Blog 1 - Why You Should Start Your Surf Journey with a Lesson.

Since my parents started our family business 26 years ago, I’ve worked just about every role in it. My first job was renting surfboards on the beach. Back then, things were simple—cash-only, and we’d move the boards around Hanalei Bay to wherever the waves were best for beginners.

Over the years, I’ve helped check people in for surf lessons in Hanalei at our different locations, and for the last 20 years, I’ve worked as the main reservationist. I’ve talked to thousands of people about surf lessons, board rentals on Kauai, experience levels—you name it. And there’s one thing I hear over and over again:

“I’m so glad I started my surf journey with a lesson.”

If you’re thinking about learning to surf—or even if you’ve tried it a few times already—I want to share why surf lessons are such a valuable part of the journey.

Surf Lessons Fast-Track Your Progress

Most people visiting Kauai are only here for a short time and want to fit in as much as they can. You might not get another chance to surf for a year, so your first few sessions really matter.

A single Kauai surf lesson can jump-start your progress—easily giving you the equivalent of two weeks of practicing on your own. Your instructor helps you prepare before you even get in the water, explaining what to expect, how to position yourself, and how to handle your board. That preparation makes you more confident and ready when you finally hit the waves.

Waves Aren’t Like Mountains

Learning to surf is not like learning to ski or snowboard. A mountain stays the same—it has the same slope, the same runs, every time. But a wave is different every single time, even if you’re in the same spot.

That’s why it’s so important to have someone with you who can help you read the waves. Your instructor will show you where to sit, when to start paddling, and how to position yourself to catch the wave. It’s one of the hardest parts of surfing—and one of the most valuable things a Hanalei Bay surf lesson gives you.

You Get the Right Board, the Right Push, and the Right Feedback

Another big benefit of a lesson? Your instructor chooses the perfect board for you. And they’ll give you that well-timed push that helps you actually catch the wave, which is tough to do on your own—especially when you’re just starting out and haven’t built up the muscle memory or upper body strength.

Plus, they’ll spot and correct any bad habits before they stick. This kind of real-time feedback is what helps you improve faster and stay safe, especially when you’re learning at a beginner surf spot in Hanalei.

Lessons Build Confidence and Keep You Safe

Confidence plays a huge role in surfing. After a lesson, most people feel way more comfortable going back out on their own. They know the spot, they’ve already surfed it with guidance, and they understand the basic rules of the ocean.

Speaking of which—safety matters. The ocean is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous. A spot might look calm, but currents and shifting sandbars can make it tricky. Just because you see a kid catching waves doesn’t mean it’s a beginner-friendly spot for you. That kid might have been surfing there for years and knows the conditions inside and out.

Your instructor will make sure you’re in the right place, with the right equipment, and know how to stay safe. That’s why finding a trusted Hanalei surf shop and booking with experienced instructors is so important.

Keep Taking Lessons as You Travel

If surfing is something you want to keep doing, I recommend getting a lesson any time you’re in a new location. Even if it’s your second or third time surfing, a refresher lesson will help you brush up on the basics, fix any issues, and adjust to new conditions. After that, you can practice on your own for the rest of your trip with way more confidence and skill. And if you’re visiting Hanalei Bay, it’s easy to grab a surfboard rental after your lesson and keep going.

A Final Tip: Know Your Board

One last piece of advice—remember what size board you used. Take note of what worked and what didn’t. This helps you make better decisions in the future, especially when renting or buying boards.

A lot of people think that because they’ve wakeboarded or wakesurfed, they’ll be fine on a small board—but it’s a completely different game. There’s no boat pulling you, and the wave isn’t steady. Trust your local surf shop or instructor—they’ll help you choose a board that lets you actually catch waves and have fun. If you’re out there paddling and missing everything, it’s not going to be a good time.

In the End—Just Have Fun

That’s what it’s all about. Make the most of your time in the water. Get help when you need it. Build your skills safely. And most importantly—enjoy every wave.

Instructor Highlight

If you’ve taken surf lessons in Hanalei Bay, chances are you’ve seen Mitchell Alapa out in the lineup—or smiling on the beach, ready to help you catch your first wave. Born and raised on Kauai, Mitchell has been surfing since the age of 2 and is one of the most experienced members of our Hawaiian Surfing Adventures crew.

Meet Mitchell:

Age: 39
Nickname: Mitchell Boy
From: Right here on Kauai
Surfing Since: Age 2
Spirit Animal in the Water: Dolphin
Vibe in Three Words: Cool, calm, and collective

Why He Loves Teaching Surf Lessons

Mitchell says the best part of being a surf instructor on Kauai is “seeing people have fun with friends and family and just enjoying how fun this sport really is.” Whether you’re visiting for a one-time experience or want to improve your surf skills, Mitchell brings the kind of energy that makes the whole session feel relaxed and memorable.

Fun Facts

Most people are surprised he’s 39 (must be all that saltwater and sunshine).
His go-to off-day adventures include freediving, hiking to waterfalls, or—you guessed it—more surfing.
His surf style is inspired by the local instructors he’s learned from over the years.
His funniest surf moment? Wiping out while learning to hydrofoil and having to dive underwater to collect all the broken parts.

Mitchell’s Kauai Tip

If it’s your first time on the island, “make sure to see a sunrise and a sunset.” Solid advice from a true local.

Mitchell Describes Kauai as:

“The magic of the Garden Island.”

Want to surf with Mitchell? Book your next lesson with us by visiting the surf lessons page or click book a lesson at the top of your screen!