All Reviews for Surfing Lessons & Wave Pools

"Did I manage to ride even as a beginner?!"
My friend (a woman in her mid-20s with excellent athletic ability and skilled at snowboarding) managed to catch waves and was smiling and giving peace signs with both hands by her second try, despite it being her first experience surfing. The instructor even asked her, "Is this really your first time?" She seemed very satisfied and said, "I want to surf again when I go back to Japan!" (^^)

On the other hand, I (a generally average woman in my early 30s with no particular aversion to sports) fell 7 times out of 10 attempts and could only stand up about 3 times (even then, I couldn't manage a peace sign and was quite wobbly).

"The instructor was amazing"
I have participated in various tours with Veltra, but I thought this instructor had the toughest job. When we got tired from paddling, they would pull me along while paddling and push us with all their might to help us catch waves... it was really physical labor!!! I thought it was a tough job. They were also fun to chat with, which made it easy to tip them (^^).

"The photos were great"
They were secretly taken from the shore and turned out quite well.

"The beach was full of reefs and corals"
We wore shoes for surfing, but even so, I ended up hitting my legs against the reefs and corals when I fell. At first, we learned how to protect ourselves from the reefs and corals, but I still bumped into them a bit. As someone who isn't very skilled, I ended up with a lot of bruises on my legs... Σ(-᷅_-᷄๑) Also, the sea was cold in February.

《初めてでも乗れたか⁉︎》
友達（運動神経抜群の20代半ば女性。スノーボードが得意）は、サーフィン初体験にも関わらず、２回目のトライからもう波に乗って、両手を大きく挙げて笑顔でピースをしていました。
インストラクターさんから、「あなた、本当に初めて？」と聞かれるほど。
そんな彼女はやはり満足度が高かったみたいで、「日本に帰ってからもサーフィンやりたい！」と言っていました(^^)

一方、私（運動に苦手意識はない一般的な30代前半女性）は、１０回中、7回転び、3回立てるかな（それでもピースは無理。へっぴり腰）くらいになりました。

《インストラクターがすごい》
今までベルトラさんで色々なツアーに参加してきましたが、今回のインストラクターさんが、一番たいへんだろうなぁと思いました。
というのは、私達がパドリングに疲れたら、私の事も引っ張ってパドリングしてくれたり、私達を波に乗せるために力一杯押してくれたり…ほんっと肉体労働！！！
たいへんなお仕事だなぁと思いました。
おしゃべりが面白くて楽しいってのもありましたし、チップを気持ちよく払えました(^^)

《写真が良かった》
岸からこっそり撮られています。なかなかの出来でした。

《ビーチは岩礁とサンゴだらけ》
サーフィン用の靴を履いてやるんですけど、それでも転んだ時に、脚を岩礁やサンゴにぶつけてしまいます。
最初に、岩礁やサンゴから身を守る方法を習うのですが、それでも多少はぶつけちゃいます。
下手な私は、脚に青あざがたくさん…Σ(-᷅_-᷄๑)
それから、2月の海は寒かったです。

I participated with my family, and we got along well with the other participants, spending a fun time together. I learned quickly and was able to ride right away, creating the best memories.

家族と参加したのですが、他の参加者とも仲良くなりみんなで楽しいひと時を過ごせました。
教えてもらいすぐ乗れるようになり最高の思い出になりました。

Surfing for the first time as a couple!!!
We had a one-on-one private lesson.
The weather was great, and both of us were able to catch a good wave right away (^^)
We also had 400 photos taken, which became the best memories.
We look forward to the next time!

夫婦で初サーフィン！！！
マンツーマンのプライベートレッスン。
天気もよく2人共いい波を1発で乗れました(^^)
写真も400枚も撮ってもらい最高の思い出になりました。
また次回もお願いします。

I was really anxious about surfing for the first time, but I happened to have a Japanese guide who taught me while praising me, and I was able to stand up even as a beginner! It's a shame I don't have any photos, but I want to go to Hawaii again to surf.

初めてのサーフィンですごく不安でしたが、たまたま日本人のガイドさんで誉めながら教えてくださり、初めてでも立つことが出来ました！
写真が残っていないのが残念ですが、またサーフィンをしにハワイに行きたいです。

My long-awaited beach yoga in Hawaii. We gathered in front of the Honolulu Zoo early in the morning and then headed to Waikiki Beach together. The yoga instructor was very cheerful and kind, making it easy for both beginners and experienced participants to join in.

Doing beach yoga while looking at the ocean was incredibly refreshing, and I felt free and relaxed. The pleasant temperature, clean air, the sound of the waves, and the chirping of the birds were all soothing. I felt energized. I was so focused that before I knew it, about an hour had passed!

I’m really glad I participated in beach yoga this time. I have some experience with yoga, but it felt so much better than indoor yoga in Japan. Next time I come to Hawaii, I will definitely join beach yoga again!

