Group Surf Lessons
Hours of Operation
Monday-Saturday: 8:00 am & 10:30 am
2-Hour Beginner Classes
Whether you’re interested in learning to surf for the once in a lifetime experience or you’re a sincere “wanna-be surfer”, a 2-hour beginner introductory lesson is all it takes to learn the basic fundamentals of surfing and riding waves.
We guarantee that you will stand and ride at least one wave in your first 2-hour lesson or it’s free!
Our introductory lesson focuses on giving the beginner surfer an easy approach focused on safety, fundamentals, and ocean-awareness. Goofy Foot’s lessons are based on easily learned instructions for paddling, navigating the surf zone, timing and catching waves, four fundamental surf stances, board maneuvering, stopping, and even wiping out. Goofy Foot will provide patient professional instruction, excellent equipment, and the best waves possible for learning.
Beginner group lessons are available to virtually everyone, and there are very few limitations when considering the age (must be 9 yrs of age or older to join a Group Lesson, otherwise Private lessons are required), weight, height, or swimming ability of the potential surfing student. Prior ocean experience is not necessary. Group classes are small in size, no more than 5 students per Instructor. Guaranteed!
How It Works
As a first step in their beginner group lesson, our students are outfitted with modern soft longboards and a protective Lycra t-shirt. Next, we proceed to the beach, where the first half hour or so of your lesson is taught on the sand and in the flat water. The rest of your time is spent surfing in the warm water. Students are supervised and coached at all times!
Great surfing experience…
Our family has surfed before…but the surf instructor “Pau” (the Spaniard Surfer) made all the difference! So impressed! Instructions were clear, simple and perfect….he read the waves and knew exactly where to be and when….he made sure everyone got up as many times as we wanted…and continued to instruct and encourage like a pro! Honestly it was one of highlights of Maui! A must do 😉
The Beach Lesson
The experience we have gained from teaching surfing since 1994 has taught us that a great beach lesson translates into a great water lesson. Easily over 30% of our students stand up on their first wave. The first half-hour of the beginner lesson is spent on the beautiful beach and in the warm waters of West Maui. The surf break is a short paddle or walk from there. On the beach, students learn and practice Goofy Foot’s easy approach to learning to surf that is based on four fundamental stances and introduces easy methods for paddling, navigating the surf zone, timing and catching waves, standing up, board maneuvering, stopping, and even wiping out.
As safety is paramount, our instructors instill in students the concepts of “360 degrees of awareness” and “constant anticipation” which are vital to safe participation in surfing. The beach lesson also gives students and instructors time to develop a rapport and a chance to go over rules of the road, our coaching voice and hand signals, and any questions before their surfing session.
The Water Lesson
After their initial half hour of training, students spend the remainder of their time surfing with their instructor and are professionally coached and supervised at all times. The instructor designates a resting spot for the surfers and then paddles with students, instructing them on maintaining their position in a moving body of water. At that point the students work on a rotation with one or two students paddling over to their instructor to prepare to catch their first wave. Students begin in small surf and progress according to their own abilities.
After their ride they are instructed to paddle back to the rest area to await their next turn. Surfing and paddling in this method helps orientate students to any ocean currents and to the surf zone. The instructor is responsible for every aspect of maintaining this rotation with students until each student displays a sufficient grasp of the basics and feels comfortable in the waves. At this point, with instructor approval, students are given more freedom to surf on their own and the instructor continues to facilitate students throughout the duration of the lesson. The goal of the instructors is to divide time evenly among all students and to ensure that everyone stays safe and gets at least one successful ride standing. The large majority get a great many successful rides.
Gather Your Group and Hit the Waves!
Gather your crew and dive into an unforgettable surf experience with Goofy Foot Surf School’s group lessons. Perfect for friends, families, and teams, our group lessons offer a fun, supportive environment to learn and enjoy surfing together. Spots fill up quickly, so reserve your group lesson now!
***Photo packages are available at all lessons for an additional charge***
Our Lessons
- Group Surf Lessons
- Private Surf Lessons
- Cultural Canoe Tour
Ready to Surf with Friends?
Why surf alone when you can share the stoke with friends? Our group lessons are designed for maximum fun and learning, so round up your crew and join us for an epic day on the water.
West Maui’s Premier Surf Spot
Stop by our location and feel the aloha spirit in every lesson. We’re excited to welcome you and get you started on your surfing journey!
