A private surf class in Cartagena is interesting all by itself, but this one stands apart because it’s personal coaching with a certified instructor named Hugo Gonzalez Chalela. You are not stuck in a big class where half the time is spent waiting your turn. Instead, you get focused help meant to get you feeling safe fast and progressing quickly.

Two things I really like about this experience are the combination of friendly, constructive instruction and the way the coach prioritizes safety without killing the fun. It’s also a class that works for both kids and adults, which matters if you are traveling as a family or with friends.

One consideration: surf needs good conditions. The session runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, so if the ocean is not cooperating, you may need to reschedule or switch dates. Also, if you are expecting a long session with lots of board time for everyone, private instruction can still feel time-limited, even when you do well.

Key highlights you can plan around

• Private group coaching with only your group in the water
• Hugo Gonzalez Chalela leads the lesson, with a safety-first approach
• Beginner-friendly progress, aimed at getting you standing and riding early
• Follow-up learning with tips, surf culture resources, and photos
• Social impact through Ohana Surf Experience, which helps teach local kids to surf

Arriving at 8:00 am in El Laguito: meeting point and vibe check

This class starts early, 8:00 am, which is great for two reasons. First, you beat the day’s heat and crowds. Second, morning surf in Cartagena often feels more forgiving for first-timers, since you are less rushed and the water time feels smoother.

You meet at Restaurante Punta las velas, Club de playa, CRA 1 DIAGO 1 A 80, in El Laguito, Cartagena de Indias. The location is listed as near public transportation, so you should not feel trapped in a taxi if your plans change. And since it ends back at the meeting point, the whole thing stays simple and low-stress.

Once you arrive, expect the lesson to start with getting you ready before you even think about standing up. For a first surf lesson, the best results usually come from short, clear prep: what to do in the water, how to handle the board, and what safety rules matter most. The tone here is consistently described as patient and positive, so even if you are nervous, the goal is to get you comfortable before you chase waves.

If you are thinking of bringing kids, this timing can help because younger surfers often do better when the plan is structured and they are not waiting around for long.

Hugo’s private coaching: how the class helps you feel confident fast

The big reason people love this lesson is that Hugo coaches with attention and encouragement. He is not just teaching surfing moves, he’s teaching the ocean relationship that makes those moves possible. That matters because surfing is part skill and part mindset. If you panic in the first few tries, your technique will suffer.

Hugo is presented as a SURF/LIFE COACH, and the class description leans into more than basic wave catching. The coaching includes different techniques and methods, and it also references therapeutic surfing and safety. That combination tells you the instruction is meant to build a foundation, not only chase a quick thrill.

Here’s what you should expect from a private session like this:

• Step-by-step instructions timed to what you are actually doing in the water
• Clear feedback after each attempt, so you understand what changed and why
• A calm, friendly coaching style that helps you focus instead of overthinking

One thing that shows up repeatedly in how people describe the experience is how quickly a first session can become real. People often arrive thinking catching one wave is a long shot. With the right setup, and with a coach correcting small issues right away, it becomes much more achievable.

If you are anxious, that is not a problem here. The lesson is structured to reduce uncertainty: you learn what to do next, you try it, and you get feedback while the lesson is still fresh in your body.

Surfboard choice and first-step technique for beginners

The surfboard can make or break your first session. If you are new, your biggest job is learning how to balance and position yourself on the board, not “perform” surfing like a video clip.

A specific detail worth knowing: beginners are often started on a longboard around 8 feet midsize. The reason is simple. Longboards offer more stability, so you can stand and paddle with less wobble. The coach also uses board progression as a confidence builder. The idea is that to move onto a shorter board later, you need to be able to handle the longboard with real control.

What that means for you:

• You are more likely to get that first standing moment
• You spend less time fighting the board and more time learning wave skills
• You build good habits early, which helps you improve faster later

Also, if you are worried about being too weak or not strong enough, don’t over-prepare with gym goals. Early surf success usually comes from technique, not brute force. You’ll get instruction on paddling, timing, and how to position your body so you catch waves in a way that feels repeatable.

And if you happen to be a solo traveler, private coaching helps even more. You are not waiting for the group to cycle through. Your practice time goes to your learning, not someone else’s turn.

What 90 minutes on the water looks like (and why it works)

This is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, and that time is meant to be efficient. The format is typically paced around getting you from land confidence to water readiness, then into wave attempts that you can actually learn from.

A practical way to think about the flow is:

1. Meet, get briefed, and gear up

You start at the beach and move into safety and basic technique. This is where you learn how to handle your board and what to watch for.

