Semi Private Surf Lessons with Experienced Coaches

Maui Surfer Girls gets you from sand to surf quickly, with a 30 minute beach lesson followed by 90 minutes in the water. Coaches such as Andrew, Maggie, Jedi, Sloane, and Kelly focus on simple pop-up technique, ocean awareness, and steady encouragement rather than rushing you into waves.

I like the small group limit, which gives you more coaching than a large beach class, and I like the setting at Ukumehame Beach Park, where the West Maui mountains rise behind the beach and Lanai and Kaho’olawe may appear on the horizon. The main drawback is physical: paddling works your shoulders and neck, and the sunny beach offers limited shade.

Key points before you book

• Two hours with 90 minutes in the water: The beach briefing is practical, then most of your time goes to trying real waves.
• Small groups of 2 to 6: The maximum ratio is three students per instructor, so you get regular help without paying for a fully private class.
• Beginner-friendly coaching: Instructors break down the pop-up, help with wave selection, and adjust their approach for nervous students or older beginners.
• Ukumehame Beach Park setting: Parking is free and easy according to the supplied experience details, but shade is limited and the coral bottom makes booties useful.
• Bring the right clothing: Wear reef-safe sunscreen and long shorts or leggings to reduce board rash, especially on the backs of your legs.
• Basic requirements matter: You must know how to swim, be at least 11 years old, and have a strong level of physical fitness.

Starting at Ukumehame Beach Park

Your lesson begins at Ukumehame Beach Park, at 615 HI-30 in Lahaina. The activity returns to this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup or figure out where to finish.

The location helps make this a practical first surf lesson. Parking is free and close to the beach, based on the experience details, and family members who are not taking the lesson can stay nearby. They can watch from shore or enjoy the beach, though you should plan for little shade.

The setting is one of the pleasures of this class. You have the West Maui mountains on one side and ocean views toward Lanai and Kaho’olawe on the other. That scenery does not make the lesson easier, but it gives the waiting periods and shore instruction a distinctly Maui feel.

You should arrive ready for sun and salt water. A rash guard is supplied, along with surf booties, and the school provides longboards, soft tops, and hard tops. The exact board used can depend on the lesson and conditions, but the range of equipment means you do not need to bring your own surfboard.

The first 30 minutes: learning on the sand

The opening land lesson covers three things that matter far more than simply standing on a board: ocean awareness, surf etiquette, and the pop-up.

The beach portion gives you a chance to practice the movement before waves and paddling compete for your attention. You work on getting from lying down to standing in a controlled way, with the coach correcting your position and explaining how to keep your balance.

That preparation is especially valuable if you feel nervous. Andrew, Maggie, Jedi, and Sloane are each described as patient and encouraging instructors, but the important point is how the lesson is taught. Coaches can simplify the movement, offer repeated reminders, and adjust their help to the person in front of them.

Ocean awareness and surf etiquette are not filler. A beginner needs to understand where to position a board, how to avoid creating danger for another surfer, and how to pay attention to the water. The instruction gives you a better base before you start catching waves.

The land lesson also sets fair expectations. You may stand on a board during your first session, but surfing is still a physical skill. Your success depends on the water, your fitness, and how quickly your body learns the pop-up. The coaching improves your chances, but it cannot guarantee that every attempt will work.

Ninety minutes in the water

After the shore practice, you get about 90 minutes of water time. That is the best part of the schedule. Some lessons give beginners a long explanation followed by a short turn in the water. Here, the balance is different: enough instruction to keep you safe, then plenty of time to paddle and try.

The coach helps you find suitable waves and may give your board a push when the timing is right. Sloane is specifically described as helping with paddling when arms became tired and giving a push into waves. That kind of hands-on support can be useful for a first-timer who understands the theory but has not yet learned how much effort surfing takes.

Do not underestimate the workout. Paddling can tire your shoulders, arms, and neck, and repeated attempts require more energy than watching surfers from the beach. One useful feature of the small group is that you may have moments to rest while the instructor works with another person.

The maximum ratio is three students to one instructor. For a group of six, that still means two instructors if the ratio is maintained. For a group of two or three, you may get more direct attention. The activity is also private in the sense that only your own group participates, so you are not mixed into a large public class.

The experience is designed for beginners, not for advanced surfers looking for challenging waves. The supplied details describe Ukumehame as suitable for beginners, and the lesson centers on getting comfortable, choosing a manageable wave, and standing up safely.

Coaches who work with different kinds of beginners

The strongest part of this activity is the coaching. The instructors named in the experience details include Andrew Goldberg, Maggie, Jedi, Sloane, Kelly, and Natalie. Each brings a slightly different manner, but the pattern is clear: you can expect patient explanations, positive coaching, and attention to individual confidence.

Andrew has taught adults and children together, including a hesitant 11-year-old. That matters if your group includes different ages or ability levels. One person may be eager to charge into the water while another needs extra time to feel secure.

Jedi has worked with children, adults, and people over 65. He is also described as using different instruction for each member of a mixed-age group. That suggests this is not a one-size-fits-all class where everyone receives the same correction.

