About Us
Learn to surf with the best
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Founded in 2017, DFC Surf Academy is located in the heart of Oahu's North Shore, dedicated to creating unforgettable surfing experiences. The North Shore, known as the surfing capital of the world and the birthplace of the sport of kings, offers the perfect setting for both beginners and seasoned surfers.
Our Instructors
All our instructors are lifelong North Shore residents, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and expertise. Each instructor is trained in lifeguard and ocean safety, ensuring you are in the best hands. Our team’s passion for surfing and teaching guarantees a safe, fun, and enriching environment for all our guests.
Lesson Structure
Our lessons, suitable for all ages and swimming abilities, begin on the beach with a step-by-step tutorial on the fundamentals of surfing. We use a straightforward 4-step process to help you stand up on your surfboard, ensuring clarity and confidence before entering the water. This is followed by a session on water safety, surfing etiquette, and understanding local ocean currents. Each lesson is personalized to meet the needs of the group, ensuring a tailored and enjoyable experience.
Surfing Locations
We utilize three prime surfing spots to provide the best conditions:
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Pua'ena Point: Winter location
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Chuns Reef: Summer location
Each location is within 1 mile (1.61 km) of each other, easily searchable on Google Maps, and we will inform you of the exact location the day before your lesson.
Local Insights
Beyond surfing, our instructors are eager to share their favorite local spots in Historic Haleiwa town, including the best places to eat, watch the sunset, and enjoy the beach. This local knowledge will enhance your vacation, providing priceless memories and a deeper connection to the island.
Getting Here
DFC Surf Academy is about 40-60 minutes from Waikiki. Oahu's public transportation, The Bus, reaches the North Shore in about 1.5-2 hours. The #52 bus departs from Ala Moana Center, traveling through the center of the island and ending in Haleiwa. Another route includes a direct bus from Alakea St + S Hotel St to Kamehameha Hwy + Pohaku Loa Way.
Join Us
Whether you're a first-timer or an avid surfer, DFC Surf Academy offers the best fun on the North Shore. Come learn to surf in the world's premier surfing destination and create lasting memories with us!
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Meet Our Staff
With professional instructors for a quality experience we have 99.9% success rate of getting people standing up. Whether you’ve never been in the ocean or tried to surf, we guarantee you will have a blast with us. Book your surf lesson or experience with the local surfers at the DFC surf academy today! Top ten things to do on the island of Oahu, an activity that everyone can enjoy. Always know our staff is here to help with any questions like Best surf shops, Places to eat and much more.
Braden Smith
Instructor
From the North Shore to Brasil he has surfed all over. Now this Oahu local is spreading his love for the ocean with DFC. Braden is a 4 year veteran at surfing lessons but has been surfing his whole life. Here he is at Waimea bay on a solid 10ft wave. Braden Smith also works for North Shore Shark Adventures and is a known waterman. From surfing spots like pipeline to sunset beach he is always having a good time in and out of the water.
Jacob Apilando
Lead Instructor
Jacob Apilando is a 3 time state champ shortboard division and has won many surfing contests. He is a very experienced longboard surfer and can teach you the most technical moves on a surfboard. He has been teaching surf lessons for over 5 years and is a co founder of the DFC surf academy. Born and raised on Oahu’s North shore he can get anyone up and riding on a surfboard. With a strong love for surfing, he takes teaching people how to surf with a passion. Here he is blowing out the tail on his free time. He loves to teach people how to surf and sharing his knowledge of the ocean is his passion. Learn to surf with Jacob today!
Kekua Betancourt
Owner
Kekua Betancourt founder of the DFC surfing academy and many other small businesses based out of the North Shore. A young entrepeneur who strives to create awesome experiences for locals and tourists alike. Born and raised on Oahu's North Shore he has the knowledge you need to have fun in Hawaii. Teaching peole how to surf has grown into a lifestyle and we can't wait to show you a good surfing spot near you! Learn to surf on oahu's north shore today.