Private Surf Class with Certified Instructor in Cartagena

A first surf lesson can be a fine way to meet the Caribbean, and this one puts you in the water with Hugo Gonzalez Chalela, a certified surf and life coach who teaches each student at their own pace. The lesson covers safety, board control, standing technique, and the basics of reading waves, with time to practice rather than simply watch a demonstration.

I like two things right away: the private format, which keeps the coaching focused on you, and Hugo’s patient, upbeat teaching style. He gives feedback after individual waves, adjusts the lesson to your confidence level, and uses stable longboards to help beginners find their balance.

The main consideration is the short 90-minute time limit. You may catch several waves and stand up quickly, but a single lesson cannot turn you into a polished surfer. If you are tired or nervous in the water, you may spend part of the session resting and listening to advice rather than riding continuously.

Key points to know before you book

• Private instruction with Hugo Gonzalez Chalela: Your group receives personal coaching instead of sharing an instructor with a large class.
• A strong choice for first-timers: Beginners have been standing on their first or second attempts, though results depend on comfort, fitness, and sea conditions.
• Meeting point at Punta las Velas: Start at Restaurante Punta las Velas Club de Playa in El Laguito at 8:00 am.
• A safety-first lesson: Hugo teaches ocean awareness, board handling, and technique before pushing you into harder skills.
• Longboards help you learn: The larger board offers more stability, while a shorter board may come later after you can control the longboard.
• $60 for 90 minutes: The cost is fair for a private lesson, especially if you value one-on-one guidance and a flexible teaching pace.

Why this Cartagena surf lesson feels different

Many surf classes follow a simple formula: a short talk on the sand, a few minutes of practice, then a crowded session in the water. This Cartagena experience is built around personal coaching. Hugo’s approach brings together technical instruction, safety, encouragement, and a clear respect for the ocean.

That matters most if you are a complete beginner. Surfing can look easy from the beach, but the first few minutes on a board can feel awkward. You need to paddle, judge the timing of a wave, push up in one quick movement, set your feet correctly, and keep your balance while the board moves beneath you. Personal instruction helps you correct one mistake at a time.

Hugo also describes surfing as a form of personal expression and has spent years studying different techniques, including therapeutic surfing. You do not need to arrive with a particular athletic background. The stated goal is to give you a safe foundation and help you begin riding waves right away.

The lesson works for adults and children. That does not mean every child or adult will have the same experience. Water confidence, strength, balance, and the day’s conditions all matter. Still, a private setup gives Hugo more room to adapt the pace than a standard group class would.

Meeting at El Laguito at 8:00 am

You meet at Restaurante Punta las Velas Club de Playa, at CRA 1 Diago 1 A 80 in El Laguito, Cartagena de Indias. The activity begins at 8:00 am and finishes back at the same meeting point.

An early start makes practical sense for a surf lesson. You have the rest of the day free, and the morning schedule may help you avoid the heat that builds later. The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it easier to reach without arranging a private transfer.

Give yourself enough time to find the restaurant and get settled. The address includes local street details that can be easier to locate with a map or a direct message to the operator. Confirmation is provided when you book, so keep those details available on the morning of the lesson.

The return to the original meeting point is useful. You do not need to work out a separate end location after getting wet and tired. It also gives you a clear base for the start and finish of the activity.

What happens before you catch a wave

A good beginner lesson starts well before you stand on the board. Expect Hugo to explain the basic rules of handling the surfboard, how to position yourself, and what to do in the water. Safety is part of the teaching, not an afterthought.

You will also work on the body movements needed to stand. The aim is not simply to push you onto a wave and hope for the best. You need a foundation that lets you repeat the movement and understand why the board reacts as it does.

Hugo’s instruction is particularly suited to people who feel nervous about surfing. One student who had been afraid to return to the sport was able to stand again with his help. That points to an important strength of this lesson: the instructor pays attention to confidence as well as form.

You can expect correction after each attempt. That is a small but valuable detail. Instead of repeating the same mistake for 20 minutes, you receive a practical suggestion and try again while the lesson is fresh in your mind.

The longboard approach for beginners

Most first-time surfers benefit from stability. A longboard gives you more surface area and makes it easier to balance while learning the basics. Hugo uses that advantage rather than rushing beginners onto a smaller board.

One student was disappointed at not getting to use the 8-foot midsize board. The explanation was sensible: moving to a shorter board requires more control and confidence on the longboard first. That may feel conservative if you are eager to progress, but it is also a safer teaching choice.

This is worth knowing before you arrive. If you already surf regularly, a beginner-focused lesson may feel slow. The class is designed to build reliable fundamentals, not to place every participant on the smallest or most exciting board available.

For a new surfer, the larger board can make the difference between catching a wave and spending the whole session falling off. You may not look as stylish as a skilled surfer on a short board, but you will have a better chance of learning the correct movements.

Time in the water and the first successful rides

The high point of the session is, naturally, catching a wave. Some beginners have stood up on the first or second attempt, which can make the lesson feel rewarding from the start. Even if you do not stand immediately, you will be working toward a repeatable process rather than chasing a lucky ride.

Expect the pace to include breaks. Surfing demands more effort than it appears to from shore, especially when you are paddling and repeatedly getting back onto the board. Hugo has given students pauses to catch their breath and focus on the next technique.

