Need to refresh yourself on some of the surfing basics before hitting the Miami beaches? Don’t worry; whether you’re a serious surfer or have never touched a board, we’ve found the best places in and around Miami Beach to hone your skills.

South Beach Dive & Surf

South Beach Dive & Surf offers both diving instruction and surf classes in a convenient location at Miami Beach. Their private lessons are only held on request, with both individual and group sessions available. Along with the basics of how to surf, they also teach their students how to understand beach conditions, safety and a dash of history on the sport. Gear hire and purchase is also available.

SoBe Surf

Purportedly South Beach’s oldest continuously-operating surf school, SoBe pretty much taught everyone’s kids how to handle a board. They’ve been around since 2002. Their instructors are knowledgeable and professional, and cater to all skill levels from total novice to the seasoned surfer, with private classes available. Most of their students, however, tend to go for SoBe Surf’s standard classes. These classes run regularly and go for around an hour and a half. They usually start with basic ground training, where students can practice the basic technique before hitting the water.

SURF Miami Beach

This family-run business meets its students on the sand at Miami Beach, and offer custom classes for all skill levels. They do individual, family and group sessions, and have fantastic customer service.

Hirooka Surf and Sport

Hirooka Surf and Sport has classes for surfing, kiteboarding, paddle surfing, and stand-up paddle surfing. Their instructors are professional and experienced, though their gear hire seems a bit on the expensive side.

Viking Surf Camp

This surf camp style school specializes in teaching kids the basics of surfing. Their classes take place in numerous locations across Florida, offering students a good mix of conditions. For beginners, they have a six-hour superclass that’s guaranteed to have you standing up on the first day.

TKS Miami Sunset Harbor

Primarily a surf hire store, TKS also offers reasonably-priced surf and paddleboard classes. The store itself also happens to have one of Miami’s most extensive ranges of surf gear.

South Beach Surf Club

South Beach Surf Club offers a 2-hour introductory class that takes students from learning the basic technique on the sand to guiding them into their first wave. Instructor Chucky has over 10 years of experience, and classes are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. They also offer classes on paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.