Goofy Foot Surfing

Your two-hour session begins on the sand with a quick rundown of ocean safety, paddling technique and the pop-up motion you'll use to stand. Foam boards sized to your height make paddling stable and forgiving, and neoprene booties protect your feet from the lava reef underfoot. Once you paddle into waist-to-chest-deep water, the coach positions you for the takeoff, calls out incoming swells and gives a gentle push so you can focus on timing and stance. Most first-timers catch their first ride within minutes, and Goofy Foot keeps a shop photographer close by to capture the evidence.

If you want extra attention, private and semi-private lessons pair one coach with one or two surfers. Stand-up paddle sessions use oversized boards to glide along the harbor walls, while advanced coaching dives into rail turns, cutbacks and wave selection at nearby reefs when conditions line up. Multi-day packages bundle three or more lessons with progressive goals, and kids aged five and up can join a junior program that mixes beach games with water skills.

All gear—surfboard, leash, rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen and booties—comes included. Locker storage and warm outdoor showers sit steps from the break, and the shop stocks reef-friendly zinc, towels and hats if you forget the basics. Parking is easy in the paid lot behind the building, and early-morning start times usually mean calmer winds and glassier faces.

Ready to trade sightseeing for salt spray? Reserve your spot under our Maui surf lessons lineup, then browse other Maui activities to fill the rest of your island day once your arms have earned a break.