“Here we go!” says Kevin. I felt a push and then “Paddle! Paddle! Now get up when you’re ready!” yells Kevin as I paddle with all my might! I got on both knees and turned my face to look at the wave as it came towards me at full force. Facing forward again, I quickly but steadily put my right foot forward in a lunge position as though I was ready to sprint. I exhaled all the air from my lungs then popped up on both feet as I felt the wave picking up the back of my board.
Claps and shouts of “Woo hoo! You did it!” floated through the air as I suddenly realize I was riding the wave to shore! Kevin (our surf instructor), Jeremy and Stanley (another student in our surfing lesson group) were cheering. Needless to say, I too was rather ecstatic and proud of myself! This was my first try on our first day learning to surf with Goofy Foot Surf School in Lahaina, Maui!
Ready to hop up on my feet as the waves caught my board. (Photo Credit: Derek B. Photography)
In disbelief that I was actually surfing! (Photo Credit: Derek B. Photography)
That’s me, celebrating that I was able to stand and surf on my first try! (Photo Credit: Derek B. Photography)
In 2004, I took a 2-hour surfing lesson in North Shore, Oahu. After the 2-hour lesson, I was not able to stand on my board and surf. Not even once! I was disappointed of course and wondered if I’ll ever be able to surf.
On our recent trip to Maui, Jeremy encouraged me to give it another go. I was skeptical that I’d be able to surf but decided to give it one last shot!
Goofy Foot has a “You will stand and ride a wave in one 2-hour lesson or it’s free!” guarantee. “Hah! They haven’t met me yet!”, I laughed as I joked to Jeremy about how this lesson will be free!
We signed up for the mid-morning group surfing class and was rather delighted to find out that the class consisted of only 3 students to 1 instructor. We were equipped with a rash guard (long-sleeved shirt with SPF protection), shoes and a surfboard. The water shoes are great because as we get closer to shore, the water is rather shallow. The shoes protected us from the rocky sea bottom. The school also provided the services of a professional photographer to capture your experience at $20 per person. We think it is worth the money!
We had Kevin as our instructor. He’s been surfing since he was a kid, is a competitive surfer and now judges at surfing championships. In short, he knows his stuff! After a quick 20 minute practice on shore, we were ready to hit the waves!
We’re told to wait by the buoys where it was safe from surfer traffic and only paddle over to the instructor when he signals for you. We took turns paddling to the instructor and then surfing. This way we each had 1:1 attention from the instructor. I welcomed the wait because as easy as it looks, it is quite tiring! It is also great to be able to cheer for your classmates! All in all, we probably had about 8 rounds each!
Jeremy, who’s a snowboarder, was of course a natural at this. I’ve not yet seen him be “bad” at any new sport we learn! Is he really that good at everything or just lucky? He thinks it’s the former!
Jeremy’s a natural at surfing! (Photo Credit: Derek B. Photography)
Snowboarding skills definitely helped here! (Photo Credit: Derek B. Photography)
“You are guaranteed to stand up in the 2-hour lesson or your lesson is free!” guarantee makes it worth a go! (Photo Credit: Derek B. Photography)
Jeremy, riding the wave all the way till the end. I’m impressed at how he’s still able to stand on his board even though the waves have died down!
We had an absolute blast learning how to surf with Kevin. He was patient, encouraging, provided good feedback and was always looking out for our safety. I was surprised at how “easy” it was to surf (I was able to stand EVERY time I went out on the waves during the lesson) compared to my experience in 2004! I built up so much confidence that I even had Kevin teach me how to turn as I was riding the wave.
Nature: 1. Shirlene: 1. Now, we’re even!
Goofy Foot Surf School
Learn to surf with Goofy Foot Surf School!
If you’re looking to learn how to surf in Maui, we highly recommend Goofy Foot Surf School. Check them out and take on their “you’ll surf or it’s free” challenge!
Disclosure: We were provided with a discounted group lesson rate. As always, all opinions are entirely our own.
For more articles related to water, check out Magnificient Monday!
REMEMBER:
- Goofy Foot Surf School is great for learning how to surf while you’re in Maui.
- They guarantee that you’ll be able to stand and surf in their 2 hour lesson or your lesson is free.
- I was able to stand on my board and surf on my first try!
- I was also able to stand and surf every time I went out on the water during the lesson!
- Jeremy had the chance to surf larger waves as he was a natural at it!
- They’ll provide you with a rash guard, pair of water shoes and a surfboard.
- They’ll remind you to bring a towel, sunscreen and wear your bathing suit. For women, I recommend wearing bike shorts or some form of shorts that can protect your inner thighs from the surfboard. You’ll need to straddle the board as you wait for your turn on the waves.
- Goofy Foot is on 505 Front Street, #123, Lahaina 96761-1188.
- We had a group lesson where there were only 3 students to 1 instructor.
- Our instructor, Kevin, was patient, encouraging and professional. He’s a competitive surfer and judges at surfing championships. In short, he knows his stuff!
- You have the option of paying $20/person for the services of a professional photographer who will capture about 15 – 20 pictures of your surfing experience.
