Learn to Surf

Legends about surfing are found in the earliest stories of ancient Hawaii. In about 400 A.D., a form of belly boarding on small wooden planks was introduced. Later, Tahitian explorers brought their tradition of riding waves with canoes. The ingenious Hawaiians merged the two techniques to create the sport of surfing.

Today the fascination with the sport of kings is as alive as ever. Maui with its array of beaches, warm, clear waters and year-round surf attracts an endless stream of surfers.

Winter waves can range in size from 4- to 20-foot faces at surfing beaches such as Honolua Bay, which offers a spectacular vantage point on the cliff above the water. Ho'okipa Beach Park, known for windsurfing, Pa'ia Bay and Hamoa Beach in Hana all offer world-class surfing. Maui also plays host to "Jaws," one of the biggest and most rideable waves mother ocean has to offer. Local surfers also call "Jaws" by the native name of the bay where it is located, Pe'ahi. Big waves at "Jaws" are hard to predict and should be attempted only by world-class surfers.

Learning how to surf is a rewarding adventure. There are lessons, camps, and clinics available for those who want to try. Students generally begin their training riding soft long boards and are introduced to the necessary surfing fundamentals, safety, and ocean-awareness in a land lesson before entering the small surf to give it a try. Lessons are fully supervised and most schools offer beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons Classes designed specifically for youngsters and families are available at Maui Waveriders. Menehune (small people) Waveriders classes are taught mornings in Kihei and Lahaina. Classes are organized by age group and families.