Maggie is a good choice in spirit for beginners who want clear safety guidance and plenty of encouragement. Sloane’s practical help with paddling and wave pushes is useful for people who understand the movement but tire quickly.

You cannot select an instructor with certainty from the supplied information, though you may be able to request one when booking. The important question is less about finding a star coach and more about having a teacher who can match the pace to your group.

Equipment, coral, and what to wear

Boards, booties, and rash guard shirts are included. The school has longboards, soft tops, and hard tops, so you do not need to rent equipment elsewhere before arriving.

The booties are more than a nice extra. The beach has a coral bottom, and footwear can make getting in and out of the water more comfortable. You should still follow your instructor’s guidance about where to step.

Wear long shorts or leggings if you have them. The board can rub the inner thighs and the backs of the legs, especially during repeated paddling and standing attempts. The school advises that body glide is available, and leggings may be available if you forget yours, but it is better to arrive prepared.

Use reef-safe sunscreen and pay special attention to the backs of your legs. When you lie on the board, those areas point toward the sun and are easy to overlook. The lesson lasts two hours, and the combination of direct sun, reflective water, and exposed skin can catch you by surprise.

Bring only what you need to the beach. The supplied details do not promise storage or other personal amenities, so keep valuables to a minimum and follow the meeting instructions you receive after booking.

The view from the beach, and the practical tradeoffs

Ukumehame is a scenic place to learn. The mountain backdrop and offshore islands give you something to enjoy between attempts, and family members can watch from land.

The tradeoff is limited shade. If someone in your group is not surfing, bring appropriate sun protection for them. This is also worth considering for parents accompanying children or anyone who plans to wait through the lesson.

A photographer may be present at the beach. Jungle Rootz Hawaii has photographed sessions there, with pictures available for purchase afterward. That can be a fun way to save a record of your first stand, but it is an optional extra and is not included in the $165 price.

Is $165 a fair price?

The cost is $165 per person. For a two-hour lesson with 90 minutes in the water, equipment, booties, a rash guard, and an experienced licensed English-speaking guide, the price is reasonable if you value close instruction.

The number that matters most is not the total duration but the water time. Ninety minutes gives you enough attempts to learn from mistakes. A cheaper class with a larger group or less time in the water may not offer the same amount of useful practice.

The small-group format also adds value. You are sharing the class with two to five other people, but the ratio never exceeds three students per instructor. That is a good middle ground between a large group class and a fully private lesson.

A private lesson may be better for a very young child, a student who needs constant support, or someone who wants to progress at a different speed from the rest of the group. This semi-private format is better suited to friends and families who want to learn together and do not mind taking turns.

Tips are not included. Plan to add gratuity if your instructor gives you especially helpful coaching or makes the lesson work well for your group.

Who will get the most from this lesson?

This class is a strong fit for first-time surfers, adults who have tried once or twice, and families with children aged 11 and older. It also suits mixed-age groups because instructors can adapt their approach to a nervous child, a confident adult, or an older beginner.

You need to know how to swim and have a strong level of physical fitness. Surfing involves paddling, lifting your body onto the board, balancing, and repeated attempts. If you have concerns about your ability to manage those movements, this may not be the right activity.

The lesson also works well for people who want a guided introduction rather than a casual board rental. Renting a board gives you freedom, but it does not teach ocean awareness, etiquette, or the mechanics of a safe pop-up.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet beach morning, dislike physical exertion, or expect guaranteed success on every wave. The setting is beautiful, but this is an active lesson, not a sightseeing stop with a few minutes of instruction.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You can book with a mobile ticket, and the activity is offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking, and service animals are allowed.

The experience is commonly booked about 28 days ahead, so I would reserve early if your Maui dates are fixed or if you want a particular morning or afternoon. The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off follows local Maui time.

Final take: should you book it?

Book this lesson if you want a well-supported first attempt at surfing, especially with a group of two to six people. The combination of a short beach briefing, a long water session, supplied equipment, and a three-to-one maximum ratio gives you a fair chance to stand up and learn something useful.

I especially like it for families and couples who want to share the same activity but may need different levels of coaching. Wear leggings or long shorts, protect the backs of your legs from the sun, and expect your shoulders to work.

Skip it if you cannot swim, do not feel physically ready for paddling, or want a completely private instructor. For most capable beginners, though, Maui Surfer Girls offers a practical way to meet the ocean, learn the basics, and leave with more confidence than you brought to the beach.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson begin?

The lesson begins at Ukumehame Beach Park, 615 HI-30, Lahaina, Hawaii 96793. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours. About 30 minutes are spent on land, followed by approximately 90 minutes in the water.

How many people can join a semi-private lesson?

The activity is for groups of 2 to 6 people. The maximum ratio is three students per instructor, and only your group participates.

What age do you need to be?

Participants must be at least 11 years old. Everyone taking the lesson must also know how to swim.

What equipment is included?

Longboards, soft tops, hard tops, booties, and a rash guard shirt are included. An experienced, licensed English-speaking guide is also included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. If bad weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.