Group Surf Lesson for Beginners in Kihei at Kalama Park

Kalama Park is a smart place to learn surfing: the break is gentle, the water is semi-shallow, and the setting feels far less intimidating than a crowded advanced surf spot. With Eddie, Sasha, Sam, and the Surf Yoga Maui team guiding you, you’ll spend two hours learning the basics and trying to stand on a board in a friendly group.

I like the all-in equipment package, especially since reef shoes and a rash guard are included along with the board. I also like the park setting, with restrooms, showers, parking, a playground, and cafes across the road. The main consideration is that this is an open group lesson, with up to 15 people, so the instructor’s attention is shared.

Key points to know before you book

• Kalama Park is a gentle first surf spot: The mild break and semi-shallow water make it a practical setting for people who have never surfed.
• Eddie is a key part of the experience: His upbeat, patient teaching style is especially useful for nervous beginners and families with children.
• All basic equipment is supplied: Your package includes a surfboard, reef shoes, and a rash guard.
• The lesson runs for about two hours: Open group sessions are offered Monday through Saturday in the morning.
• The park works well for families: You can surf while friends watch, and the site has parking, restrooms, showers, a walking path, and a playground.
• Photos are optional: A photographer may be in the water, with professional images available to buy separately and no reported pressure to purchase.

Why Kalama Park works for first-time surfers

Surfing can look simple from the beach. Once you are on a board, it is another matter. You need to read the wave, balance your weight, paddle at the right moment, and stand without sending the board sideways. A poor first location can make the sport feel harder than it needs to be.

Kalama Park gives you a better starting point. The break here is described as gentle, and the water is semi-shallow. That does not make every attempt easy, but it gives you a more forgiving place to learn the basic motion. You can focus on getting your feet under you instead of dealing with a powerful break.

The park also makes the day less complicated for your group. Someone who does not want to surf can watch from shore. Children can use the playground, and everyone has access to public restrooms and outdoor showers. Cafes and restaurants sit across South Kihei Road, which is useful before or after a morning lesson.

The setting matters because beginners often spend as much energy managing nerves as learning technique. A familiar public park, rather than an isolated beach with few facilities, helps keep the outing relaxed.

What happens during the two-hour lesson

The activity begins at Surf Yoga Maui at Kalama Park, on South Kihei Road in Kihei. The lesson ends back at the same meeting point. Since the session is scheduled in the morning, plan to arrive ready for water time rather than treating it as a casual afternoon add-on.

The exact teaching sequence is not specified, but the format is clear: you join an open group, meet an instructor, receive the required gear, and work toward standing on a surfboard. The lesson is designed for complete beginners, so you do not need prior surfing experience.

Your board, reef shoes, and rash guard are provided. That is a real convenience. A beginner lesson is easier to book when you do not need to rent separate equipment or decide what kind of board, footwear, or top to bring. The supplied reef shoes also give you a basic layer of protection for your feet in the water.

The instructor-led format is useful because surfing has several moving parts. You are not just learning how to stand. You are learning where to place your feet, how to handle the board, and when to try. In a group class, you can also watch other students make the same early attempts, which can make your own mistakes feel normal.

Expect some trial and error. The goal of a first lesson is not to become an independent surfer in two hours. A good outcome is understanding the basic technique, feeling comfortable in the water, and possibly getting upright for a short ride. The experience is built around giving you a positive first step.

Eddie, Sasha, and the tone of instruction

The strongest pattern in the available feedback is praise for the instructors, particularly Eddie. He is described as encouraging, patient, and good at helping people relax when the sport feels intimidating. That matters most when you are learning as an adult, bringing children, or trying something that has been on your personal wish list for years.

One family learned to surf with three children, ages 11, 11, and 14. The instruction was described as friendly and laid-back, with the children getting onto boards quickly. That suggests the lesson can work well for a mixed-age family, although the activity information does not specify a minimum age or guarantee that every child will stand.

Eddie’s attitude also seems suited to adults who worry about looking awkward. Surfing has a steep emotional hurdle at the beginning. You may spend plenty of time falling off, missing a wave, or ending up in the wrong position. An instructor who treats those moments as part of the fun can change the whole experience.

Sasha and Sam are also named as instructors in the available feedback. The teaching team is described as helpful and attentive to individual needs. Because this is a group lesson, the exact amount of one-on-one coaching will depend on the number of people booked, but the maximum group size is 15.

That maximum is worth noting. A group of 15 is not the same as a private lesson. You should expect shared instruction and some waiting while other students take their turns. In exchange, you get the social comfort of learning with other beginners and a lower price than a fully private session may offer.

Equipment included, and what you still need to consider

The lesson provides the main items you need for the water:

• Surfboard
• Reef shoes
• Rash guard

This setup keeps the packing list short. You will not need to bring your own board, and you do not have to arrange a separate surf rental. The rash guard is especially useful for a longer morning in the sun and water.

The provided information does not list towels, swimsuits, sunscreen, or personal water bottles as included items. Plan around that gap. Bring what you normally need for a beach outing, while remembering that the official inclusions are the board, reef shoes, and rash guard.

Kalama Park has outdoor showers, so you can rinse off after the lesson. Public restrooms are also available onsite. These small details make a difference if you have plans later in the day or need to get children changed and comfortable after the water session.

