Choose Surfing lesson

Private lessons are the best way to fast track your surfing skills. You can't beat one-on-one instruction with your own REAL Surf Coach. Whether you book one session or a full week, we will create a custom curriculum based around your skill level and learning style. At REAL we strive to provide the highest level of customer service and knowledge available. Our coaches will set you up with the right gear and get you to the best waves in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to provide you with a truly unique surfing experience.

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Skill Levels
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
Lesson Includes
  • REAL Pro Coach
  • Surfboard rental
  • Transportation from REAL
  • 2 hours per lesson

If you want to share time on the water with a friend or family member, Semi-Private Surfing Lessons are the way to go. Semi-Private Lessons are customized around your skill levels and learning styles. Part of the Cape Hatteras surf experience is seeing our unique stretch of coastline, discovering new breaks and learning how they work in different swells. Our REAL Surf Coaches will have you dialed in and on the best spot of the day for your ability. Semi-Private Lessons are booked in groups of two or more students. At REAL we keep our student coach ratio at 3:1 to maximize progression and safety.

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Skill Levels
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
Lesson Includes
  • REAL Pro Coach
  • Surfboard rental
  • Transportation from REAL
  • 2 hours per lesson

REAL Surf Camp uses our world renowned Zero to Hero program which is ranked among Outside Magazine’s “Top 10 Adventure Camps in the World”. Our Zero to Hero Surf Camp takes kids from rank beginner to able wave rider. This three-day program runs three hours per day (9:30am - 12:30pm) with 3 surfers per coach. Our exclusive permit with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore gives us access to miles of coastline to dial in perfect conditions. The Zero to Hero Surf Camp takes you from rank beginner to able wave rider. Zero to Hero gives you the time on the water and confidence handling the equipment to allow you to purchase your own gear and practice at home. This is the ideal surf camp experience for kids ages 8-17! Zero to Hero Camps run select Tuesday-Thursday June to September.

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Skill Level
  • Beginner (ages 8-17)
Camp Includes
  • REAL Pro Coaches
  • Surfboard rental
  • 3 days | 3 hours per day
  • 3 surfers per coach
  • Snacks
  • Photos & videos
REAL Surf Camp Dates
  • June 11, 12 and 13, 2024
  • June 18, 19 and 20, 2024
  • June 25, 26 and 27, 2024
  • July 2, 3 and 4, 2024
  • July 9, 10 and 11, 2024
  • July 16, 17 and 18, 2024
  • July 23, 24 and 25, 2024
  • July 30, 31 and August 1, 2024
  • August 6, 7 and 8, 2024
  • August 13, 14 and 15, 2024
  • August 20, 21 and 22, 2024
  • August 27, 28 and 29, 2024
  • September 3, 4 and 5, 2024

REAL Custom Surf Guides can be tailored to any ability level, from rank beginners to experienced surfers looking to strike mission a Cape Hatteras swell. REAL Custom Surf Guides include a knowledgeable Surf Coach/Guide, 4x4 transportation and the ability to access the best breaks for the day’s conditions. Our Custom Guide program is just that, CUSTOM. We design the perfect plan for your Cape Hatteras surf experience.

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Skill Levels
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
Guide Includes
  • REAL Pro Coach/Guide
  • Huge selection of equipment
  • 4x4 transportation from REAL
  • 1 day | 5 hours per day
  • 1-4 surfers per coach.

REAL Offsite Coaching pairs our coaches with your dream destination. This is the best way to improve your surfing skills while traveling the world. If you’ve always wanted to experience exotic surf travel, but want to make sure it goes seamlessly, the REAL Offsite Coaching program is for you. Whether you are just starting to plan your trip, or already have it booked, a REAL Surf Coach can meet you with all the gear and all the local knowledge, ready to go.

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Skill Levels
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
Adventure Includes
  • REAL Pro Coach
  • Huge selection of equipment
  • Full day of instruction

Get in Touch

Ready to book your lesson or camp? Need more information? Send us a message at REALPRO@REALWatersports.com or call 252-987-6000.

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Plan Your Visit

Kids Lessons

Our comprehensive instructional programs began development in 1998 and have continued to evolve with the advancements in gear and instructional techniques. REAL is unmatched by any other training program in the world.

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Where to Stay

Watermen's Retreat is a waterfront resort located directly beside REAL in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Watermen’s Retreat offers the full spectrum of accommodations from modern waterfront penthouses to budget friendly, convenient cabanas.

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Surf FAQ

"We Make New Riders Every Day". This has been our mission statement since 2001.

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Surfing Lessons & Camps

Learning to surf is an equal combination of proper coaching, the right equipment, and an ability friendly environment. At REAL, we have all three of these dialed. Our exclusive National Park permit gives us access to endless coastline to find the perfect waves for your session, and your own private peak. We offer lessons and camps teaching all abilities beginner through advanced.

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We Make New Riders Every Day

When you're learning with REAL, you have access to the most knowledgeable and friendly coaches in the world. To maximize your instructional experience, we recommend visiting the REAL Lesson Center in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Our state of-the-art facility has instant access to perfect conditions for kiteboarding, surfing and foiling.

Best Lesson Ever

“Best lessons our son ever got!!! The REAL coach was so good with kids, super fun and encouraging the whole time, and full of positive energy. A true pleasure to watch him teach our son how to surf.”

— Robert R.


AWESOME EXPERIENCE!

“Two of us went on a guided surf lesson. This was an awesome experience and I can not recommend it highly enough. REAL took us out in their truck and down the beach until we found the perfect firing peak to surf to ourselves. There is no question that in a 1/2 day they helped me gain improvements that would have taken me months - maybe years- to realize on my own”

— Brian F.


Our Own Private Peak

“Having 4x4 access to every corner of the coast put us on the best waves every day. I’m still pinching myself how cool it was to have our own private peak for the best session of the trip. Just our group, some pelicans and dolphins. This is paradise.”

— Barry A.