Surf Lessons

My Khe Beach gives first-time surfers a forgiving place to begin. The sand is fine, the waves are usually manageable, and the lesson moves quickly from dry-land practice to real time in the water. You’ll work with instructors who have more than 20 years of experience, including Owen and Tien, both praised for patient, upbeat teaching.

I like the small class size, with a maximum of six people and a stated ratio of one instructor for every four students. I also like that boards, wax, seasonal clothing, and GoPro photos or video are included in the two-hour session. The main caution is that wave conditions can be modest, and one report found some equipment old, so this is best viewed as a beginner lesson rather than a polished surf resort experience.

Key points for your Da Nang surf lesson

• Two hours at My Khe Beach: Start with land instruction, then practice paddling, popping up, and riding waves.
• Small groups: The activity accepts no more than six people, with a one-to-four instructor-to-student ratio.
• Equipment included: Use a beginner surfboard, wax, rash vest in warm weather, or wetsuit in cooler weather.
• Experienced instruction: Da Nang Outdoor Adventures has operated since 2017, and its instructors have more than 20 years of experience.
• Photos and video: GoPro footage is taken during the lesson and sent later by email.
• Simple cancellation terms: Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

Starting near My Khe Beach in Da Nang

You meet at 35 An Thượng 5 in Ngũ Hành Sơn, a short walk from My Khe Beach. The activity ends back at this meeting point, so you are not dealing with a complicated pickup route or a long transfer before getting wet.

My Khe is a sensible setting for an introductory surf lesson. It is a broad beach with fine sand, and the lesson description points to conditions suitable for learning throughout the year. The beach is also close to public transportation, which helps if you are staying around Da Nang’s coastal hotel area.

You should arrive ready for a beach activity rather than a formal schoolroom session. The first part takes place on land, where the instructor explains how to paddle, balance, and move from lying on the board to standing. Water safety is also covered before you enter the waves.

That short briefing matters. Surfing is not simply a matter of jumping on a board and hoping for the best. Learning the pop-up on land gives you a better chance of reacting quickly once the board starts moving, while the safety talk helps you understand how to handle yourself in the water.

What the two-hour lesson actually covers

The lesson has a clear beginner-friendly rhythm. First comes the dry-land demonstration, then an instructor shows you how to catch a wave, and the rest of the session is spent practicing in the water.

You will learn the basic paddling motion and how to position yourself on the board. You will also work on balance and the pop-up, the quick movement that takes you from lying on your stomach to standing with your feet planted.

The instructor demonstrates the technique before asking you to try it. That is useful for first-timers, since surfing movements can feel awkward when explained only with words. You can watch the timing, then try to copy it with help nearby.

Once you reach the water, expect repetition. You will paddle, miss some waves, adjust your position, and try again. The goal is not to master surfing in one morning. It is to understand the basic sequence and, with luck, stand up for a few seconds on a small wave.

That first short ride can be the highlight of the lesson. Some beginners have managed to stand and ride independently during their first session, while another beginner described simply feeling happy to stand for a few seconds. Both outcomes are realistic. Surfing has a steep learning curve, and even a brief ride shows that the technique is beginning to click.

Why the small group matters

The group limit is six people, with a one-to-four instructor-to-student ratio. That is one of the most useful details here because beginner surfing requires repeated corrections. You may need help with where to place your hands, when to paddle, or how to keep your weight from falling too far forward.

A large class can turn a lesson into a queue. You wait, take one attempt, then wait again while several other people try. A smaller group gives you a better chance of receiving direct advice and getting more practice during the two-hour period.

The number also affects confidence. Beginners often hesitate before their first attempt, especially when standing on a moving board in front of other people. A smaller class and a patient instructor can make it easier to keep trying after an ungraceful fall.

The maximum of six is not a guarantee that every moment will be private. It does mean the activity has a clear cap, and the stated instructor ratio provides a useful expectation when you compare it with larger beach lessons.

Boards, wetsuits, and the practical gear

The price includes the equipment needed for the lesson: surfboard, wax, rash vest, and wetsuit when conditions call for one. Rash vests are used in the summer, while wetsuits are available in winter, allowing the school to operate year-round.

You do not need to arrange a separate board rental for the lesson. That keeps the first experience simple, especially if you are not sure yet if surfing is for you. The school also offers half-day rentals on beginner boards if you want more practice after the lesson, though that rental is an additional option rather than part of the $44 session.

Equipment quality is worth keeping in perspective. One account described the gear as old, while still praising the instructor and the care provided during the lesson. If you are an experienced surfer looking for a premium board, this may not be the right product. For a first lesson, the more important factors are a suitable beginner board, safe instruction, and enough time in the water.

Bring water-resistant sunscreen. Two hours on the beach and in the water can expose you to more sun than expected, especially when reflected light makes the heat feel less obvious. That advice comes directly from the practical realities of the activity, not from a desire to pack your beach bag with extras.

