The Best Surfing Lessons in Maui

Hey there, fellow surf enthusiasts!

I know what you’re thinking: surfing in Maui sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, let me tell you, it is! From my own personal experience with my boyfriend searching for the perfect wave to ride, I can assure you that this beautiful Hawaiian island has some of the best spots for both beginners and seasoned surfers.

You see, I’ve spent countless hours researching and riding waves in Maui because I wanted to master this exciting sport. Lucky for you, all that time investigating every beach and swell has paid off! Now I’m ready to share with you the absolute best surfing lessons Maui has to offer.

Picture us together exploring West and South Maui beaches where we’ll find calm waves just perfect for learning. Or maybe we’ll head up north to challenge ourselves on those jaw-dropping swells that even intimidate professional surfers. Trust me; we’re going to have an amazing time!

Warning: After taking one of these lessons from a top-notch instructor at one of these fantastic schools – be prepared – your obsession with surfing in paradise might just hit new heights!

Now grab your board (or rent one), put on some sunscreen, and let’s dive into the world of Maui surfing lessons! The ocean is calling our names!

What Will I Learn? show

Outrageous Surf School Lessons in Lahaina

Whether you’re a beginner to surfing or looking for a refresher course in the sport, booking a small group surfing lesson is the way to go, and the calm waters in Lahaina, West Maui, are the best place for it. The Outrageous Surf School offers lessons for people of all ages and skill levels on Breakwall Beach in Lahaina Harbor, whose shallow surf and clear water make it ideal for surfing.

Your lessons are led by expert instructors, who work with small groups at a time, so each student gets individual attention. The lesson includes brief safety instructions on land, and then you’ll hit the waves, where your instructor teaches paddling techniques and tips for catching waves, standing up and the best way to wipe out safely.

That’s not all, after surfing, you can enjoy the beach’s many facilities like restrooms, lockers, lounge chairs, and showers. In addition, the shady shore is the perfect place for sunbathing and relaxing before or after the surf class.

My boyfriend and I have taken surf lessons with Outrageous Surf School a few times, and their expert instructors and smooth lessons never disappoint. So make sure to check them out for the best surf lessons in Maui.

The instructors are CPR and First Aid certified and trained lifeguards, so you’ll be in the safest hands.
The surf school provides private one-on-one classes for kids aged 5-8 years.
You can purchase photos of the lesson after the class ends.

Small Group Surf Lessons with Maui Surfer Girls

One of the best places to learn surfing, Maui Surfer Girls, is the only female-owned and run surfing school in Maui that provides terrific surfing lessons to people of all ages and experience levels. In addition, they offer the smallest student-to-instructor ratio, at four students with one experienced instructor, which means everyone gets personalized attention.

They hold beginner lessons at the Ukumehame Beach Park near Lahaina, whose calm waves and crystal-clear waters are ideal for surfing. You’ll begin by practicing the basics on land, such as paddling and learning to stand, before heading into the water to work on your newfound skills.

In addition, the Ukumehame Beach Park is in a serene location away from crowds, so you can practice surfing without any interruptions in the water or embarrassment from onlookers seeing you fall.

I’ve taken lessons with Maui Surfer Girls on multiple occasions, and I always recommend them to friends and family as they give the best surf lessons in Maui.

Each student gets a complimentary juice and sticker at the end of the class.
You can get the lesson photographed on request from the school.
The instructors are terrific and ensure each student rides the waves standing by the lesson’s end.

Small Group Surf Lesson in Kihei with Maui Waveriders

With two locations in Kihei and Lahaina, Maui Waveriders is the oldest surf school in Maui, operating for 25 years and having taught thousands of people the art of surfing. The school offers terrific surfing lessons with their experienced instructors and claims your lesson will be free if you can’t ride a wave standing by the end of it!

Their semi-private lessons are ideal for families or small groups wanting to take the lesson together, as you can book a session with 2-12 students to one instructor. So each cohesive group gets personalized attention, and the instructor tailors the teaching style according to the group’s skill level.

You’ll receive on-land instructions for 10-15 minutes before hitting the waves and learn to surf on the gentle waves of Kihei’s shores. In addition, you can keep your board long after the 2-hour lesson ends and keep practicing your skills on the water until the school closes.

There’s no better place to acquire this skill than Maui Waveriders, as they offer the best surfing lessons in Maui. Here’s why you’ll agree:

They accept students who don’t know how to swim, as the waves in the lesson area break into only a few feet of water.
The instructors are great and help ease you into the activity.
The semi-private lessons are great for younger children and beginners.

Beginner Group Surf Lessons with Goofy Foot Surf School

Located on the Lahaina beach in West Maui, Goofy Foot Surf School is one of the island’s most famous and well-loved surf schools. The school is focused on ensuring beginners learn the best surfing, from group lessons which include guided demonstrations for each move and the instructor accompanying you on the waves.

The lesson begins with introductions, followed by an in-depth breakdown of ocean safety and proper surfing techniques. Then, you’ll make a short paddle to the break, where the shallow, clear waters and mellow rolling waves make the ideal conditions for surfing.

In addition, Goofy Surf School aids beginners in the best way with its buoy system on the shore, which shows students where the waves are breaking and where the water is calm.

We love Goofy Foot Surf School for its expert techniques and dedication to teaching the best surf lessons in Maui. Here’s why you will too:

They offer small group lessons with personalized attention to each student.
They have private one-on-one surfing lessons for children under nine years.
The school also organizes surfing camps and holds cultural tours.