That pacing is useful, though it affects how much time you spend standing. A 90-minute lesson includes instruction, positioning, attempts, corrections, and rest. If you arrive expecting uninterrupted action, you may find the session shorter than it feels in your imagination.

The conditions also matter. This activity requires good weather, and the number and quality of waves can vary. A calm day may be easier for a beginner to manage, while a stronger swell may offer more exciting rides but demand better control. The instructor’s job is to match the session to the conditions and your ability.

Hugo’s teaching style and personal attention

The most consistent strength here is Hugo’s attitude. He is described as patient, encouraging, clear, and enthusiastic about surfing. Those qualities matter more than flashy demonstrations when you are trying to stand on a board for the first time.

A private class means Hugo can watch your individual habits. He can tell you where to place your feet, how to shift your weight, or when to commit to a wave. In a big class, an instructor may not see every attempt. Here, the lesson is built around direct observation.

His long connection with surfing also gives the class a wider focus. He treats the sport as more than a quick holiday stunt and may share resources about surf culture, documentaries, or reading after the lesson. Those extras have been part of some sessions, but they should not be treated as guaranteed inclusions.

The personal nature of the experience also helps solo visitors. You do not need to arrive with a group, and the lesson can be tailored to one person’s pace. Couples and friends can book together as a private group, but remember that the coaching time is shared among your party if more than one person participates.

What the $60 price gets you

At $60 per person, the lesson costs about $40 per hour when calculated across the 90-minute session. That is not the cheapest way to try surfing, but private instruction gives the price real value if you want focused feedback rather than a basic group introduction.

You are paying for more than board time. The fee covers a guided lesson with a certified instructor, safety instruction, technique work, and the chance to practice under direct supervision. For a first experience, those details can save you from spending the whole session confused about what to do next.

The value is strongest for beginners, nervous surfers, and people who learn best through immediate correction. It is less compelling for an experienced surfer who only wants equipment and independent time in the water.

Some sessions have also included photos taken during the class, along with suggestions for continuing to learn. Since those extras are not clearly promised as part of every booking, consider them a possible bonus rather than part of the price calculation.

The social mission adds another layer. Ohana Surf Experience uses money from lessons to help teach local children how to surf. If supporting a community-based surf program matters to you, that can make the cost feel more worthwhile.

Who should book this experience

This is a good match for you if you are:

• Trying surfing for the first time
• Traveling alone and want one-on-one guidance
• Nervous about getting back on a surfboard
• Visiting Cartagena with a child or family member who wants to try surfing
• Looking for a private activity rather than a large group class
• Interested in learning basic technique and surf culture, not just taking a quick photo on a board

You may want a different arrangement if you are already an advanced surfer, need several hours in the water, or want to choose your own board and surf independently. The lesson favors steady progress, safety, and confidence.

Fitness also plays a role. Most people can participate, but surfing is physical. You may need to paddle, climb back onto the board, stand quickly, and rest between attempts. The instructor can help manage the pace, yet you should not expect the session to feel effortless.

Practical details that can affect your morning

The class lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. It starts at 8:00 am and ends at the Punta las Velas meeting point. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

Confirmation arrives at booking. The location is near public transportation, which is helpful in Cartagena, but you should still allow time to reach El Laguito and locate Restaurante Punta las Velas Club de Playa.

The experience depends on the weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

The available information does not specify every piece of equipment or changing arrangement, so ask about those details when booking if they matter to you. You should also confirm any needs related to children, personal comfort, or the number of people in your group.

How to make the most of your 90 minutes

Arrive ready to listen. The first instructions may feel less exciting than getting straight onto a board, but they help you understand how to stay safe and how to respond when the board begins moving.

Keep your first goal modest. Standing on one wave is a fine result for a first class. Once you have the basic motion, Hugo can help you improve your position, timing, and balance.

Use the pauses well. Surfing is tiring, and a short rest can help you focus better on the next attempt. Rather than judging the class by how many minutes you spend standing, pay attention to whether you understand more after each correction.

If you have surfed before, tell Hugo exactly what you want to improve. If you are new and anxious, say so at the start. The private format has the most value when the instructor knows your experience and your concerns.

Should you book the Ohana Surf Experience?

I would book this lesson if I wanted a friendly, private introduction to surfing in Cartagena. Hugo’s patient coaching, clear feedback, safety focus, and willingness to work with nervous beginners are the strongest reasons to choose it.

The $60 price makes sense when you value personal attention and a structured lesson. Just keep your expectations realistic: 90 minutes is enough to learn the basics and possibly catch several waves, but not enough to master surfing.

Book it if you want an active morning, are willing to get tired, and like the idea of supporting lessons for local children. Skip it if you only want a quick beach activity with no physical effort, or if you already need advanced surf coaching. For a first wave in Cartagena, this is a thoughtful and well-focused choice.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson begin?

The lesson begins at Restaurante Punta las Velas Club de Playa, CRA 1 Diago 1 A 80, El Laguito, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 am.

Where does the activity finish?

The lesson ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the surf class last?

The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

How much does the lesson cost?

The listed price is $60 per person.

Is the class suitable for beginners?

Yes. The lesson is designed to give beginners a foundation in surfing, safety, and wave technique. Most travelers can participate.

Who teaches the lesson?

The instructor is Hugo Gonzalez Chalela, a certified surf and life coach.

Is the experience near public transportation?

Yes. The meeting point is near public transportation.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

How late can I cancel for a full refund?

You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded.