Learn to Surf in Maui with Makai Surf Club
Ready to catch your first wave? Makai Surf Club offers beginner surf lessons in Maui designed to help first-time surfers build confidence, learn proper technique, and enjoy the ocean with experienced local guidance.
Learn to Surf in Maui with Confidence
Learning to surf is about more than simply standing on a board. It starts with understanding the ocean, learning the right techniques, and developing confidence through hands-on practice.
At Makai Surf Club, beginner surfers are introduced to the four fundamentals of surfing while receiving friendly, personalized instruction in the water. Your lesson begins with a safety briefing before moving into practical instruction designed around your comfort level and experience.
Your Lesson Can Cover
Proper Body Positioning
Paddling Technique
Understanding Waves
Safe Wave Navigation
The Correct Pop-Up
Balance & Board Control
Catching Your First Waves
From Your First Paddle to Your First Wave
Learning to surf takes practice, patience, and the right guidance. At Makai Surf Club, you’ll get hands-on instruction in a supportive environment designed to help you feel comfortable in the ocean. Take your time, build your skills, and enjoy the experience of learning to surf in Maui.
Maui Surf Lessons
Designed Around You
Whether you're catching your first wave, learning with someone special, or bringing the whole family, choose a lesson designed around your experience, goals, and comfort in the water.
Private Surf Lessons
One-on-one coaching
Enjoy personalized one-on-one instruction focused on your individual ability, goals, and comfort level. Your instructor can tailor every part of the lesson to help you progress with confidence.
Semi-Private Surf Lessons
Learn together
A great option for couples, friends, or family members who want to experience the ocean together while still receiving professional, personalized coaching throughout the lesson.
Private Group Lessons
Made for your group
Bring the whole family or group and enjoy a private surf experience designed around everyone. Group lessons accommodate multiple surfers while maintaining a supportive learning environment.
Your Maui surf experience
starts here.
Choose the lesson that fits you best and get ready to experience Maui from the water.
What to Expect From
Your First Surf Lesson
Your first surf lesson should feel exciting, relaxed, and completely approachable. At Makai Surf Club, we take the time to make sure you feel comfortable before you ever paddle into the water.
From your first introduction to the board to catching your first wave, your instructor will be right there with you — keeping things fun, safe, and encouraging every step of the way.
Meet Your Instructor
Get comfortable, meet your instructor, and learn what to expect from your session before heading into the water.
Learn the Fundamentals
Learn the basics of surf safety, board positioning, paddling, and how to pop up with confidence.
Practice in the Water
Put your new skills into practice with hands-on guidance and plenty of encouragement from your instructor.
Catch Your First Wave
When the moment is right, your instructor will help you catch your first wave and experience the thrill of surfing.
Quality longboards, UPF 50 rash guards and booties, a safety briefing, towels, drinks, snacks, and supportive in-water instruction.
Learn From Someone
Who Knows the Ocean
Makai Surf Club was founded by Maui local Karlie Thoma, an experienced waterwoman with a lifelong connection to the ocean.
With experience in surfing, kiteboarding, winging, and foiling, Karlie brings extensive water knowledge and a genuine passion for helping others become more comfortable and confident in the ocean.
Whether you're taking your first surf lesson or looking to improve your existing skills, instruction is built around the individual surfer rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Learn from someone who understands the local ocean.
Simple, supportive guidance that builds confidence.
Every lesson is adapted to your ability and goals.
Ocean awareness and safety are part of every lesson.
Quality equipment selected to make learning easier.
Essential gear provided for a more comfortable session.
Thoughtful extras provided throughout your experience.
Encouragement and guidance while you're in the waves.
Choose a lesson experience that feels right for you.
Beginner Surf Lessons Maui — FAQs
Everything you need to know before your first surf lesson with Makai Surf Club. If you're new to surfing, we're here to make your experience simple, comfortable, and enjoyable.
No. Our beginner surf lessons are designed for first-time surfers as well as those who want to build confidence and improve their fundamentals.
Bring comfortable swimwear and sunscreen. Makai Surf Club provides towels, drinks, snacks, UPF 50 rash guards, booties, and the surfboard needed for the lesson.
Private and semi-private lessons are two hours long, giving beginners enough time to learn the fundamentals and practice in the water.
Yes. Private lessons provide personalized instruction based on your experience, comfort level, and surfing goals.
Yes. Semi-private lessons are available for two surfers and are a great choice for couples, friends, or family members.
You'll learn fundamental skills such as board positioning, paddling, getting through waves, popping up, balancing, and developing greater awareness and confidence in the ocean.
Your First Wave Starts Here.
Build confidence, learn the fundamentals, and experience surfing in Maui with personalized instruction.
Ready to Learn to Surf in Maui?
Experience the ocean, learn the fundamentals, and build your confidence with a beginner surf lesson from Makai Surf Club.
