Donny was great, very easy going. My daughter had a great time, stood up on the first wave! What's really great is he keeps you away from the crowds in a nice quiet spot so the tension of getting in other people's way is diminished. read more

Donnie is your only stop needed for surf lessons. Donnie is an awesome person and will give you a taste of Maui. His stories are just as valuable as the surf lesson. read more

Came back to Maui, 6 yrs later my kids now 18,17 and 14. Took them surfing again and had to look up Donny. Can't say enough about him. Very detailed and fun. Made sure they all had a great experience. Highly recommend Donny!! read more

Surf Dog Maui - Donny and the kids going over safety. - Surfing Near Me

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The day after I got to Maui, and I was ready for my surf lesson, Donny informed me that it was the biggest swell that that part of the island had seen in 10 years. I thought he was exaggerating, but I heard the exact same thing from a couple of other locals that day. Great luck! I have taken a lot of surf lessons in my life (I still suck, but I love it), and Donny really stood out because he was really safe, yet really fun. I caught a bunch of waves on the two days I took lessons from him, and had an amazing time. A lot of the other surf shops give big group lessons where everyone sits in line waiting for their wave. Yuck. Donny is reasonably priced, kind, patient, and fun. He will make sure you have a great time on that beautiful Hawaiian ocean. I did! Aloha, and Mahalo, Donny! read more

Surf Dog Maui - Surfing Near Me

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Donny is a great instructor and his dog Louie is super friendly with us! We knew we would hit it off well when we found out that Donny is also from Orange County, California! (The bonus was that the other family in our surf class with Donny was currently living in Orange County...how cool was that?!) Donny gave an overview of stances, basic balance & recovery, and reminders to just enjoy the waves. This was our son's first time on a surf board and Donny made sure that getting him confident was key. Our son rode almost every wave, and with smiles all throughout the lesson we knew that Donny was THE perfect choice to teach our son how to surf for the first time. Donny's instructions were easy to follow and with fewer things to try to remember, that meant getting on the water and on the board for a longer period was going to result in valuable time spent actually surfing! When we go back to Maui we'll be certain to look for Surf Dog Maui again! Mahalo, Donny and Louie! read more

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If it's your first time learning to surf I would definitely recommend going with surf dog maui! After researching different surf schools in the area, I decided to go with him because of all the other great reviews and because his dog was adorable. I signed up for a group lesson on Thursday at noon. He called me that morning asking if I could meet him early due to the wind and surf conditions, and of course I took his advice bc he is the expert on surfing and all. Luckily I was the only person in the group :) which made the experience more personalized. He gave me directions on where to meet him and after meeting him at a nearby park, we drove over to a secluded area where there was absolutely no one around, which was perfect since it was my first time. Donny was very detailed in all the steps from paddling out, going through waves while paddling out, the proper etiquette when paddling near other surfers, and getting up on the board. If I had any questions about anything he had the answer. Going out I was able to catch a few waves but I did fall a few times, and Donny helped with correcting my technique and giving me a little push when going for a wave. I really appreciated how detailed he was with what to do, it really helped me understand how to surf. If it's your first time learning to surf, be prepared for a workout! The hardest part is paddling back out to where Donny is to catch the next wave. Eat a good breakfast and do some arm workouts before planning on going out to prepare yourself! And choose surf dog Maui! Mahalo donny :) read more

Surf Dog Maui - Learned how to surf with surf dog maui :) - Surfing Near Me

Donny is a great instructor AND he takes his dog, Louie, along. After all, that's how we ended up here for surf lessons. A dog person and a surfer. Doesn't get better than that! Lol He makes it simple and we were up easily on almost every wave that rolled in. Thanks for the great surf lessons Donny! I know I'll be surfing again and I'll be able to hit the waves on my own thanks to your great instruction! Keep enjoying the good life Louie! read more

Surf Dog Maui - Surfing Near Me

The best teacher ever! We took 2 classes with Donnie and it was really cool! He is extremely patient with newbies and can challenge more experience surfers. I've got tired really fast and he even help me out of the waves! During first class he gifted me a self-confidence that I can do it. During second one he tough to me in details what should I do for surfing. My 12 y.o. likes his style of teaching a lot! She took more then 30 classes at Indian Ocean over the last two years and was extremely happy with Donnie's classes. It was just us on a beach and all waves were only for our group. I was scary reading reviews for other places where people complained how crowded was their classes. I would recommend the place for surfers of any level. read more

