The Instructor, Steven, did a great job showing us what to do. He did a great job keeping on eye on me and the other two people with me and making sure we were safe. The session started with getting reef shoes and a rash guard (which the company borrowed me). The instructor then explained and showed us what to do and had us practice with a training board on the shore. Afterwards, we went to the beach and had some photos taken by a professional photographer that works with the company (these are offered at an additional charge at then end of the session). Then after a bit more explaining, we hit the water to surf. The instructor was out there with us reading the waves, telling us when to go and stand, and giving us feedback after each run as needed. I didn't quite get to standing on the board during the 4 attempts I had, but I was a complete beginner (who isn't the best swimmer either) and the waves were a bit on the larger side that day so that was to be expected. There doesn't seem to be a huge risk of danger as long as you follow the instructors directions (I fell off 3 of the 4 times I tried and was perfectly fine other than swallowing some seawater). Overall I would recommend this even if you don't have any experience surfing. I particularly like sitting out there and watching the waves come and go underneath me. A word of warning is that this is quite the workout as you need to paddle out on the surfboard, so if you aren't in the best shape, this will be difficult for you. Also, you should have water for afterwards in the likely scenario you swallow water.