Surrounded by the Pacific, the rolling waves on all sides of Hawaii’s islands are one of the best aspects of the islands and a key attraction to surfers. The chilled lifestyle and great weather make this an ideal destination to head to and immerse yourself in the sport.
(Photo: Kanaka Rastamon via Flickr)
Across Hawaii’s coasts, there is a huge number of surfing schools, not surprising given the island has a reputation as a go-to-spot for surfers and is a regular host of surf competitions. With each surfing camp offering its own programme, figuring out which suits your own requirements can be difficult, so we’ve done some of the work for you to present the top five based on accessibility for beginner to advanced surfers, itinerary and value for money.
PATA SUDAKA SURF TRIPS IN OAHU
From $2300/ per person
Join Pata Sudaka in Oahu, for a surf vacation that combines yoga, hiking, stand up paddle boarding and surfing. This surfing school invites guests to join one of either their seven or ten-day exhilarating surfing camps, which are designed for guests looking to get involved in a number of activities to make their surf vacation a diverse, memorable experience. Guests without surf experience shouldn’t be intimidated as the surfing school’s classes are geared toward those both at beginner and intermediate level. This jam-packed experience includes private practical surf lessons and theoretical classes, board hire, stand up paddle boarding on the Haleiwa River, yoga classes, snorkelling, hiking and excursions to explore the island’s natural surroundings. The camp provides daily breakfast and traditional lunches that will introduce guests to local cuisine. Accommodation for the surfing camp is a shared room in a private beach house with its own kitchen, so guests are able to prepare any snacks or meals throughout the day.
MAUI SPORTS ADVENTURES ON MAUI
From $1900/ per person
During their action-packed surf vacation at Maui Sports Adventures, guests are offered surf and stand up paddle boarding lessons guided by champion athlete instructors. Run by the Schweitzer family, the surfing school’s education on the ocean is a top priority as the friendly team share not only find the best spots in the area for surfing but also teach guests about currents and tides. Private surf or SUP lessons are included in the rates as well as board hire, daily breakfast and accommodation in a private, air-conditioned bungalow shared with up to three other surfers with a hot tub to enjoy in the downtime. There are various activities, such as diving, fishing, hiking, and windsurfing, that prove popular in Maui and can be organised at an additional cost. One of the surfing vacation packages available to surfers travelling on a higher budget is Maui Sports Adventures’ Water Man SUP and Surf Camp. For this surf vacation the private, personalised lessons double; this will appeal to surfers who are seriously interested in honing their surf skills. The teams also offer guided SUP tours that are made up of elements of distance paddling, a tour of the reef, and turtle watching, each adapted to fit your skill level.
GO NUTS HAWAII IN OAHU
FROM: $2195/per person
Go Nuts Hawaii gives surfers of all levels the opportunity to strengthen their skills in daily lessons, offered in both English and Portuguese, at their year-round surfing camp. On this surf vacation, guests will spend a week at the famous V-land beach exploring world-renowned surf spots. Surfers attending the surfing camp in the winter months will also be able to catch some of the world’s biggest surfing competitions featuring top riders during their stay. Accommodation is offered in a shared house where guests have the option to stay in a private or shared room. Trip lengths are flexible with durations varying from two nights up to two weeks. Included in the rate are transfers to Oahu, daily breakfast, lunch and snacks, board hire and a choice of daily surf lessons or stand-up paddleboard practice, depending on your preference.
MAUI YOGA SHALA ON MAUI
From $2500 per person
Maui Yoga Shala is a surfing school and SUP yoga retreat designed to help surfers connect with nature and immerse themselves in island life. During this surf vacation, guests can opt to join daily surfing or stand up paddle boarding classes at various spots suitable to their level. This five-day surfing camp and yoga escape includes two daily yoga sessions, an organic breakfast and lunch, a complimentary massage as well as four nights accommodation. Accommodation is offered in a shared house centrally located to Paia town, with both private and shared rooms available. As well as combining the surfing camp with rejuvenating yoga, Maui Yoga Shala offers yoga teacher training.
NORTH SHORE SURF GIRLS IN OAHU
From $2184/ per person
Offering a surf vacation to those of all ages and levels, North Shore Surf Girls will help guests master their surfing technique right from the very basics. Professional instructors lead lessons that are designed to help build guests’ confidence and involve you in local life, so you’ll even feel like part of the community. This seven-day surfing camp includes daily surf lessons that take place in fun, safe locations, with daily breakfasts provided to fuel you for the day. Both accommodation at a local hotel, in a shared or private room, and airport transfer from Honolulu are included in the rate. During your surfing camp experience, guests are invited to undertake hikes in the island’s natural beauty, go snorkelling, enjoy yoga classes or stand-up paddle boarding – make the trip your own!
