How Long Does it Take to Learn to Surf?

Surf’s up on Maui, and there’s no better place to catch your first wave! The sun-soaked shores of West and South Maui offer the perfect conditions for beginner surfers, with gentle swells rolling in all summer long. And when it comes to gearing up, Boss Frog’s has been the go-to spot for surfboard rentals and beach gear since they opened in 1989. Their friendly staff didn’t just set me up with the perfect board for my skill level and the day’s surf report—they also shared insider tips on where to find the best waves to learn to surf on Maui. Honestly, I don’t think I’d have caught any waves without their help!

So how long does it take to learn how to surf? Join me as I dive headfirst (literally!) into a day of wipeouts, small victories, and soaking in the magic of Maui’s surf scene. Let’s hit the beach!

Gear Up: Renting The Right Board to Learn to Surf 

Before hitting the waves, I needed the right gear. I made my way to Boss Frog’s beach rentals in Kihei to grab a surfboard and some beach essentials. Their staff really knows their stuff! Bear hooked me up with a beginner-friendly board and shared some expert tips to learn to surf on Maui. With a wide selection of boards for all skill levels, I had plenty of boards to choose from. They even recommended the perfect beginner-friendly surf spots based on the day’s conditions.

After checking the surf report, they pointed me to Ukumehame Beach, where low winds, sunny skies, and small waves were calling my name. When I was ready to go, they followed me with my board and mounted surf straps on the roof of my car! I had no idea surf straps were included with my rental. They really made sure I had everything I needed! With my board in tow, I was ready to dive into Maui’s surf scene.

First Stop: Ukumehame Beach

Ukumehame Beach Park is a prime spot to learn to surf. It has gentle, long-rolling waves and plenty of open space to practice without the stress of big crowds. I couldn’t wait to put my newly rented board to the test. But, like most beginners, I didn’t exactly nail it right away. My pop-up was shaky, leaving me off-balance and tumbling into the water more times than I care to admit. On top of that, I was sitting too far back on the board, making it tough to catch those smooth waves. But hey, that’s all part of learning! The forgiving breaks at Ukumehame gave me the perfect playground to get comfortable with the ocean, and even though I wasn’t standing just yet, the excitement of getting closer was enough to keep me stoked.

 

Learn to Surf on Maui with these tips:

After paddling and wiping out more times than I could count, I was exhausted and in desperate need of a breather. I decided it was time for a break — and a refresher on the tips the staff at Boss Frogs shared with me. I paddled back to shore to practice my pop-up on the sand, and went over my mental notes:

1. Watch the waves: Before paddling out, take a moment to observe the sets and timing of the waves. This helps you know when to paddle and where to position yourself for the best ride.
2. Paddle strong: Use long, deep strokes to gain momentum as you paddle out. This makes it easier to get past the breakers and into the lineup. Stay just outside the break zone and be ready to paddle when you see a good wave approaching. 
3. Stay balanced: Keep your weight centered on the board while paddling to avoid tipping over. Your head should be just above the Boss Frogs logo on their rental boards!
4. Master the pop-up: As you feel the wave catch your board, take your time with the pop up! Use your core and arms to lift yourself into a steady stance.
5. Look forward: Keep your eyes ahead and focus on the direction you want to go.
6. Safety first: If you fall, aim to fall flat and away from your board to avoid injury. Remember to keep your knees tucked to avoid coral or sea urchins.
7. Have fun: Don’t stress if you fall or miss a wave. Every attempt gets you closer to nailing that perfect ride!

How long does it take to learn to surf?

After my break, I was more determined than ever to catch a wave and learn to surf on Maui. As I paddled back out, I visualized myself putting all the motions together — keeping my hands closer to my chest for balance and positioning myself further up on the board to catch waves earlier. Confidence surged as I spotted a long, rolling wave heading my way. This was my moment! I spun around, positioned my head over the Boss Frogs logo, and paddled as hard as I could. The second I felt the wave take me, I stood up smoothly, my movements feeling in sync with the ocean’s energy.

And just like that, I was surfing! All the paddling, falling, and effort finally paid off. There’s no better feeling than riding a wave. As I continued my surf day, I caught several more, each one more thrilling than the last. Those small adjustments really made all the difference in my surf session!

Wrapping up my surf adventure, one thing became clear: a little instruction goes a long way! The expert advice from the Boss Frogs crew gave me the confidence I needed to tackle Maui’s waves. As a beginner, getting guidance from professionals is key. It not only takes the guesswork out of learning but also speeds up your progress, helping you catch those waves faster. Learning to surf on Maui should be on everyone’s vacation itinerary! So rent a board, embrace the ocean’s rhythm, and remember: every great surfer started with a few (ok, a lot) epic wipeouts.