TLDR; Nick, my instructor was great! Whole surfing experience I would do again. Do not recommend the photo package (poor communication, no photos and no refund).
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I was solo and I had never surfed before! I booked a private lesson and I had a great time surfing with Nick, my instructor! Would absolutely recommend a private lesson for more attention and coaching.
Surf conditions are a variable. We had some pretty big swells for beginner waves, according to Nick, but I think I did alright! A little longer and I think I could have gotten to standing. I would try this again for sure and refine my technique a little!
The length of the lesson is great (1.5-2h). As much as I would have loved more time out there, you do get pretty gassed out by the end, so it's the right amount of time.
Booking was easy online. I called to ask some questions and Kevin (Owner) was very informative.
Meeting point was pretty easy to find. I received a picture of where to meet but given the recent washout rain, the landscape looks a little different. You can still match some of the trees though. It's across from where folks are parked all the time to go surfing. It's a pretty popular spot. I took a Lyft out to Mile Marker 19 which is pinned on the map, thankfully. The local drivers also just know where to go. There is not a nearby bus stop, but Lahaina Cannery Mall is probably the closest one and just over an hour's walk away.
Nick easily found me waiting on the sand in the morning. He had everything I needed (12' board, shoes - both in great condition). They also provide rash guards but the suit I was wearing was already long sleeved. We started on land going through theory. When you book, there are videos in the confirmation email which are very helpful to review. Nick explained things very well, and helped make me aware of some beginner traps. Throughout the lesson he made sure I was safe as well as the surfers around me. There's a traffic flow to follow and knowing he was there supporting me with his experience allowed me to focus on learning to surf. I also appreciated his expert technique in paddling out and assisting me by towing a couple times, haha!
I would have given 5 stars but there was issue with the photography package I purchased. Would not recommend, based on my experience. It's done through Aloha Maui Photography and you pay on site if you like the photos (you get a little preview on the tablet). The usual way seemed to be to Airdrop the photos, but I don't have an iPhone. Alyssa said she would email me a link later that day or the next day, but I didn't receive anything. After a few days, I went to the online webpage and submitted a form on the "Contact" page, asking to follow up. After a couple more days, I emailed directly. I got a response to my email after 2 days. It seemed that Alyssa thought that I was a different surfer (with a family and that my photos were already AirDropped to my mother) and that she no longer has the photos because they're cleared as she's constantly shooting. I explained that I was mixed up with who she thought I was since I was solo, and if the photos were indeed already cleared, if I could get a refund. It's now been two weeks, with another follow up, and still unresolved. I am disappointed because I was really hoping for some photos from my first surfing experience, which is why I splurged on the photo package.
Just one more note - additional recommendation as a beginner, if you can do rash guard shorts, my inner thighs above the knee took a bit of a beating from straddling the board! read more