Private Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore

A private lesson at Kalama Park gives you something a group class cannot: an instructor who can focus on your balance, timing, and nerves instead of splitting attention among a crowd. You meet at Surf Club Maui in Kihei, get fitted with a board and water gear, then work with your coach to choose the right surf break.

I like the one-to-one coaching and the fact that equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate board rental. I also like the calm, patient teaching style reported from instructors David and Ebes, especially for first-time surfers who need clear safety advice before heading into the water.

The main drawback is the price: $299 per person for about two hours is a serious spend, especially for a solo beginner. It makes the most sense if personal attention matters to you, or if you are traveling with a small private group and want a lesson shaped around your own ability.

Key points to know before booking

• Private coaching at Kalama Park: Your group has the instructor’s full attention, with the lesson adjusted to your skill level.
• All basic surf gear is supplied: A board, surf shoes, and lycra shirt are included.
• Good for different ages and abilities: Kids and adults can work at different level surf breaks.
• Safety comes first: You must be able to swim and have a moderate level of physical fitness.
• Meet in Kihei: Start and finish at Surf Club Maui, 1900 S Kihei Road.
• Plan ahead: The experience is often booked about 83 days in advance.

Starting at Surf Club Maui in Kihei

Your lesson begins at the Surf Club Maui van at 1900 S Kihei Road in Kihei. This is both the meeting point and the end point, so you do not need to sort out a second pickup location after the lesson.

The setup is practical. You meet your instructor, receive the provided surf board, surf shoes, and lycra shirt, and talk through your plan for the water. That short planning step matters. A first lesson can feel like a blur of waves, instructions, and unfamiliar equipment, so knowing what will happen before you leave the van helps you settle in.

Transportation to and from attractions is not included. You are responsible for reaching the meeting point, and the activity does not provide transfers from your hotel or another Maui attraction. The meeting point is near public transportation, but you should still confirm your own route and allow enough time to arrive ready for the two-hour session.

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity is offered in English. It is a private activity, meaning only your own group participates. That gives you more room to ask questions and request extra help without worrying about slowing down strangers.

Why Kalama Park works for a first lesson

Kalama Park is the only listed stop, but the water session is the heart of the experience. You are not spending the morning moving between attractions. After getting organized, you head into the water with the instructor guiding you toward suitable waves.

The useful part of a private lesson is not simply being shown how to stand on a board. Your instructor can adjust the pace to your comfort and ability. A beginner may need help with basic positioning and getting onto the board, while a more experienced surfer may want advice on timing, balance, or advancing to a different break.

The lesson also offers different level surf breaks. That is important for mixed groups. A stronger adult and a nervous beginner do not necessarily need the same part of the water, and kids may need a gentler introduction. The instructor can help shape the session instead of handing everyone the same routine.

You should keep expectations realistic. Two hours is enough for an introduction and practice, but it is not a promise that you will become a confident surfer in one morning. Your best measure of success may be learning how to handle the board, understanding basic safety, and catching a few waves with better form by the end.

What the two hours are likely to feel like

The first stage is preparation. You get your gear, discuss the plan, and make sure the lesson matches your ability. The supplied surf shoes and lycra shirt are useful here because they leave you with fewer pieces of equipment to arrange on your own.

Next comes the water session. Your instructor directs you to the best waves available for your level and gives pointers as you practice. The private format should make it easier to stop and ask for clarification when an instruction does not make sense.

The coaching style matters more than flashy technique. David is specifically noted for giving pointers across different skill levels, while Ebes is described as patient with a nervous beginner and careful about safety in the water. Those details suggest the instruction is suited to people who may feel uncertain, not just confident athletes who want to improve.

One especially memorable possibility is seeing sea turtles while you are in the water. That happened during one lesson, but it is wildlife, not a guaranteed part of the activity. Treat it as a lucky extra rather than something promised by the booking.

At the end, you return to the meeting point. There is no separate sightseeing stop or extended beach itinerary. The value is concentrated in the instruction and time in the water.

Private coaching and the real value of $299

At $299 per person, this is not the cheapest way to try surfing on Maui. The price needs to be judged against what is included and how much attention you want.