念願だったハワイでのビーチヨガ。早朝からホノルル動物園前に集まり、そのまま皆でワイキキビーチへ。ヨガインストラクターさんはとっても明るくて優しいので、はじめての方でも経験のある方でも気軽に参加できました。
海を眺めながらのビーチヨガはとても気持ちよく、のびのびと出来ました。また清々しい快適な気温、綺麗な空気、波の音や鳥のさえずりなど聞き癒されました。エネルギーをもらえました。とても集中していたので、気づけば1時間位経っていました！
今回ビーチヨガに参加して、本当に良かったです。私はヨガの経験はありますが、日本の室内でのヨガとは違い本当に気持ちよかったです。次にハワイに来る時も絶対ビーチヨガに参加します！

We experienced surfing as a family of four. It was everyone’s first time except for me, but the instructor was kind and taught us well, so everyone was able to ride the waves and had a great time. (It was a bit hard for my uncle. (>_<))

家族４人でサーフィンを体験してみました。
私以外は初体験でしたがインストラクターの方が
親切に教えてくれたので皆、波に乗れて楽しかったです。
（おじさんにはちょっとハードでした。(>_<)）

This is my third time using this service. I signed up for private lessons for my 11-year-old child, and it seems that the surf lessons here are the most fun! We are planning to join a surf camp next year. Thank you very much!!

今回3回目の利用です。11歳の子供のためプライベートレッスンで申し込みしましたがやはりここのサーフレッスンが一番楽しいようです！来年はサーフキャンプに入ろうと計画中です。ありがとうございました！！

This is the 1st time I have enrolled with Hans Hedemann and staff. Staff was really nice as my son and I took the surf class in the 2hr group lesson. Two hours is plenty of time for the group size and I did not have to wait for other surfers on the water at all. I had taken the KOA lessons (also on Waikiki) earlier and Hans' School is much better in terms of distance to paddle to get to the surf location as well as the student to instructor ratio. Our package also included shuttle, pictures and a T-shirt which is awesome. My son (14yrs) said it was the best activity of the trip which is great since it's so hard to impress teens now-a-days. Because of the inclusiveness of the package and the surf location, we would definitely repeat and highly recommend this school.

Private instruction was greatly informative. The group class should have been segregated from private and semi-private classes since they were not supervised as they should have been. they were like herding cats and safety was compromised.

This was my second time participating in the lesson. It was a group session, and since we were surfing at the beach near Diamond Head in Waikiki, my mother and I took a walk on the beach while watching my daughter surf. With a two-hour lesson, it was a relaxing time for both my mother and me. The atmosphere in Waikiki is soothing. The staff at the school were also friendly and kind. I definitely plan to return to this school next time.

今回2度目のレッスンの参加。
グループの参加でしたが、ワイキキのダイアモンドヘッド寄りのビーチにてサーフィンなので、
私、母は浜で娘のサーフィンを見ながら散歩していました。
2時間のレッスンなので、母の私も癒される時間です。
ワイキキの空気感が癒されます。
スクールの方も感じよく、親切。次回もこのスクールをと勿論思っています。

I participated in surfing alone in Hawaii. I felt安心 because they came to pick me up. At the shop, it was fine because they spoke Japanese, so it felt like Japan. The lesson was fun too.

ハワイで、1人でサーフィン参加しました。お迎えも来ていただきましたので、安心でした。
ショップでは、日本語で、大丈夫だったので日本みたいでした。
レッスンも楽しかったです。

I went to Hawaii for the first time on a company trip. Since it was a special trip to Hawaii, I wanted to try some marine sports, so I experienced surfing for the first time as well.

会社の社員旅行で初ハワイへいってきました。
とはいっても、せっかくのハワイ旅行ですのでなにかマリンスポーツをやってみたくて、これまた初サーフィンを体験いたしました。

Access to Waikiki Beach is excellent for conducting activities, but my satisfaction was very low for the following reasons:

- Minimal coaching: Once in the water, the instructions were limited to "paddle paddle! Stand up." There were two coaches for a group of six, but one of them spent most of the time chatting with a young woman.
- Risk of injury from contact with coral reefs: The activity location has scattered coral reefs, some of which rise close to the water's surface. While I didn't sustain serious injuries, I accidentally fell off the board and suffered bruises and scrapes on my feet, and I also scraped my fingers while paddling.
- It may vary by day, but on the day I participated, there were almost no waves. I felt like I was being pushed from behind to ride low waves.

For these reasons, I strongly recommend either renting a board to enjoy on your own or taking lessons at a place like Hawaiian Fire Surf School, which offers excellent instruction and attention.

