Surfing in Cartagena can be ridiculously friendly. This private 1.5-hour class with certified coach Hugo Gonzalez Chalela pairs patient, constructive teaching with safety-minded guidance, and I love how quickly first-timers can stand up with clear feedback after each wave. One thing to keep in mind: you might stay on a more stable longboard until you build confidence, so you won’t necessarily switch to a smaller board right away.

You meet at Restaurante Punta las Velas in El Laguito at 8:00 am, and the whole setup is designed to get you moving fast. The vibe is upbeat, and the instruction is focused on building the right foundation for your next steps in the ocean.

Key highlights to know before you grab a board

• Coach Hugo’s step-by-step coaching that helps beginners catch a first wave quickly
• Private group lessons so you get individualized attention instead of waiting your turn
• Safety and technique focus, including supportive “breaks” between waves when you need to reset
• Longboard-based progression, aiming for stability first, then working toward shorter boards
• Surf-life coaching angle: more than riding waves, it’s also about ocean connection and confidence
• Extra learning after the session: tips, resources, and photos from your time in the water

Cartagena’s El Laguito meetup at 8:00 am

Your day starts in El Laguito, at Restaurante Punta las Velas, Club de playa (CRA 1 DIAGO 1 A 80). The session begins at 8:00 am, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Why that matters: early starts often give you calmer, more workable conditions. And for a 90-minute class, timing is everything. You don’t want to spend half the morning figuring out logistics. Here, the schedule is tight, and you get moving.

Since it’s near public transportation, you can build this into your Cartagena day without needing a complicated plan. And because it’s a private experience, it’s easier to fit around your own pace.

Coach Hugo Gonzalez Chalela and the private lesson style

The teacher behind this class is Hugo Gonzalez Chalela, a SURF/LIFE COACH and the head coach leading the sessions. Based on how the class is described, the approach isn’t only about technical instruction. It’s also about comfort—getting you to trust what your body is doing in moving water.

Here’s what makes the private format hit differently: you’re not learning “at a distance.” You get feedback right after waves, and the coaching is described as friendly and constructive. That’s especially important if it’s your first time surfing, because fear can show up fast once the board goes under and the ocean gets loud.

In the reviews, people consistently mention two things:

• Attentive, patient instruction that keeps you from feeling rushed
• Clear feedback after each attempt, so you know what to change next

That combination is exactly what most beginner lessons miss. The result is you feel like you’re improving in real time, not just watching time pass.

What the 90-minute class actually helps you do

This is not a “stand there and watch the sea” experience. The lesson is structured to build a foundation so you can start taking waves right away. The guidance includes technique work, safety, and that classic part of surfing that feels almost unreal the first time: the moment you glide into a wave and it finally clicks.

If you’re brand-new, the big goal in a short session is usually simple: get you standing and then refine what your body does during the ride. One of the strongest themes in the feedback is how quickly many people felt comfortable enough to catch their first wave. Even people who thought they couldn’t do it described the instruction as encouraging and confidence-building.

The coaching also sounds very practical. Instead of vague “try harder” advice, you get specific improvements. That’s why people talk about catching tons of waves once they started feeling the rhythm.

And if you’re returning to surfing after a break, the same approach helps you get your bearings again—calmly, without embarrassment, and with a focus on technique over bravado.

Board choice, progression, and why you may stay on a longboard

One detail that comes up in the feedback: you may not jump straight to a smaller board. In one case, the lesson kept a surfer on a longer board (an 8-foot midsize) for stability, with the explanation that moving onto a shorter board requires more confidence first.

That can be a surprise if you imagined you’d choose any board on arrival. But there’s a smart reason behind it.

Longer boards tend to:

• stay more stable while you learn balance
• help your timing because the board “catches” more easily
• reduce the frustration factor when you’re learning how to stand and turn

So yes, you might spend most of your session on a longboard even if you’re hoping for a quick switch. But if your goal is to ride waves today, it’s often the right trade.

Also, the teaching includes pacing. If you’re tired, you’re not forced to burn out. One response to a review described breaks between waves and even extra riding time offered after the 90 minutes, depending on how the student felt. That’s a good sign for anyone who doesn’t want their only surf session to turn into a test of endurance.

Safety first, but with a fun tone in the water

Surfing has a real learning curve, and good instructors respect that. This class is presented as safety-focused and designed to help you learn without feeling out of control in the water.

