Group Surf Lesson for Beginners in Kihei at Kalama Park

Kalama Park gives first-time surfers a friendly place to start, with a gentle break, semi-shallow water, and instructors who keep the mood relaxed when you miss a wave. Eddie, Sasha, and the Surf Yoga Maui team focus on getting you comfortable before asking for much more.

I like the included equipment, since you do not need to rent a board, reef shoes, or rash guard separately. I also like the family setup: while you learn, your group can use the park, playground, walking path, cafes, restaurants, restrooms, and outdoor showers nearby.

The main consideration is timing. Lessons run in the morning from Monday through Saturday, and only two or more surfers can book the open group lesson online. Peak school breaks can fill several weeks ahead, so this is not a good activity to leave until the last minute.

Key points before you book

• Kalama Park is a beginner-friendly break: Gentle waves and semi-shallow water make the setting less intimidating for a first lesson.
• Eddie and Sasha get frequent praise: Their teaching style is patient, encouraging, and especially helpful for children and adults learning later in life.
• All basic surf gear is supplied: Your package includes the board, reef shoes, and rash guard.
• The lesson lasts about two hours: That gives you time to learn the basics and practice on the water without giving up an entire day.
• The group can be as large as 15 people: A group class can feel less awkward for beginners, but you may receive less individual attention than in a private lesson.
• Photos may be available for an extra fee: A photographer may work in the water, and you can decide if you want to purchase the images.

Why Kalama Park works for first-time surfers

Surfing looks simple from the beach. Lie on the board, catch a wave, stand up. Once you try it, the timing and balance become a different story. Kalama Park helps because the first lesson takes place in a gentler setting instead of throwing you into a demanding break.

The semi-shallow water matters for beginners. You still need to follow the instructor’s directions and respect ocean conditions, but the setting can make those first attempts feel more manageable. A mild break also gives you a better chance to focus on body position and balance instead of simply reacting to powerful waves.

The park is in Kihei, on South Kihei Road. You meet at Surf Yoga Maui at Kalama Park, and the activity ends at the same point. Onsite parking, public restrooms, and outdoor showers make the practical side easy. If you are bringing children who are not taking the lesson, the playground and walking path help keep them occupied.

Across the street, you will find cafes and restaurants. That makes the lesson easy to pair with breakfast or a post-surf meal, though the class itself is scheduled in the morning, so check your wider day plan before booking.

What happens during the two-hour lesson

The exact teaching sequence can vary with the group and ocean conditions, but you can expect an introduction to surfing followed by practice with the supplied equipment. Since this is designed for people who have never surfed, you do not need to arrive with technical knowledge.

The instructors’ job is not simply to push you toward a wave. A good first lesson also helps you handle the board, understand basic positioning, and feel less awkward in the water. That is where Eddie’s relaxed approach appears useful. He has been praised for keeping mistakes fun rather than embarrassing, a real benefit when you are learning in front of other people.

The group format can also help you settle in. You are not the only person trying to stand up, losing balance, or waiting for the right moment. For many people, that shared learning curve feels easier than a private session with all attention fixed on one person.

You should still have realistic expectations. A two-hour beginner class is an introduction, not a promise that you will become a polished surfer in one morning. You may stand up, or you may spend much of the session learning how to position yourself and catch small waves. Both outcomes are normal for a first attempt.

Eddie, Sasha, and the teaching style

The strongest praise centers on the instructors’ attitude. Eddie is repeatedly described as patient, upbeat, and good at working with children. Sasha is also singled out as an excellent instructor who pays attention to each student’s needs.

That matters because surfing can feel intimidating before you even touch the water. You may worry about falling in front of your family, holding up the group, or simply looking clumsy. An instructor who keeps the tone friendly can remove much of that pressure.

The class has also worked well for older beginners. One family learned to surf in their 50s and found the experience enjoyable rather than punishing. That does not mean the lesson is effortless. It means the instructors appear to understand that adults often need encouragement and clear direction as much as physical instruction.

Families are a particularly good fit. One group included children ages 11, 11, and 14, and the lesson was described as easygoing and welcoming. The park also gives non-participating family members somewhere to wait, walk, play, or watch.

The gear you receive

The price includes the main equipment you need for the lesson: a surfboard, reef shoes, and a rash guard. That is a useful advantage for visitors who do not want to pack water gear or arrange separate rentals.

Reef shoes are practical for a lesson in semi-shallow water. A rash guard adds protection and helps keep the board from rubbing your skin. Since the company supplies both, you can concentrate on showing up ready to learn instead of assembling a collection of surf accessories.

The information provided does not specify what clothing you should wear under the gear, so follow any instructions from Surf Yoga Maui after booking. You should also remember that supplied equipment does not remove the need to listen carefully to the safety briefing or instructor directions.

