Mike is awesome and his surf lessons are worth it! We booked a 2 hour private lesson and he communicated the day before about the best time and place to meet with very clear instructions. He picked the best beach based on safest surf conditions and least crowded. It was easy to find Mike the morning of the lesson and get ready. He provided a long sleeve rash guard to use (for warmth in the water and sun protection) since we didn't have our own. He recommended sunscreen only on the back of your legs, otherwise it would impact the surfboard's wax and your grip. Mike's on-land steps were easy to follow and remember. Within minutes we were ready to hit the water. His safety reminders were pertinent and important. Once we got in the water, it was definitely a work out to paddle the board out - if I had known this ahead of time, I might have swam some laps at the gym's pool or worked out my shoulders more! Ha ha. Overall, the experience was fantastic. The beach was beautiful and basically empty - VERY different than the scene down on Waikiki beach. The cost was a great value - it was about the same cost as places down in Waikiki but for double the time (2 hours instead of 1 hour). After the lesson, Mike offered us some great suggestions of hikes and restaurants to check out in the area while we were there. We tried out his suggestions and loved everything.
Thanks Mike! We'll see you again next time we're in Oahu!
TIP 1: don't eat breakfast too close, the pressure on your stomach when paddling the board (and swallowing some salt water from the waves hitting you) doesn't help your breakfast want to stay down. TIP 2: if you get motion sick, take Dramamine ahead of time. I get motion sick in the car, on planes, on boats in rough water. I did not anticipate getting motion sick on the surf board but paddling and not being able to see a solid horizon ahead of me caused me to become pretty sick. Mike was very concerned about how I was feeling and checked in often, I really appreciated that. He did help me catch a wave (which was awesome!) but I chose to head back to shore after that one because I was...
Read moreWe recently had the most exhilarating experience during a surf lesson with 808 surf school. From the moment we set up our surf lesson with Mike to the instruction with Andy, every aspect of this surf lesson was beyond incredible. First and foremost, Andy, the instructor was awesome. He had an ability to make everyone feel comfortable, regardless of our lack of prior experience. His patience and encouragement were truly remarkable, and he created an atmosphere that fostered learning and enjoyment. The surf lesson itself was a true adventure. His instructions were clear, concise, and tailored to each individual's needs, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace. Now, let's talk about the waves! The beach we surfed at was perfect for beginners and young kids (ages 7 & 14). The beach was quiet and not over-powered with tourists. Only 1 other group was there, which we truly appreciated. And with the expert guidance of the instructor, all four of us found ourselves catching wave after wave, experiencing an adrenaline rush like no other. It was an amazing moment that we’ll cherish forever. In conclusion, if you're looking for a memorable adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on a surf lesson with these amazing 808 surf school instructors. The combination of their expertise, enthusiasm, and the sheer joy of riding the waves will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're a complete novice or an experienced surfer, this surf lesson is an absolute must-do. Prepare to be challenged, and utterly amazed. Ride the waves, embrace the ocean, and embark on a journey...
Read moreIt was my first time surfing, and taking a lesson with 808 is the way to go! They provide rash guards and shoes to wear while surfing, so you just need your swimsuit and sunscreen. My husband previously took a lesson 5 years ago when we were last in Oahu, and he said this surf lesson was MILES better than the previous lesson he paid for. Our instructor was Tristan, and he was fabulous! He explained things clearly, both verbally and with a demo, and related it to things we were familiar with: yoga and snowboarding. We spent a little time on land practicing the basic 4 steps and most of the time in the water catching waves. I was up and riding in two tries, and my husband said he rode way more waves here than in the Waikiki area where he previously had the lesson. Tristan was super fun to chat with, gave great local recommendations, and was super chill to learn from. He gave great pointers for technique and suggestions for things to try the next time to improve our wave riding experience. We highly recommend learning to surf from 808 the next time you're in Oahu and looking for a...
Read more