Aug 15, 2008
Surfing, “It’s easier than it looks”
Hawaii is always a popular destination among travelers and it certainly ranks tops for me. During our most recent trip to Maui this summer my two teenage girls tried surfing. According to them, “It’s easier than it looks.” We purchased a lesson from Maui Beach Boys. They offer lessons at the Cove of Kalama Park. The Park is right in the middle of Kihei and close to the Maui Banyan, our home property on Maui.
We booked a group lesson but there were only 4 people total in the group so it was like a semi private lesson anyway. The out of water instruction was brief and the girls quickly made for the water to learn by doing. The instructor helps each person judge and catch the wave, so Madison was able to stand up on her first wave.
Travelers can contact Maui Beach boys at www.mauibeachboys.com
I have always dreamed of traveling to Hawaii, but the flight, even with layovers, would be a bit much for me as I am not a very patient flyer. I have, however spent allot of my summer days on the Jersey shore windsurfing as a younger person. I know the waves and scenic views don’t compare but surfing and windsurfing are so much fun! I hope someday to be able to teach my girls as well. Although, I will probably not be such a great instructor by the time they will be able to surf- I’ll probably be the “photographer”.
I have to disagree with the surfing comment. When I was in Maui(also in Kihei)- watching others surf “appeared” easy to me. So, we ran right out to rent snorkel gear and surfing gear for 3 whole days. We planned on being pro’s in no time. We snorkeled for about an hour and then decided to test out the surf. After several attempts of getting no where… we gave up. We threw our gear in the back of our rented jeep and decided to do things that were much easier the rest of the vacation. It took less of an effort to parasail, ride in a helicopter, eat at a luau, hang out on a party boat and lay on the beach. Now, those things I excel at!! I give Madison a lot of credit, I don’t think I ever completely stood up during my attempts. Actually, I’m not a very athletic person or an ocean person. I chuckle every time I think about our Hawaii surfing experience. It was still fun to try. We probably should have taken lesson’s. Then, we may have not given up so easily. Don’t let my story deter anyone, it’s still something you need to try, especially when visiting Hawaii. I’d just rather sit back and watch everyone else do it.
For all those travelers who agree with Candy’s post and just want to watch the action, head to the North shore of Maui. We love lunch at Mama’s Fish house because there are usually incredibly insane windsurfers nearby. There is also a beach on the left as your approach Paia town from Kahalui that is popular among locals so you can see the real experts hit the waves.
I have also been to “Mama’s Fish House” while visiting Maui. It was such a long time ago, I can’t remember exactly what I ordered but, it may have been sushi. I do remember it being very good. The service was outstanding and the ambience was perfect for a night out on the island.