Group size, comfort, and personal attention

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a tiny private class, but a group setting has its own value. You can feel less exposed when several people are learning at the same time, and friends or family members can share the experience instead of splitting up.

The tradeoff is simple: more people can mean less one-on-one instruction. The reviews describe the teaching team as attentive and patient, but a group class cannot provide the same level of personalized correction as a private lesson.

You need at least two surfers to book an open group lesson online. This is important if you are traveling alone or hoping to take a spontaneous class. The product is built around a shared session, so it suits couples, families, and friends especially well.

A useful option for families in Kihei

This is one of the easier surf lessons to fit into a family day. The class runs for about two hours, not a full morning or day, and the park offers several ways for others to pass the time.

You can bring family members to watch from the park. Children who are not surfing have access to the playground, and anyone waiting can use the walking path. Restrooms and outdoor showers reduce the usual post-beach fuss.

The nearby cafes and restaurants also help. You can plan food before or after the lesson without arranging a separate drive across Maui. Since the class is in Kihei, it works best for people already staying in the area or planning a day around South Kihei Road.

The setting is less useful for someone who wants a serious surf clinic or advanced coaching. This class is specifically for beginners, and the emphasis is on comfort, first steps, and enjoying the experience.

Optional photos from the water

A photographer may be working in the water during the lesson. The photo service appears to be separate from the surf school, and images are offered for an additional cost.

I see this as a nice extra rather than something you should build into the base price. Surfing is hard to photograph from shore, and your phone may not capture a clear, close image of your first successful ride. If the moment matters to you, professional action photos can be a practical souvenir.

There is no need to purchase them. The experience can work perfectly well without adding this expense. Ask about the photo option when you arrive if you want to understand how it works.

Is the $103.66 price a good value?

At $103.66 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Kihei. Still, the price includes instruction and the basic equipment, which makes the comparison fairer than looking only at the headline cost.

You receive a board, reef shoes, and rash guard, along with a guided beginner session in a suitable learning area. You also avoid the trouble of arranging separate rentals and trying to teach yourself from the beach.

The value improves for families and pairs who want a shared activity. You can learn together, encourage one another, and spend the rest of the day nearby. It is also useful for adults who want a structured introduction rather than a vague attempt at catching waves.

The value is weaker if you already surf confidently or want private coaching. In that case, a group beginner class may repeat basics you already know. The supplied information does not describe private upgrades, so you would need to ask Surf Yoga Maui about other lesson types.

When to reserve your morning

The lesson is offered Monday through Saturday in the morning. That schedule is convenient for a beach day, but it limits your options if you have a tightly planned Maui itinerary.

The experience is booked about eight days in advance on average. During spring, summer, and winter school breaks, it can sell out weeks ahead. I would reserve early for those periods, especially if your family needs a particular morning.

The weather policy offers some protection. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this lesson?

I would choose this class for first-time surfers, families with children, couples, and adults who feel curious but nervous. The gentle break, supplied gear, and friendly group format remove several common barriers.

It also suits people who want an activity that feels active without taking an entire day. You can surf in the morning, rinse off at the outdoor shower, and continue with your Kihei plans.

I would think twice if you need extensive personal coaching, prefer a quiet private lesson, or already have solid surf skills. A maximum of 15 people is manageable for a beginner class, but it will not offer the same close attention as a one-to-one session.

The activity is generally open to most participants, and service animals are allowed. It is also near public transportation. Those points make the meeting location easier for many visitors, though you should still confirm any personal mobility or medical concerns with the provider before booking.

Should you book the Kalama Park surf lesson?

Book it if you want a low-pressure first try at surfing in Maui, especially with family or friends. The gentle Kihei break, two-hour format, included gear, and patient instruction from people such as Eddie and Sasha make this a sensible starting point.

I would reserve ahead for school breaks and choose a morning that leaves room in your day. Bring a willingness to fall, laugh, and try again. If you expect a polished surfing performance on your first outing, reset that expectation. If you want a friendly introduction and a real chance to get upright on a board, this lesson deserves a place on your Kihei plans.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson meet?

You meet at Surf Yoga Maui at Kalama Park, South Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the lesson last?

The group surf lesson lasts about two hours.

What equipment is included?

The price includes a surfboard, reef shoes, and a rash guard.

Who is this lesson designed for?

It is designed for beginning surfers, including people who have never surfed before.

How many people can join the group?

The activity has a maximum of 15 participants.

How many surfers are required to book an open group lesson?

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

When are lessons offered?

Lessons are offered Monday through Saturday in the morning.

Is parking available at Kalama Park?

Yes. Onsite parking is available, along with public restrooms and outdoor showers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.