Surfing in Kihei with Waves Hawaii Surf School

Engage in the best surfing lessons on the South shore with the Waves Hawaii Surf School, which offers group, semi-private and private surf lessons for all skill levels. The school is located on the infamous Kalama Beach Park in Kihei, known as the heart of surfing in Maui, with its ideal surfing conditions for beginners.

You’ll receive safety instructions and on-land demonstrations from your expert instructors in the lesson before hitting the waves. Plus, no matter your level of expertise on the board, the instructor guides you throughout the lesson to ensure you become comfortable on the surfboard.

In addition, the Waves Surf School caters to skilled surfers with their Surf Safari Experience, which lets you test the water at more advanced breaks.

My boyfriend and I took some of our first lessons with Waves’ terrific private classes, and they undoubtedly offer the best surfing lessons in Maui.

You can purchase souvenir photos from your lesson after it’s over.
They offer a Baby Surf Experience to teach children under eight years.
The instructors are amazing and ensure students ride a wave standing by the lesson’s end.

Private Surf Lesson for Two with Rivers to the Sea

Perfect your surfing skills or learn the sport anew with Rivers to the Sea, a terrific surf school in West Maui which offers private surfing lessons with only two students per instructor. Their lessons are tailored to your experience, making them a great option for beginner and intermediate surfers wanting to improve their skills.

Their lessons include a short on-land session on surfing water safety, paddling techniques, and proper surfing etiquette, which allows surfers to correct their bad surfing habits and form before hitting the waves. Then, once you’re in the water, the many tips for catching waves from the instructors will allow you to ride your first wave standing in no time.

In addition, the surf instructors at this school are award-winning surfing champions, so you know you’re learning the sport from the very best.

My boyfriend and I loved their private class for two, and it helped improve our form and technique immensely. So check them out for the best surfing lessons in Maui.

You can purchase their photography package to have your lesson photographed.
They provide a brand new, state-of-the-art soft-top board to each student.
Their private surf lessons for two are a great gift for a loved one wanting to learn surfing.

Group Surf Lessons with Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy

A great place to begin your surfing journey in Maui is with the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy, which operates in Ka’anapali and Lahaina in West Maui. They offer surfing lessons for small groups of five students per instructor, and private lessons for all skill levels, including beginner non-swimming surfers to intermediate and advanced surfers looking to improve their skills.

Your lesson starts with a short briefing to go over safety measures from a professional instructor before hitting the waves. Then, each surfer gets to ride a wave and spend time in the water before the next student enters. This teaching technique is great as the instructor can pay individual attention to your strengths and weaknesses.

Once everyone gets the hang of it, you’ll ride the waves side-by-side with your new surf buddies on the Lahaina shores with proper technique and surfing etiquette.

We’ve taken lessons with the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy a few times and highly recommend them to everyone as some of the best surfing lessons in Maui.

Their beach location has an incredible surf break and good conditions year-round.
They have a professional photographer taking close-up shots of the lesson.
Students can relax and rest on the beach after their lessons.

Group Surf Lessons with Beginners Instructions

Learn the art of surfing from the world-famous Kihei shores with these small group surf lessons designed for beginners and first-time surfers. Students in these lessons learn from professional surfing instructors who guarantee they’ll ride a wave standing by the lesson’s end, or else the class is free!

They offer two-hour small group lessons with a six-to-one ratio, which includes an introduction to the fundamentals of surfing, such as ocean awareness, water safety, riding skills and proper surfing etiquette.

In addition, the excellent surfing conditions in Kihei help students get the hang of the sport and ride waves easily in their first lesson.

We loved surfing on the Kihei shores easily with these lessons, as they’re some of the best surfing lessons in Maui.

There are private lessons for children between five and eight years of age.
The instructors share pro surfing tips with you during the lesson.
You can purchase pictures of the lesson after it ends.

FAQs

Is Maui a good place to learn to surf?

Maui is one of the world’s best surfing destinations, as its shores have ideal surfing conditions year round. The island also boasts the best beaches for beginner surfers, and with 20 surf schools on the island, you’re bound to learn this skill from the best instructors.

Which side of Maui is best for surfing?

If you’re a beginner surfer, head to Kihei beaches on the South shore and Lahaina beaches in West Maui, which have the gentlest waves and calm waters for surfing. Professional surfers will love the North shore beaches, which have challenging swells.

Where do locals surf in Maui?

Honolua Bay in West Maui is a popular surfing spot for locals as it has incredible surf breaks and swells. However, beginners shouldn’t try their luck here as the waves are meant for more experienced surfers.

Winding Up The Best Surfing Lessons in Maui

If you’ve made it this far in the article, you know Maui has great surfing lessons for people of all ages and experience levels on its shores. With over twenty surfing schools on the island teaching this sport, you’re bound to ride your best waves from here.

Want to learn surfing from the best surf schools in West Maui? Head to Maui Surfer Girls and Outrageous Surf School.

Need individual attention to perfect your form? Try taking private surfing lessons with Rivers to the Sea.

Looking for schools for the children to learn surfing? Don’t miss Waves Hawaii and Goofy Foot Surf School.

The best surfing lessons in Maui guarantee you’ll become an ace at the sport!

Last Updated on March 30, 2023 by Brigitte