Onsite parking is available, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The activity information does not provide a parking fee, transit route, or exact arrival instruction beyond the Surf Yoga Maui meeting location, so check your confirmation carefully before setting out.

A family-friendly morning at Kalama Park

This outing fits families better than many active excursions. You can book a shared lesson and have several members of the group participate together, while others watch from the park. The playground gives younger children something to do, though the lesson itself is for the people booked into the surf class.

The park’s walking path adds another option for anyone who prefers to stay on land. Cafes and restaurants across the street make it possible to turn the lesson into a simple morning plan without arranging another major activity.

The family angle is not only about facilities. Learning together gives children and adults a common challenge. You may see one person stand on the first try while another spends the full session practicing the setup. That difference is normal, and a supportive instructor can keep the mood light.

The group format can also help shy beginners. You are not the only person wobbling on a board, and watching other students learn can make the process feel less exposed. On the other hand, a person who wants very quiet instruction and constant personal correction may prefer to ask about a private option, if available, rather than assume a group lesson will provide it.

Optional photos from the water

A photographer may work in the water during the class, with professional photos available to purchase separately. This is useful if you want a clear record of your first ride. Phone cameras often struggle to capture close action from the beach, so the photo option may be worthwhile for a birthday, family outing, or personal milestone.

The photos are not included in the $103.66 price. The available information indicates that buying them is optional and presented without pressure. That is the right way to handle an add-on: you can decide after seeing whether the images are meaningful to you.

If you want photos, ask how the process works when you arrive. The supplied details do not state the package prices, number of images, or delivery method. Treat the photos as an extra purchase, not part of the lesson fee.

Is $103.66 a fair price?

At $103.66 per person, this is not a budget beach activity. The value comes from having a structured two-hour lesson with an instructor and all three listed equipment items included. You are paying for a guided introduction, not simply for access to a board.

For a first-time surfer, that structure can be worth more than a standalone rental. A board alone does not tell you how to position your body, catch a wave, or recover after a fall. The instructor helps you use the time well and gives you a safer, clearer introduction to the sport.

The price also makes more sense for families and friends who want to learn together. You can share the experience, encourage one another, and keep the morning centered in one location. If only one person in your party wants to surf, compare the cost with the value you place on instruction and the convenience of supplied gear.

I would not book this expecting a long, technical surf course. Two hours is enough for a first lesson, not enough to master the sport. The price is strongest when you value a low-stress introduction, supportive teaching, and the convenience of having equipment ready.

Timing, booking, and weather

Open group lessons run Monday through Saturday in the morning. That timing is practical in Maui. It leaves the rest of the day open, and it fits well with the park’s cafes and nearby facilities.

The activity is often reserved about eight days ahead, and peak family periods such as spring break, summer break, and winter break can fill weeks in advance. If your dates are fixed, book early rather than waiting until you are already on Maui.

At least two surfers are required to book an open group lesson online. That means solo bookers should not assume they can reserve this format alone. If you are traveling by yourself, check availability and booking requirements before planning around the class.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Who should choose this lesson?

This lesson is a strong match for:

• First-time surfers
• Families with school-age children and teenagers
• Adults who feel nervous about trying surfing
• Friends who want to learn together
• Visitors who want a morning activity with the rest of the day free
• People who prefer supplied equipment rather than arranging rentals

The activity is also suitable for most participants, and service animals are allowed. Still, the information does not list specific medical or swimming requirements. If you have concerns about your ability to participate in a water activity, contact the provider before booking.

You should think twice if you want private instruction, advanced surf coaching, or a full-day session. The group size can reach 15, and the lesson is specifically aimed at beginners. Its strength is approachability, not specialization.

My verdict: a good first step into surfing

I would recommend this lesson to anyone who wants to try surfing without turning the first attempt into a major logistical project. Kalama Park offers a forgiving setting, the equipment is supplied, and the instruction is built for beginners who may need patience as much as technique.

The best reason to book is the combination of gentle water and encouraging instructors. Eddie receives especially strong praise for making failure feel fun rather than embarrassing, while Sasha and Sam are also noted for supportive teaching. That tone is exactly what a first surf lesson needs.

The main tradeoff is the shared format. You may not receive constant individual coaching, and the $103.66 price is a meaningful expense for a two-hour activity. But if you are traveling with family or friends and want a relaxed introduction, the park facilities, equipment package, and beginner-focused teaching make the cost easier to justify.

Book early for school breaks, bring your own beach essentials, and leave room in your expectations for some falling. If you can laugh through the first few attempts, this is a promising way to check surfing off your list.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson take place?

The lesson meets at Surf Yoga Maui in Kalama Park, on South Kihei Road in Kihei, Maui. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the lesson?

The group surf lesson lasts approximately two hours.

Is the lesson suitable for people who have never surfed?

Yes. The lesson is designed for beginners who have no prior surfing experience.

What equipment is included?

A surfboard, reef shoes, and rash guard are included.

When are the lessons offered?

Open group lessons are offered Monday through Saturday in the morning.

How many people can be in the group?

The activity has a maximum of 15 participants.

Does the lesson require two people to book?

Yes. Two or more surfers are required to book an open group lesson online.

Is parking available at Kalama Park?

Yes. Onsite parking is available.

Are there restrooms and showers?

Yes. Kalama Park has public restrooms and outdoor showers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.