I've always wanted to try surfing and I promised myself that the next time I was in Maui I was going to learn. The week leading up to my trip, I did a lot of research and I'm so glad I decided to call Surf Dog Maui. Donny was fantastic! He was so friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. It was hands down the highlight of my trip! I will definitely be calling Surf Dog the next time I'm in Maui. Thank you, Donny! read more

Surf Dog Maui is up and running, but no longer has a physical location. You can reach Donny, head instructor and owner, by phone (listed in the business information above). He will meet you at a close-by beach in Lahaina with boards and his very friendly dog, Luigi. A mutual friend recommended that I take my first surf lesson from Donny, and I'm so glad that I did. Donny has a great, relaxed approach to getting you on your first wave so it feels like you are surfing with a friend. Since I had never been surfing before, Donny got me started on the sand and we practiced paddling and popping up. Before we headed into the water, he made sure that I was comfortable with what we had gone over on the sand and he also gave me some pointers on how to paddle out through the waves. With Donny's instruction, I caught every wave he sent me after, and I had a blast. Donny teaches the young and the old, the timid and the brave, in groups or in private sessions. read more

Who are we: Brother & Sister, 27 & 25, casually athletic. There were SO many choices when we were looking for our first surf lesson in Maui. We were worried about taking a class from one of the big schools that pack their classes with students. That is when we found Donny. Donny met us 1:1 at a local beach, it was just us and him. He started with safety on the beach and what to look for in the water so that when we went in the future we would know what to look for in the surf! Then we moved to the ocean, where again it was just us, we didn't feel crowded for a minute! Let me tell you that you cannot overrate this. When you are learning something new, having someone focus on you and not having a group of people waiting for you to go so they can ride their wave is HUGE! My sister and I, after his instruction, were both able to get up on our FIRST WAVE! It was amazing. While Donny is amazing, I think his pup Luigi may be even cooler. What an awesome dog. Love it. With Donny we got a great memory of learning how to surf vs. a crowded class. read more

I picked Donnie because he was super flexible on timing and less expensive than the fees at the resorts in Kaanapali. SCORE. He's a very easy going guy and we went at my own pace. He was hands on and adapted to the instruction I needed, not a set of rules or script to follow. So I learned the basics in a way I can take with me for future surfing. I wouldn't go for the expensive lessons at the resorts...it's cheaper, more authentic, and you learn more with Donny -- he takes you to a calm spot away from all the crowds, but handles everything at the same time, so it's very comfortable with him. He gets 5 stars, easy. read more

It was my first time in Maui and wanted to learn how to surf (never done it before). I called the day before and Donnie immediately scheduled me for the following day. Met up with Donnie during the 9 am slot and turns out another couple happen to cancel that morning of, which meant I ended up getting a 1:1 session! The weather was perfect for someone who just started. It was gradual waves, clear water, and a warm 80+ degrees. The lesson started off with on land instruction for a good 15-20 min and the rest of the time it was in the water. I really liked Donnie's approach which is to provide enough instruction where beginners can eventually go out on our own! He was very detailed in observing how you catch the wave and would point out what you need to work on. Overall - great experience and would go out with him to surf anytime! Highly recommend! read more

After being stood up by our private surfing lesson booked through an overpriced company my BF and I were ready to give up and miss out on the amazing opportunity to learn surfing in Hawaii. Luckily we ran into Surf Dog Maui on the beach and thank goodness we did! He was an amazing instructor and didn't try to spend hours on the sand learning how to stand up. We really jumped right in after 30 minutes of practicing the standing form cause honestly the trick to surfing is practice makes perfect! We were in the water for an hour and we were able to surf!! Highly recommend using Surf Dog Maui! read more

Friend of a friend referred up. Although we Live in Cali we have never been surfing. Brought my 12 year old along with my wife and I ready to roll. Out 9 year old just watched soul surfer and wasn't having it. Donnie was easy out of the gate and made us all feel comfortable. After a brief 15 detail we were on the waves a ready to go. My 12 year old daughter caught about 10-15 waves and made it up on her first wave. My wife and I both did well with his suggestions All and all a good day and a great lesson. We happily recommend Donnie. Good value and left feeling like we had a connection on Maui. Aloha read more

Donny was great. He was so patient, and so informative. He gave us great explanation as to how to have the best surfing experience and he has a mellow dog, who my normally dog-fearful child warmed to. We highly recommend! read more

Surf Dog Maui - Surfing Near Me

I had a great session with Donnie. He shared the basics and got me up and surfing within the hour.

