessons: “Cater to groups of 3 or more. 1 Hour $60, 1.5 Hours $80, 2 Hours $110.”
A small group of two to three people with one instructor, often friends or family booking together.
Best for: Couples, friends and families who want more attention than a group without the private price.
One instructor, one student (or one family). The pace and focus are yours to set.
Best for: Nervous beginners, short trips, and surfers working on a specific skill.
Published by Kokopelli Surf Camp, Paddleboard & Kayak Tours & Rentals: “1.5 Hour private lesson. Surfboard and equipment provided. Location and Time flexible. Ages 5 and up welcomed!”
Lessons run for younger surfers, usually in smaller groups with a lower instructor-to-student ratio. Minimum ages vary by school.
Best for: Children and teens. Ask the school about age limits and whether parents can stay on the beach.
Multi-day programs, from a few days to a week or more, mixing lessons, practice sessions and surf theory.
Best for: Visitors staying a while and anyone who wants to progress past the first stand-up.
Published by Kokopelli Surf Camp, Paddleboard & Kayak Tours & Rentals: “3-day Kids Surf Camp 10am - 12pm Wed, Thu, Fri (June-August). 1:3 Student teacher ratio. All Equipment Provided. Water and fruit provided. Photography included.”
Board and wetsuit are usually included in a lesson price. Confirm when booking, because policies differ between schools. In North Myrtle Beach, 4 of 4 schools say board and wetsuit are included on their own websites.
// The Local Report
North Myrtle Beach isn't just another East Coast beach town—it's where Southern hospitality meets perfect learning waves. Unlike the intense breaks of other surf destinations, North Myrtle's welcoming waters have helped generations of beginners find their sea legs. The warm community vibe means you're not just learning to surf; you're becoming part of a supportive coastal family where every wobble and wipeout is met with encouragement.
We don't label specific breaks in North Myrtle Beach as beginner spots. Whether a spot suits a first lesson depends on the day's waves, tide and wind, and what's under the water varies from spot to spot. Let your school choose, and ask them what the bottom is like before you paddle out.
Late spring through early fall (May-September) brings warm 75-80°F water temperatures—no wetsuit needed. Morning sessions provide the smoothest conditions before the afternoon sea breeze.
You'll find a laid-back atmosphere with patient instructors who understand East Coast surfing. The beaches are less crowded than southern Florida or California spots, giving you plenty of space to learn. Most schools provide soft-top boards and rash guards. Expect small, manageable waves most mornings. The National Weather Service's advice applies here: only swim at a beach with lifeguards, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard before going in, and remember that rip currents often form on calm, sunny days. If one catches you, don't fight it: relax and float, wave and yell for help, or swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the pull.
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Kokopelli's knowledgeable and encouraging instructors, particularly John, for providing fun, effective, and professional surf lessons that enable even beginners to quickly learn and enjoy surfing.
Private lessons from
$65/lesson
Same team also listed as Native surf school NMB
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers highly recommend Christopher at Native Surf Lessons for his patient, kind, and effective instruction, which makes surfing enjoyable for all ages and experience levels.
Group lessons from
$60/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Group lessons from
$30/person
Same team as Native surf Lessons
Surf camp · Gear included · Beginner friendly
Group lessons from
$75/person