You receive a two-hour private lesson, a surf board, surf shoes, and a lycra shirt. You also get an instructor focused on your group rather than a large class. If you are anxious about the water, have a child who needs a slower pace, or want to work on a specific skill, that personal attention can make the higher price easier to justify.

The value is weaker if you only want to test surfing casually and do not care about individual coaching. A shared lesson or equipment rental may cost less, though those options are not part of this experience and may not provide the same level of direct instruction.

For families, compare the price carefully. The charge is listed per person, so the total rises quickly as your group grows. The private format can be a strong fit for a family that wants to stay together, but it is worth confirming the final total before committing.

The booking pattern also matters. This activity is booked, on average, 83 days ahead. That does not guarantee every date will sell out, but it is a clear reason to reserve early if you have limited time on Maui or need a particular day.

The instructors make a difference

The strongest part of the experience is the human side of the lesson. A surf instructor needs to explain technique clearly, watch for safety problems, and help you stay calm when a wave feels bigger than expected.

David is noted for giving pointers suited to different levels. That is useful if your group has mixed experience, since a basic beginner explanation may not be enough for someone who has surfed before.

Ebes is described as patient with a nervous student, answering questions in detail and checking on safety in the water. For a first-time surfer, that may be more valuable than a fast-paced lesson. You want an instructor who lets you build confidence rather than pushing you into a wave before you are ready.

Suzie is also associated with a smooth booking experience, while Lalani helped with ocean pictures during one outing. Ask the team about photography if having action shots matters to you, but do not treat pictures as a listed inclusion. The confirmed inclusions are the lesson and surf equipment.

Instructor assignments can change, so you should not assume that David or Ebes will lead every booking. Their names are useful examples of the coaching style you may encounter, not a guaranteed lineup.

Who should book this Maui surf lesson

I would point this experience toward several types of visitors.

First-time surfers get a private introduction with guidance matched to their ability. The requirement that all participants can swim keeps the lesson focused on surfing rather than basic water safety.

Families with kids and adults may appreciate the different level surf breaks. A private group can receive instructions suited to its own mix of ages and abilities, though every participant still needs the fitness and mobility required for the activity.

Nervous beginners may find the patient approach especially helpful. If you have questions or feel uneasy in the water, a private instructor gives you more chances to ask for a pause or another explanation.

Returning surfers can use the session to work on technique and move toward a more advanced break, depending on conditions and the instructor’s judgment.

The activity is less suitable if you cannot swim, have mobility or health limits that make the physical demands unsuitable, or want a long beach day with several attractions. This is a focused surf lesson, not a broad Maui sightseeing tour.

Practical details that affect your day

Bring only what you need for the lesson and plan your own way to 1900 S Kihei Road. Since transportation is not included, the meeting point deserves attention when you build your day’s schedule.

The experience is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation. The tour is described as suitable for people with moderate physical fitness, but you must have the health, fitness, and mobility needed for the activity.

You also need to be able to swim. This is not a minor formality. Surfing involves handling a board, moving through the water, and following instructions in an active setting. If anyone in your group is unsure about swimming, this is not the right lesson to book without first resolving that concern.

Free cancellation gives you some breathing room. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, so watch the local cutoff rather than relying on your departure time or home time zone.

My take: pay for attention, not just a board

I like this lesson for its simple focus. You meet at one place, get the gear you need, work with a professional instructor, and spend the session practicing at waves suited to your ability. The private format and patient coaching make it more appealing than a standard group lesson for nervous beginners, families, and anyone who wants useful feedback.

The $299 price is the key decision. Book it if you value personal instruction, want a private group, or have limited time and want a structured introduction. Skip it if you are mainly looking for the lowest-cost way to stand on a board or if your group cannot swim.

For the right person, this is a good way to make your first Maui surf attempt less confusing and more controlled. Just reserve early, plan your own transportation to Kihei, and remember that turtle sightings and photographs are pleasant possibilities, not guaranteed inclusions.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson begin?

It begins at the Surf Club Maui van at 1900 S Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Surf Club Maui.

How long is the private surf lesson?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours.

Is equipment included?

Yes. A surf board, surf shoes, and a lycra shirt are provided.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. All participants must be able to swim.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to and from attractions is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation.

What happens if I cancel?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations and changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.