Waves teach fast when coaching is personal. This private surf class in Cartagena goes far beyond catch-a-wave basics, with safety-minded instruction, constructive coaching, and a friendly vibe that helps you build the right foundation in about 90 minutes. You also get a style that focuses on real surf skills, from paddling and stance to wave choices, plus a dose of joy that feels earned.

I love how the lesson is genuinely private and flexible for your group, so you get personal attention instead of standing in line with everyone else. I also love that the instructor coaching approach is calm, positive, and built for first-timers (and even kids), with pauses between waves so you can reset and learn. One consideration: the session depends on good weather, so if conditions are off, you may need to switch dates or get a refund.

Key highlights

• Private instruction with certified coaching, tailored to your level instead of a one-size lesson
• Hugo Gonzalez Chalela brings a safety-first, confidence-building teaching style
• Beginner-focused progress, including encouragement to stand up quickly without rushing
• 90-minute session that still aims to leave you feeling like you learned something real
• A practical, ongoing-learning mindset, with tips and surf culture resources after the water
• The program connects surfing with community impact, as part of a social enterprise

Private Coaching With Hugo Gonzalez in El Laguito

This is a private surf class centered in Cartagena, starting at Restaurante Punta las velas, Club de playa in El Laguito (CRA 1 DIAGO 1 A 80). It’s an easy starting point for a morning lesson, and the activity ends back at the same meeting location, so you do not waste time figuring out your next move.

The headline here is the instructor, Hugo Gonzalez Chalela, listed as a SURF/LIFE COACH with a focus on teaching surfing the right way. The way he teaches is described as friendly, constructive, and very hands-on. That matters in surfing. You can watch all the videos you want, but when the ocean is moving under you, you need someone to spot what’s going wrong and correct it before frustration kicks in.

The class is also explicitly set up for a wide range of people. You do not need prior experience, and you can bring both kids and adults. That broad fit is not just a claim. In the feedback for this class, many people mention nervousness, first-time fears, and the relief of feeling safe in the water while still being pushed just enough to improve.

And because it’s private, the pacing stays realistic. If you need more time to learn paddling, you get it. If you are doing well and ready for more tries, you can usually get more reps. That is how you turn a short lesson into real progress.

90 Minutes of Surf Skills, Safety, and First Rides

The session runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes, starting at 8:00 am. In that time, the goal is not just to get you wet. It is to get you comfortable with the fundamentals fast, so your first attempts actually make sense.

A typical flow for how these lessons are run (based on how Hugo teaches and what past students highlight) looks like this:

First, you meet at the beach club and get oriented. Then you get clear instruction on basics you can use immediately: how to position yourself on the board, how to paddle, how to manage your balance, and what to do when a wave is coming in. This is not taught in a lecture style. It is explained in a way that you can translate into action.

Next, you practice. The big thing is building comfort with the equipment and the movement. Many first-timers expect to feel clumsy for the entire class, but the teaching style here aims for quick wins, not long frustration. You should expect a steady rhythm where the instructor cues you, you try, and then you get feedback.

Then comes the fun part, catching and riding waves. Past feedback repeatedly emphasizes the instructor’s positivity and patience, plus frequent coaching after each attempt. One of the most helpful details: you are coached in a way that helps you learn while you’re in the ocean, not after you’re exhausted and the moment has passed.

Finally, you finish with a reset back on land. Several students mention post-session tips and resources to keep improving. That is valuable because surf is one of those sports where practice matters, and small corrections repeated over time add up.

One more practical note: one past student asked for more board time and mentioned they would have preferred a smaller board or more time on it. The instructor response clarifies the logic behind board choice and timing. It is a reminder that coaching decisions are tied to safety and skill progression, not just what sounds fun in theory.

Why This Class Works for Beginners, Kids, and Nervous First-Timers

Surf lessons fail when the teaching style is too rushed or too vague. This one is built around confidence.

A lot of the best comments focus on how safe people felt on day one. That is not about being coddled. It is about having a calm coach who tells you exactly what to do next. When your brain is busy panicking about falling, you cannot learn technique. Hugo’s teaching approach is described as patient, encouraging, and organized, which helps first-timers relax enough to progress.

What I like most is the blend of support and standards. The class wants you standing and riding sooner rather than later, but it also pays attention to the foundation. Even board progression is explained that way. For example, when a student felt they did not get to switch to a shorter or smaller board, Hugo’s team clarified that longboards offer more stability and build the confidence needed before moving to a shorter board. In that case, the board mentioned was an 8-foot midsize.

That foundation-first approach is also relevant if you are bringing kids. Surf is playful until someone panics. A teacher who can manage fear and guide body position matters. The feedback here mentions smiles ear to ear on first rides, which usually means the instructor knows how to keep the experience joyful while still staying structured.

If you are a solo traveler who worries about being the slowest person in the water, this private setup helps a lot. If you are a couple or a group, it helps you share the attention and timing so one person is not stuck waiting while the other learns.

In short, this class is not just for people who already know how to swim and paddle. It is for people who want to start, but do not want to feel overwhelmed.

Price and Logistics: Is $60 Per Person Worth It?