- After surfing, you can drive/walk down the street where there are a lot of stores for buying souvenirs, art galleries and places to eat.
- Remember to put on a LOT of sunscreen. Don’t forget to cover your ears, back of your neck, back of your legs and behind your knees!
Did you try surfing before? Were you able to stand and surf during your first lesson?
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52 Comments
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I really want to try surfing and love this guarantee, that would make me sign up! Congrats on getting up every time, that’s impressive!
Laurel recently posted..Saving Sharks through Shark Tourism
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Thanks Laurel! It was a moment of triumph for sure 🙂 We look forward to hearing about your surfing experience – you should definitely give it a go!
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{Thailand} Wat Arun in Bangkok
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A couple years ago we were in Maui and I took surf lessons down on the Kaanapali Coast. I did stand up but surfing is by far the hardest most tiring sport I have ever tried! I have a new appreciation for surfers but my surfing will be done on shore rooting everyone on while sipping a Mai tai, or 2!
Debbie Beardsley recently posted..Cities that leave you Bleh!-
I too have a new appreciation of surfers. They make it look so easy, don’t they! We were exhausted even though we surfed only about 8 times that day! great workout for sure! I wouldn’t mind “surfing” on the shore with a mai tai or 2 either – maybe we should go “surfing” together next time we’re in maui 🙂
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{Japan} Noboribetsu Jigokudani aka “Hell Valley”
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This looks like so much fun! I have to try that on my next trip to Hawaii. I love Maui. It looks like you had a great time there.
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Look at you two rockin’ it out there. Awesome.
Kent recently posted..Table for 9 Billion Please-
Thanks Kent! It was an awesome experience for sure. The instructor told us to check out Tofino when we’re back in Seattle. it’s up near Vancouver. Apparently a favorite surfing site for surfers! We just might do that 🙂
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{Malaysia} Snorkel, Dive and Chill at Redang Island
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Good show, you two.
At 60, surfing is not high on my priorities, but it looks like great fun.
Kudos to both of you for getting up on the board and riding the wave.
Looks like great fun!
Cheers,
John D. Wilson
John D. Wilson recently posted..Want to stick it to the man? Drop out and take a permanent holiday!-
Thanks John! There’s always Stand Up Paddle as an alternative! That was the other activity we wanted to try but didn’t have time.
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{Japan} Noboribetsu Jigokudani aka “Hell Valley”
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I would love to give this a go. Unfortunately surfing in this neck of the woods is unheard of.
Natalie recently posted..The Blue Cave and Kostos the Greek-
You absolutely should give it a go. Lookout for surf options on your next vacation. Maybe consider Hawaii? 🙂
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{USA} Luxurious Grand Wailea in Maui
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Woo hoo — you did it! Sounds like you found the right instructors. I’ve never tried surfing (not a great swimmer, actually), but I love to watch surfers. Must be exhilarating.
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Woohoo indeed! Thanks Cathy. Yes, the instructor we had this time gave very good instructions and broke down the “get up on your board” process into easy 5-step process.
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{USA} Surfing with Goofy Foot Surf School in Maui
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Oh my gosh, so impressed you both stood up! Surfing’s one of the few things I thought I’d never try, but you might have made me change my mind..
nod ‘n’ smile recently posted..Photo Friday: Competing in a Pseudo-Amazing Race-
Never say never! If you can do pseudo-amazing race, you can surf 🙂
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{India} Thiksey Monastery is a “Must Visit” in Leh
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Congrats! I’ve not had similar success, but working on it. Next time we’re in Hawaii, we’re definitely taking lessons.
Kris Koeller recently posted..On the Beach at Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos-
Thanks Kris! You should definitely take lessons – it’ll help you get used to the right form and gain confidence!
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{USA} Luxurious Grand Wailea in Maui
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Never done surfing till now… Looks to be quite an adventure, you look like a pro actually!!!
Loved the name of the school too, fun name for a fun activity:)
Have a fabulous week ahead:)
Arti recently posted..My Tryst with the Evening Ganga Arti at the Har Ki Pauri Ghat in Haridwar-
Thanks Arti! Goofy Foot refers to the foot you place on the front of the board. In the case of Goofy Foot, that means your right foot is in front like how Jeremy and I have it. You can also be a “regular foot” where your left foot is in the front 🙂 Hope you have a great week ahead too!
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{Thailand} Wat Arun in Bangkok
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The “stand up or it’s free” guarantee sounds like something I’d need, lol. Kali is also one of those people who excels at absolutely every sport he tries, and it’s rather infuriating at times. He did have an awful surf lesson in San Diego (the instructor seriously just told him to paddle and the pushed his surf board when he wanted him to go…. that was it), but he still managed to make it work. I, on the other hand? I’m the one who needs some serious intervention.
Christy recently posted..Occupy Berlin: We Are the 99%-
Thanks Christy! Yeah the guarantee definitely caught our eye. LOL – there’s always one person in a couple that’s always good at everything! For me, I always have to take lessons again and again till I get it! Jeremy practically learnt how to snowboard on his own!
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{USA} Whale Watching at San Juan Islands
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