*Please note that Kala and Ke'kai are brothers with separate businesses, however, they work together, so this review is posted on both of their pages. I interacted with Ke'kai first... read more then he set me up with Kala.
I spent a week in Hawaii exploring O'ahu with my wife. As we did our research before the trip and started narrowing in on the stuff we wanted to do, learning to surf was at the top of my list. And my googling somehow led me to these reviews, I found their page and set up a lesson over text. I'm so glad because this was one of the best experiences of my trip.
Kala is a stud. He's a kind, patient, encouraging, and positive teacher. I had a private lesson which was great for my first time surfing. I wasn't sure about it at first because it's more expensive, but now after that fact, I would recommend it. I grew up wakeboarding and snowboarding, but it's been a while, so the added attention of a private lesson was really good for me. It took me a few times to get up because I was so excited I forgot to do what we had practiced on the shore before going out. But I got the hang of it and it was an awesome experience. I tried to ask lots of questions about the ocean because that's what I admire most about these guys... they seem to know exactly when and where to be. After every wave, Kala gave me pointers. He also didn't make fun of me for being too winded from paddling out (surfing is a decent workout, also, Kala said there was a lot of energy in the ocean that day). Another example of his kindness was that he warned me that my hat might come off if I fell, and then when it did on my first fall, he swam up straight away and grabbed it for me. After the 2 hour lesson, I felt exhausted and very accomplished at the same time. Surfing is rad. (photos attached show me catching waves with Kala in the background)
Kala even made sure to say hi to us when we ran into him later that day at Sunset Beach as we watched some big waves and the sunset while eating our dinner.
Also, I enjoyed surfing so much that I ended up meeting up with Kala again the following morning where he brought an extra surfboard that he let me use for $20 as well as a rash guard. I was on my own this time but felt completely comfortable after the first lesson. Also, occasionally he would give me some tips even though he was out there teaching a different lesson.
Kala was willing to do the same thing the following day, but unfortunately, we already had plans otherwise I would have been down. Oh, how I wish I could surf every morning now that I'm back on the mainland without an ocean. Maybe someday!
Really cool guys, and a really awesome experience. I'll be looking these guys up when I go back. Mahalo! Thanks for introducing me to the awesome world of surfing and for sharing your island and the Aloha spirit!