Donnie was an awesome instructor and a great guy all around. He got me up and riding a wave on my first try! There was another instructor on the water and it was easy to tell that Donnie was a significantly better teacher. I felt lucky to get a lesson from him! Cute dogs too read more

My first time surfing ever, and Donny was a great teacher! Donny laid out the groundwork on the ground, teaching us how to look at the sets of waves, various important maneuvers, and of course, how to get on the board! He took time to make sure we got the fundamentals down before heading out on the water. Once out there, I definitely felt more at ease knowing it he was there, letting me know when to dive through or turn and pop for a wave. With a very helpful shove (literally) in the right direction, I got up on the first try! It was an amazing feeling, and I definitely give Donny a big part of the credit for getting me up. He knew the right wave, on the right beach, with the right board, and the right technique. Will definitely visit him again next time I'm in town (please be soon!). read more

Surf Dog Maui - Great first time surfing, thanks to Donny! - Surfing Near Me

My kids and I have been going to Donny for over 7 years. He's a really good instructor, super fit, and does an excellent job of teaching beginners good technique. You and your kids will be surfing in minutes. Thanks Donnie! read more

Donny was great with teaching the basics of surfing. It didn't take long to, as long as your physical abilities allow, surf on your own. What I looked for and benefited most from Donny is that he kept the group size small (3 total people in our instance) and we went to a semi-private location where we were not stumbling over each other or other groups of surfers. Donny was firm with instruction and direction, but only to the extent that it benefited you, and he was really nice about it. I'd definitely recommend Donny to anyone first learning to surf! read more

Excellent experience! Good instruction beforehand as well as on the water. I caught some nice waves and only stopped because I was exhausted from the surf. Good price for a one on one lesson, better than a surf school with multiple students in one class. Plus, Louie the puppy was a great companion for my wife on shore while I was in the water. I highly recommend! read more

After a terrible experience with a "well reviewed" surf school, I decided I wanted to book a surf lesson with the instructor instead of a school who's instructor I wouldn't know. Donny offered half the price of surrounding schools and the reassurance of knowing the instructor - him. I didn't want a 22-year who just let me figure out surfing, I wanted to someone to break down the details before heading out into the water. Donny was great in instruction and attitude. He gave me confidence when I was feeling down and advised me when I needed it, which was all the time. When we called him he offered us a ride when he realized we didn't have a vehicle and an opened ended time. Loved this. Donny's a great experienced surf instructor with a great chill attitude that makes you feel confident and safe. read more

We originally picked Donnie because he was the only place willing to give lessons on a Sunday. How lucky for us! He was terrific with my twin 13 year old boys! Their review is "he's is kind, encouraging but will work your butt off!" The rest of my family are going back for lessons on another day! read more

We booked our semi-private surf lesson last minute and Donny was extremely responsive, calling us quickly to provide us with all the information we needed. Donny provided us with rash guards and gave us brief instruction on dry land before heading out into the water. He was very effective in helping us both catch quite a few waves! We had a great time and would highly recommend Surf Dog Maui! read more

Forget the rest Donnie is the best! Don't waste your money on one of these overpriced big shop outlets, get personalized instruction from Maui's best! He had my 2 daughters (ages 10 & 14) and me surfing in no time. With Donnie's help, my 10 year old stood up on her very first try! Donnie is patient, thourogh and terrific with kids! If your thinking about surf lessons call Donnie!!! read more

We had a great morning with Donny and his doggos. He was super patient with us all (me my wife and kids 9 & 11) and had us surfing in no time. We were all standing up by our second or third wave which was incredible. Donny was working hard giving us just the push we needed to get the waves and the right verbal instructions to make sure we could handle it on our own. Definitely glad we chose to take a lesson from Donny over the big surf schools at the hotels that seem a little more impersonal. read more

My wife and I recently had a lesson with Donnie, it was awesome! Gave us a thorough rundown of surf etiquette, instructions, and things to be aware of prior to getting into the water. Once on the water, did a great job teaching us to spot the right wave and helped steer us in the right direction for the first few waves. Overall, an awesome experience with a great instructor. Would highly recommend read more

What a great experience and learning how to surf I've been other services but this is by far the best. The personal one-on-one interaction was incredible, insight into the surfing life to be able to be kind to others and what to look for in form of waves for future use was extremely helpful. I felt I was more prepared to surf than I ever have been in my life and indeed I did surf from the very beginning to the very end until my arms couldn't take it anymore. The price is very reasonable for the attention and detail you gave us. Wish I had more time to be in to do it again but I'll have to come back. Mahalo Donny!!! read more