1. Warm-up skills and paddling basics

Before chasing waves, you practice the foundation. If you master paddling and positioning, everything else becomes easier.

1. First wave attempts

This is where coaching really matters. Hugo gives encouraging guidance and adjusts based on what you are doing right now. People consistently describe feeling like they were standing and riding sooner than expected.

1. Short corrections and repeat tries

The feedback is not random. It’s meant to address the most important issue each time, so you improve wave to wave rather than repeating the same mistake for an hour.

1. Wrap-up and next steps

After your time in the ocean, you leave with a sense of what to practice next.

One detail that can surprise first-timers: you might not be on the board continuously. That’s normal, and it can even be helpful. In a good lesson, you get time to recover and reset your focus between waves, so your brain learns faster. If you get tired, you and the coach will manage the pace.

Weather matters, too. Since the experience requires good weather, the operator can reschedule or offer a different date if conditions are poor. This is smart. A lesson is more valuable when the ocean supports learning instead of just surviving.

More than a surf lesson: resources, photos, and the Ohana impact

A good surf class teaches you the next thing to practice. This one also tries to keep you learning after you dry off.

People describe receiving additional tips after the session, plus surf resources to continue. That can include surf documentary recommendations and literature, and some sessions come with photos taken during your time in the water. Photos might not sound like a big deal, but they help you remember what your body did. That makes it easier to correct technique later.

There’s also a social enterprise angle with Ohana Surf Experience. The class is tied to teaching local kids how to surf, and that changes how the experience feels. You are paying for personal instruction, but you are also supporting a mission that extends beyond one lesson.

If you care about travel that feels human, this matters. It turns “a fun morning” into something with a longer tail, even if you only take one class.

If you want extra practice, there is also a sign of flexibility in how the team communicates. The team suggests reaching out by WhatsApp to arrange a free surfing session if you want more time. That is not something you should expect automatically, but it’s helpful to know the operator is focused on satisfaction.

Price and logistics: is $60 worth 90 minutes?

At $60 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes, the value depends on what you want from the experience. If your goal is to learn the basics with less guessing, private coaching is often worth it. You are paying to remove friction: no waiting in a large group, fewer time gaps, and more feedback tied to your exact movement.

Here’s what makes it feel like good value:

• Private instruction means your time is directed at your learning
• A coach who stays focused on safety and technique reduces the chance you waste the session panicking or doing ineffective reps
• Beginner board choice (often an 8-foot midsize longboard) helps you get results early
• You leave with tips and surf culture resources, not just wet hair and a story

The logistics are also straightforward. You start at 8:00 am at one clear meeting point, and the activity ends back there. Confirmation is received at booking, so you have a clear plan before you show up.

The biggest “real-world” factor is weather. Because surf depends on conditions, you might be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled due to poor weather. That protects your trip time.

One more practical note: since it’s private, the cost can be especially good if you’re splitting among two or more people from the same group. If you are traveling solo, it still can be a smart buy because private coaching is the fastest way to get your first rides.

Should you book this private surf class in Cartagena?

Yes, I think you should book it if you fit any of these boxes:

• You are a first-timer who wants clear, patient coaching that helps you stand and ride
• You prefer a private setup where your instructor can adjust in real time
• You want more than a one-time thrill, you want tools to keep learning after the ocean time
• You like the idea of a surf experience connected to teaching local kids through Ohana Surf Experience

You might choose something else if you are only interested in spending the maximum possible time on the board, no matter what. Private lessons still make room for rest and reset, and the ocean won’t always cooperate. But if you want the best chance at a confident first session, this format is built for it.

If you book, keep your expectations realistic and friendly. Surf is learning in motion. Arrive ready to try, listen closely, and let Hugo guide your next attempt. That is when this 90-minute window turns into a real Cartagena highlight.

FAQ

What time does the private surf class start in Cartagena?

It starts at 8:00 am, and the meeting point is in El Laguito at Restaurante Punta las velas Club de playa (CRA 1 DIAGO 1 A 80).

How long is the surf class?

The experience lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

How much does the private surf class cost?

The price is $60.00 per person.

Is this a private experience or shared with other people?

It is private. Only your group will participate.

Do I need good weather for this experience?

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 meeting point address?

You meet at Restaurante Punta las velas Club de playa, CRA 1 DIAGO 1 A 80, El Laguito, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. If canceled due to poor weather, you get either a different date or a full refund.

Who can participate?

Most travelers can participate, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.