Where to Learn to Surf?

I am interested in travelling to the Pacific (I live in Toronto, Canada), and at the same time, would liek to learn to surf. I ahve no idea which country /region woudl be best for this.....the typical guidebooks seem to depict where the best places to surf are, for experienced surfers. But, I have not yet surfed AT ALL. I would appreciate any suggestions on which islands are most conducive for learning, which surf schools, etc....I have 4-5 weeks in May-June of 2010 to work with. I am 29, female, travelling solo, fairly well-travelled, in very good shape physically, and I am going to be backpacking, therefore looking for hostels/budget huts on the beach.

If anyone has any comments, or has done this themselves, please post !
thanks!
Sabrina

Look to the Pacific coast of the Americas not the South Pacific.

Or try Hawaii

If you would like to learn in the South Pacific, try somewhere like Byron Bay or the Gold or Sunshine Coast in Australia. Surfing in the islands is risky, and needs experience due to the fact that the waves you can surf oare outside the reefs. You need experience to do this.

Surfing in the islands is generally for experienced surfers as most breaks are over reef which is fairly unforgiving. There are, however, a few options in Fiji Fiji Surf Co There are a few sand bottom breaks around Sigatoka which are ok for beginners, but you'd need your own gear if you don't go through the school. Good luck.