Donny (Surf Dog) was awesome once again! Our daughters (ages 16 & 19) first took lessons from Donny eight years ago. We looked him up when we were on Maui last month. Easy going, kind, helpful and at our own pace- he has the right way to connect with people to make the sport not so daunting. He taught the girls how to stand up first on the boards on dry land. When he was sure they were ready, they went to the water. With the rash guard shirts he provided, the girls had a wonderful experience learning from a guy who got to know them and treated them like a friend. Donny taught the girls how to catch the wave without him and what to do in an emergency. Fun and safe! We will definitely call Donny when we are back in Maui! read more

Donny was an awesome instructor and catered to each individual in our very small group (only me and one other person!) Had a great time! Luigi is also a very cool pup! read more

Our family had an excellent experience with Donny and Surf Dog Maui. We went as a family of 6 adults with varying experience levels - but mostly no experience! We were all able to "catch" waves successfully and had a blast! He was great coaching each of us individually based on our apprehensions and skill levels. The next day we returned and our (adult) kids rented two boards for a couple of hours so they could practice more. Definitely wear a rash guard. (He provided some for us.) Be aware of the coral - he will tell you how to avoid getting cut with his safety talk. Hula (aka: Lula) and Louie are great beach pups - just adorable! Give Donny a call when you are in the area for surfing lessons - it's a great experience! Everyone in our family highly recommends Surf Dog Maui! read more

My daughter and her friend (both 15) had a great time. Donny is a great instructor - he was very friendly and patient. Both girls were up and surfing in no time. Now I think by daughter is hooked on surfing. read more

You will love your experience with Donny at Surf Dog Maui so just book him right now. Professional, knowledgeable, skillful, and entertaining are all ways I describe Donny. He called me very soon after I booked online and arranged our meeting time and place. Be prepared to give your accurate height and weight so that he can set you up with the right board and rash guard (yes he will bring a fresh, clean, rash guard for you to borrow while surfing... you'll need it!). I also requested to rent a board from him for my husband to use while I got a lesson and he delivered as promised. My lesson started from the beach and worked to the ocean. Safety, etiquette, and awareness are paramount to the experience he shares. I worried about the possibility of scraping myself on small bits of reef often found in Hawaiian waters, but he quickly and effectively explained how to fall in the water or slide onto the board when done with the wave (or the wave was done with me, in my case :P). It stood out to me in a big way the respect Donny has for the environment: the coral animals, the ocean waters, the air, and the volcanic hills beyond the shores. It is his "office". On the beach we practiced a few general techniques and then he taught me what to look for in the waves and ocean, how to find the right spot, and how to get into the water. It was his hope that I would feel comfortable to do this with friends back home. Donny taught me how to spot the waves, timing, when to dig deep, paddle hard, and when to stand. He would call out over the din of the waves the directive to stand, and stand [read crouch] I did. We rode at my pace. While out in the water, we would chat a bit and he'd ask if I was ready for another. I was always ready! He is an athletic and energetic swimmer and by the looks of other reviewers, can easily work with anyone (kids, teens, adults) who need that extra help getting from the shore back out to the line-up. I booked with Surf Dog Maui two days later to keep me in the groove and because he was so authentic. There was no "Bro" this and "Bro" that. For the next lesson Donny brought a different board based on the assessment of my surfing. Whether you take a group lesson or a private one, your experience will be professional and personal. Surfing with Donny was a quintessential experience in a location that was Shangri-la. Actually it was totally Maui. Thanks Donny. I look forward to practicing in California and then renting a board from you next time I'm in Maui. I'll miss those warm Hawaiian waters as I swim and surf in the cold water currents of California. As I said before my fellow Yelpers, surf with Surf Dog Maui! read more

Donnie showed us a great time! He was great with the kids and got everybody into some fun waves. Highly recommend.

Donny's lesson was a great first experience for my kids. He was fun, helpful, and understanding. They both rode waves within the first half hour. read more

Donnie was awesome and very patient. I got up my second wave. I strongly recommend any beginners to try Donnie and meet his dog Luigi.

Amazing surf lesson. I managed to ride every wave! I feel like I have a really good base to work from now

Had a great time! Donny is a great instructor, was able to nearly ride every wave we took!

I called Donny on New Years Eve and he was able to quickly accommodate me. He was lovely and so was his little dog Louie. I've been wanting to try surfing for years and quickly became unintimidated. After a lot of paddling and some patience, I was able to ride some waves! read more