The instructors and teaching style

The instructors are described as qualified and experienced, with more than 20 years of experience in total. Owen is praised for making a first lesson fun, while Tien is described as passionate and effective with beginners. You may not be assigned either instructor, but their names give you a sense of the teaching approach associated with the school.

The strongest pattern is encouragement paired with safety. The instruction covers the basics before you enter the water, and the teacher remains involved as you practice. That is exactly what you need when learning a sport that combines timing, balance, and a moving surface.

You should expect an active lesson rather than a technical lecture. The aim is to get you comfortable on the board and teach you enough to begin catching waves. If you want detailed coaching on turns, speed, or board selection, you will need more than this first two-hour session.

The instructors also use humor and enthusiasm to keep the mood light. That can matter more than it sounds. Beginners fall often, and a relaxed teacher helps you treat each attempt as part of the process instead of as a failure.

My Khe’s waves and the beginner experience

The beach is presented as suitable for learning, with waves that are generally not too large. One account also noted that the waves were small and limited on the day, while still finding the instruction excellent.

That is both an advantage and a limitation. Smaller waves reduce the intimidation factor and give you a safer place to practice standing. At the same time, you may not get dramatic rides or the kind of powerful surf shown in professional videos.

Conditions depend on weather and the day’s surf. This experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. If you are booking around a tight itinerary, keep that weather clause in mind.

The beach itself is described as having fine sand, with no jellyfish or other dangerous sea life reported in one account. Do not treat that as a permanent guarantee of water conditions, but it does suggest why My Khe feels approachable for a first attempt.

Photos and video after the lesson

The instructors take photos and video with a GoPro during the session and send the files later by email. This is a nice extra for a first surf lesson. You can concentrate on the water instead of asking someone on the beach to document every attempt.

The footage may also help you see what you are doing wrong. A quick look at your stance can show if your feet are too close together, your knees are locked, or your weight is leaning in the wrong direction.

There is one practical point to keep in mind: the files are not necessarily delivered immediately. Allow time for the material to be sent after the lesson, and check that the company has the right email address. If you are booking this mainly for photographs, treat them as a useful extra rather than the main reason to go.

Is $44 good value for two hours?

At $44 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time at the beach. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a qualified instructor, a beginner surfboard, wax, seasonal clothing, water-safety instruction, small-group teaching, and GoPro photos or video.

The personal attention is the key value. A cheap board rental can put you in the water, but it will not show you how to paddle, position yourself, or pop up. For someone trying surfing for the first time, the lesson can prevent a frustrating period of guessing.

The price also suits people who want a single trial rather than a full surf course. You can find out if you enjoy the sport before paying for more equipment or additional sessions. If you have already surfed several times, you may get better value from a half-day board rental or a more advanced lesson, depending on what you need.

The school’s 4.8 rating from 42 reviews and 93 percent recommendation rate support the idea that the lesson delivers a solid beginner experience. I would still keep expectations realistic: value here means clear instruction and a chance to catch small waves, not luxury facilities or guaranteed perfect surf.

Who should book this lesson?

This suits first-time surfers, couples, small groups of friends, and families whose members can participate in the activity. Most people can take part, and the class has a maximum of six, but the available information does not give a specific minimum age or detailed medical restrictions.

It is also a good choice if you want an active break from Da Nang’s usual sightseeing. The meeting point is near My Khe Beach, the session lasts about two hours, and you return to the same meeting point. That makes it easier to fit into a day without committing to a full-day outing.

You should be comfortable with the possibility of falling into the water and repeating the same movement many times. Surfing is physical, and success is not guaranteed. The best attitude is to aim for a few useful skills and celebrate any brief ride.

Book a second lesson if the first session leaves you wanting more. One person took two lessons after enjoying the first, and a second outing can help turn a lucky stand into a more repeatable skill.

Booking and cancellation details

The experience costs $44 per person and uses a mobile ticket. It is often booked about 12 days ahead, so reserve early if you have fixed dates in Da Nang.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If bad weather forces the company to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book Da Nang’s surf lesson?

Book it if you want a friendly, well-organized first taste of surfing near the center of Da Nang. The small group, experienced instructors, included gear, and gentle beginner focus give you a fair chance to stand up and catch a wave without arranging everything yourself.

Skip it if you are seeking powerful surf, high-end equipment, or advanced coaching. My Khe may offer small waves on your day, and the equipment may show wear. For most beginners, though, the point is not to look like a professional. It is to learn the basics, get wet, and find out if surfing belongs in your Vietnam trip.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson start?

The meeting point is 35 An Thượng 5, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the lesson last?

The surf lesson lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the surfing take place?

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

What does the lesson teach?

You learn how to paddle, balance on the board, pop up to your feet, and stay safe in the water. An instructor also demonstrates how to catch a wave.

Is equipment included?

Yes. The lesson includes surfboards, wax, rash vests for summer conditions, and wetsuits for winter conditions.

How large is the group?

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

Are photos or videos provided?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and poor weather may result in a different date or a full refund.