If I could give more than five stars for our surf lesson with Ryan from Maui Surf, I absolutely…read morewould! Hands down, Ryan is the BEST instructor I have ever had, and I've had previous beginner lessons. This experience was on another level--one of those rare, unforgettable moments that stay with you forever.
I've surfed a bit before, so I went in thinking this would just be a refresher for me. My husband (age 64) had never surfed and was a bit apprehensive. But Ryan's skill, patience, and unparalleled ability to connect with his students completely transformed the experience for both of us. He took the time to understand our individual needs and tailored the lesson perfectly, blending just the right amount of technical guidance with encouragement and humor.
Before we even touched the water, Ryan gave us the most thorough and engaging on-land lesson I've ever experienced. He didn't just teach us how to pop up on the board--he explained the mechanics of surfing, wave dynamics, and safety tips in a way that was clear, detailed, and easy to absorb. By the time we hit the waves, Mark (and I!) felt more confident than ever.
But Ryan didn't stop there. He wove the spirit of Aloha into every moment of the lesson, teaching us about the Hawaiian language, culture, and the deep connection Hawaiians have with their land and ocean. His stories about the islands, the meanings of Hawaiian place names, care for the ocean, and his insights into the natural beauty around us elevated the experience to something truly profound. It wasn't just a surf lesson; it was a cultural and ecological immersion.
And then came the magic. Not only did Mark manage to get up on the board (on his first try, no less!), but we were treated to the most breathtaking sights while surfing. Whales were breaching in the distance, and turtles swam gracefully by as if they were cheering us on. Ryan's excitement and genuine joy made it all the more special--he celebrated every moment with us, making us feel like pros out there!
Ryan also had mounted GoPros on our boards (included in the price) and captured the most incredible action shots of us riding the waves! These weren't your typical blurry or off-center photos--they were absolutely magazine-worthy. Ryan has an amazing eye for timing and composition, selecting those exhilarating moments when we were standing tall on the board, surrounded by the sparkling ocean. The photos were so vibrant and professional-looking that they'll forever be a cherished keepsake of this unforgettable day. He truly went above and beyond to make sure every detail of our experience was exceptional!
Ryan's energy and passion are infectious, and his dedication to his craft is unmatched. Whether you're a complete beginner like Mark or someone who's surfed before, like me, he has a way of making you feel like you can conquer anything. I've had good instructors in the past, but Ryan blew them all out of the water (pun intended!).
If you're on Maui and even thinking about trying surfing, do yourself a favor and book a lesson with Ryan at Maui Surf. You'll walk away not only with new skills but also with a heart full of Aloha and memories that will last a lifetime. Mahalo, Ryan--you've truly set the bar sky-high!