From the way the lesson is described and the way it’s reviewed, expect a setup that balances:

• safety and technique coaching
• time actually spent practicing
• a coach who stays positive when things don’t work on the first try

A key part of keeping beginners safe is communication. In multiple reviews, people highlight how encouraging and supportive Hugo and the team were, especially if they had fears about getting back into the ocean. That kind of emotional safety matters. When you’re tense, your paddling and positioning get sloppy fast. When you feel supported, you’re more likely to listen and make corrections.

One small consideration: the experience requires good weather, so conditions can affect how the lesson runs. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you should expect rescheduling or a full refund.

Learning beyond the waves: tips, resources, and photos

A big reason many people walk away happy is what happens after they wipe the salt out of their hair.

The lesson includes more than “good luck.” The coach provides tips to keep improving, plus cool resources to continue learning. Some people also mention receiving surf documentarie(s) and literature, and others note photo coverage from the session.

Why that’s valuable: the first time you surf, you’re busy just trying to stay on the board. Afterward is when your brain finally has time to connect what you did with what you’re supposed to do next. Having resources and specific pointers makes your next session easier, even if it’s weeks later.

Also, the overall message here is “surfing as expression and connection.” It’s framed as an ocean relationship and a personal legacy, not just a one-off activity. You don’t need a motivational speech to benefit, but the tone helps. It makes learning feel lighter and more human.

Price and value for a private 90-minute session

The cost is $60.00 per person for roughly 1 hour 30 minutes. For a private lesson in Cartagena, that price is best understood as what you’re buying: individualized coaching time.

Here’s where the value shows up:

• In private instruction, you don’t lose practice time to group waiting.
• You get feedback after each ride, which helps you improve faster.
• The stable-board approach and pacing reduce frustration for beginners.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to do the “one big activity” of the trip and get real progress, a private lesson is usually the smarter buy than a generic group class. You’re paying for attention, and attention is what makes surfing click.

And there’s a bonus factor: this is described as a social enterprise, with money from lessons helping teach local kids how to surf. That doesn’t replace the instruction quality (it shouldn’t). But it does mean your money supports something beyond your own experience.

Weather, timing, and how to plan your Cartagena morning

This activity requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

For planning, the 8:00 am start time is your friend. It gives you a clean window before the heat and before the day’s plans explode. But it also means you should keep your schedule flexible if you’re booking other activities later in the day.

Practical tip: pack a little patience. Surfing conditions change fast, and a lesson that’s designed around safety will adapt. If there’s a delay due to weather or ocean conditions, that adaptation is part of doing this the right way.

Who should book this surf class in Cartagena

This is a great fit if:

• you’re a true beginner and want strong support
• you want private instruction instead of sharing attention
• you care about getting the right foundation and not just getting wet

It also works for people who had fears about surfing, because the teaching style is described as patient and encouraging. If you’ve surfed before, you’ll still benefit from constructive, clear feedback and a progression approach that starts with stability.

Who might hesitate:

• If you strongly prefer hopping onto shorter boards immediately, you may need to accept a longer-board progression at first.
• If your trip is super tight and you can’t shift plans due to weather, you’ll want a backup idea for that morning.

Should you book Ohana Surf Experience in Cartagena?

Yes, you should book this if you want a surf lesson that feels like real coaching, not a ticket to the beach. The biggest selling points are patient instruction, clear feedback after each wave, and a setup that helps first-timers catch waves quickly.

I’d book it sooner rather than later if you’re traveling in the time window you can work around weather. And if you’re the type who likes to keep learning after the activity, you’ll appreciate the tips, resources, and photos that extend the experience beyond the water.

If you’re unsure, here’s an easy decision rule: if you’re hoping to stand up and feel progress in a single session, this lesson is built for that.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the surf class?

You meet at Restaurante Punta las Velas, Club de playa on CRA 1 DIAGO 1 A 80, El Laguito, Cartagena de Indias. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the class start?

The session starts at 8:00 am.

How much does the private surf class cost?

It costs $60.00 per person.

How long is the private experience?

The duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is this a private lesson or a shared group?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

Can beginners join?

Yes. The experience says that most travelers can participate, and many feedback notes highlight it as a strong first surf experience for complete beginners.

What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?

The activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.