Beginner Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore: Learn to Ride

Catch Your First Wave on Maui's Best Learning Beach

A 2-hour beginner surf lesson on Maui's south shore with a professional local instructor, small group size, and all gear included. You'll meet at Kalama Beach Park, get fitted with a surfboard matched to your level, reef shoes and a lycra rashguard, learn safety and technique from your coach, and ride your first wave before the session ends. A professional photographer captures your progress, and the lesson wraps with a photo review.

The experience

The lesson starts at Kalama Beach Park, where your instructor sizes you up and picks a surfboard that fits your level and the day's conditions. You'll pull on reef shoes and a lycra rashguard for sun protection, then spend time on the sand learning the fundamentals: how to paddle, where to position yourself, how to read the wave and pop up onto the board. Your coach stays with you the entire time, calling out what's next and catching you when the timing is close.

By the end of the 2-hour session, you will have ridden at least one wave. That's not a maybe: the operator guarantees it. The south shore is the island's gentlest learning break, with smaller, more forgiving waves and a sandy bottom that makes paddling out and falling safer than reef or rocks. Small class sizes keep the instruction personal and the water uncrowded, so you're not jostling for position or waiting your turn.

After you're done in the water, a professional photographer shows you the shots taken during your session. You'll see yourself actually riding, which most beginners don't expect to happen on day one.

What’s included

• 2-hour group surf lesson with a professional local instructor.
• surfboard matched to your level.
• reef shoes and lycra rashguard.
• professional photo review at the end of the session.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00 and 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Action Sports Maui

Is this one for you?Book the group lesson if you're 11 or older and comfortable in the ocean: small classes keep the instruction focused and the water uncrowded. If your child is 8–10 or weighs under 95 pounds, the semi-private option pairs them with a family member and gives the instructor room to adjust the pace to their size and confidence.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

Do I need to know how to swim to take this lesson?

Yes, all participants must be able to swim in the ocean. The lesson takes place in the water, and your instructor needs to know you're comfortable there.

What's the minimum age for this beginner class?

The adult group lesson is for ages 11 and up. Children ages 8–10 can join a family member in a semi-private class, and kids under 8 need a private lesson.

What does the lesson include?

The 2-hour lesson includes the surfboard, reef shoes, a lycra rashguard, instruction from a professional coach, and a photo review at the end. The instructor speaks English and Spanish.

Where exactly does the lesson take place?

Kalama Beach Park on Maui's south shore. This location is the gentlest learning break on the island, with smaller waves and a sandy bottom that makes it ideal for beginners.

Will I actually surf, or just practice on the beach?

You will surf in the water and ride waves. The operator guarantees that every participant catches at least one wave during the 2-hour session.