At $60 per person for a private 1 hour 30 minutes session, you might wonder if this is “value” or just “nice.” The honest answer is that value depends on what you need from the lesson.

If you want a lesson where you catch a wave at the beginning of your trip, and you want the coaching to be personal, this pricing can be a strong deal. Private instruction usually costs more because you are paying for one coach, not a group. Here, you get a certified instructor experience with a coaching style that aims for quick progress and clear feedback.

You also get momentum after the lesson. Several students mention that Hugo provides additional learning resources, plus tips on how to keep improving. That turns the money from a one-off splash into part of an actual learning path. Surf is technical and repetitive, and having coaching guidance to practice later makes your first session matter more.

One more value angle: this program is described as a social enterprise, with money from lessons supporting surf teaching for local kids. If that kind of community connection matters to you, it adds an extra layer of meaning to the price beyond the physical experience.

Logistics are also straightforward. Meeting point is specific, the session runs about 90 minutes, and it ends back where you started. That reduces hassle, which matters in a city where you might be juggling other activities.

Only you can decide what you consider worth it. But if your goal is beginner progress with real coaching, $60 per person is in the “reasonable for private instruction” range, not the “you should expect magic without work” range.

What You Actually Do in the Water (And Why It’s Not Random)

Surf lessons often feel chaotic. You paddle, you wobble, you get knocked around, and you leave with mostly adrenaline. This lesson is designed to avoid randomness.

The coaching approach emphasizes safety and technique. You should expect instruction on how to read waves, when to go, and how to position your body so you are not fighting the board. That matters because your first waves will feel totally different from one another. A good coach teaches you the pattern, not just the moment.

The feedback style also matters. Reviews highlight that Hugo gives helpful feedback after each wave attempt. That feedback loop is how you improve quickly. If you only hear tips after multiple failed attempts, you cannot correct in time. With ongoing correction, you adapt wave by wave.

Another detail that stands out is pacing between tries. One past student noted they received breaks between waves so they could catch their breath and focus on the techniques being taught. That is a practical detail, and it’s not trivial. When you are exhausted, your form collapses. Breaks help you learn while you still have control of your body.

Board choice follows the same logic: stability first. The instructor explanation given in response to a less-than-perfect score explains why longboards or midsize boards can be used for confidence and balance before moving to shorter boards. That means the lesson is trying to keep you progressing safely, even if you personally would prefer a different board on day one.

If you want to maximize your results, show up ready to learn and listen, not just ready to ride. This class rewards attention.

Cartagena Timing, Weather, and What to Bring

The lesson starts at 8:00 am in El Laguito. Morning timing is common for water activities because it often gives you a calmer rhythm to learn in. Regardless of the exact sea conditions, the bigger rule here is that the experience requires good weather.

If the weather is poor, the activity can be canceled and you will be offered a different date or a full refund. This is one of those “accept it and plan around it” realities with surfing. The ocean sets the terms.

So what should you bring? The tour data does not list gear specifics, so you should plan based on normal surf lesson expectations: swimwear, sunscreen, and anything you need to feel comfortable in the water. If you get cold easily, consider a simple way to stay warm afterward, because the lesson is short but the sea can feel chilly depending on conditions.

Also, since this is a private class, it is worth asking your coach what would make the session easiest for you personally. Things like comfort level, swim ability, and any injuries matter for safety, and the coaching style here is built around adapting to your level.

One more small logistics benefit: the meeting point is described as near public transportation. Even if you are not taking a taxi, you can usually get to the beach club area without drama.

Social Enterprise Surfing With a Coach Who Cares About More Than Tricks

A key difference with this surf experience is the coaching philosophy. Hugo is not just teaching maneuvers. The way the program is framed connects surfing with expression, personal growth, and building a relationship with the ocean.

That can sound like motivational poster language, but in practice it shows up as tone. Students mention his positive attitude, his love of surfing, and the way he makes people feel safe and confident. When a coach genuinely likes what they do, it changes the lesson. You stop treating surfing like a test and start treating it like a skill you can build.

This also comes through in how the class aims to serve both kids and adults. Surf can be intimidating, and the class seems to treat first-timers with respect, not impatience. If you are bringing children, this tone is especially important. It keeps them engaged and reduces fear.

And the community angle matters too. Ohana Surf Experience is presented as a social enterprise where lesson funding supports teaching local kids how to surf. If you like travel that has a local heartbeat, this is a better story than a purely commercial outing.

Should You Book This Private Surf Class in Cartagena?

Book it if you want private, beginner-friendly coaching with a calm, encouraging instructor like Hugo, and you like the idea of getting a real foundation in a short session. It is also a smart choice if you are nervous about surfing and want technique with safety, pacing, and feedback.

Consider another option if you are looking for a longer time in the water, or you strongly prefer a specific board size from the start, no matter what your skill level is. Even then, the instructor’s board logic is about stability and confidence, so you will still likely learn a lot.

My call: if your goal is to leave Cartagena with at least a few solid first rides and a clear path to keep learning, this is a strong bet.

FAQ

Where does the private surf class in Cartagena start?

It starts 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 session begin?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the private surf class?

It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $60.00 per person.

Is this a private experience?

Yes, it is private, and only your group will participate.

Do I need good weather for this activity?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time (local time). If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.