ワイキキビーチで実施するためアクセスは優れているのですが、以下の点で満足度は非常に低いものでした。
・コーチングは基本なし:海に入ってからは「パドルパドル！立って」程度、集団レッスンでしたので6人に対して2人のコーチがつきましたが、うち1人は若い女性につきっきりでお喋りばかりしていました。
・サンゴ礁への接触による怪我の恐れあり:実施場所はサンゴ礁が点在しており、場所によっては海面付近まで隆起しています。大事には至っていませんが、誤ってボードから落ちてしまい足に打撲や擦り傷を負い、またパドリング時には手の指をすりむきました。
・日によるのかもしれませんが、私が参加した日はほとんど波がありませんでした。後ろからボードを押されて無理やり低い波に乗ったという印象です。

上記の理由から、自身でボードを借りて自力で楽しむか、またはHawaiian Fire Surf Schoolのような場所、指導の丁寧さともに優れた所でレッスンを受講されることを強くおすすめします。

I have taken two lessons. Instructor is helpful and patient. He can help you familiar with the steps and assist for your surfing. I have great experience in this school. And now I'm a big fan of surfing, thanks to the teachings.

I participated with my two college-aged daughters, my 48-year-old mother, and my 81-year-old grandfather. My daughters handled it effortlessly, but my mother found paddling tough and got very tired. Still, she was able to ride the waves a few times and had a lot of fun. My grandfather seemed to have difficulty standing up quickly, but he was happy that he managed to stand for a little while. I was moved to see that brief moment of him standing on the board captured in a photo. We all had a great time together across three generations.

大学生の娘二人と48歳の母、81歳のおじいちゃんと参加しました。娘達は軽々とこなしていましたが母はパドリングが辛くてとても疲れました。それでも何度か波に乗ることができてとても楽しめました。おじいちゃんは素早く立ち上がることが難しようで少しだけ立てたと喜んでいました。おじいちゃんがボードにたった僅かな瞬間が写真に収まっていたので感激しました。三世代で充分楽しめました。

It was my first time surfing, and when the waves came, the instructor pushed the board for me and also taught me when to stand up. It was super fun! I think even kids can do it.

初めてのサーフィンでしたが、波が来た時にインストラクターの方がボードを押してくれ、さらに立ち上がるタイミングも教えてくれて、超楽しかったです。
子供でもできると思います。

I enjoyed the lesson that I signed up for the night before, starting at 12 PM the next day. The instructor communicated in English and simple Japanese. I was able to rent shoes, so I could enjoy the experience without worrying about my feet. The other customers were also friendly, and I had a great time.

前日夜に申し込み翌日12時からのレッスンが楽しめました。
インストラクターはえいごと簡単なにほんごで声をかけてくれます。シューズもかりれたので足元もリーフで切る心配なく楽しめました。他のお客さんも和気あいあいとした感じでとてもいい時間が過ごせまぢた。

I participated in a private lesson.
The instructor spoke really simple Japanese, but it was basically in English. But that was okay.
I received one-on-one instruction in the shallow sea and was able to stand on the board right away.
Since the pier extends out into the sea, parents can watch from there. I took a lot of photos.
Thank you, teacher.

プライベートレッスンに参加しました。
先生はホントに簡単な日本語だけで、基本的には英語です。でも大丈夫です。
遠浅の海でマンツーマンで教えてもらい、
すぐにボードに立てるようになりました。
桟橋が沖まで出ているので、親はそこから見学できます。写真も沢山取りました。
先生ありがとうございました。

I visited Hawaii to celebrate my 60th birthday. Other tours were limited to those under 59, so I signed up for this one. I thought it would be my last chance to take on this challenge in my lifetime, and I was eager to participate, but it required quite a bit of physical strength. I managed to stand on the board just once for a short time.

The water at Kewalo Basin was beautiful. I fell off multiple times, but the water felt refreshing, like soda. I wanted to ride the waves while looking at the city skyline from the sea, but I didn't have the luxury to do that. I participated with my daughter, and although we communicated in Japanese, I could manage to understand most of it, as it was mostly in English. The staff must have had a tough time attending to someone like me, so I would like to express my gratitude. I was late for the morning pickup, so I deducted one star for that. Overall, it became a shining memory in my life. Thank you very much.

還暦の記念で訪れたハワイです。つまり私は６０歳です。他のツアーは５９歳までとなっており、こちらに申し込みました。生涯で挑戦できる最後のチャンスと思い意気込んでまいりましたが、相当体力が必要で、短時間ですが、１度だけボードの上に立つ事ができました。
連れていってくれたのはケワロ湾で水がきれい。何度も落ちましたがラムネのような水中で、それはそれで気分がいいものです。波に乗って沖からビルの街並みを見ながら進みたかったですが、そんな余裕はありません。同行した娘と二人での参加でしたが、？という日本語で　まあ　なんとか理解できるかな・・ほとんど英語です。スタッフはこんなおばさんにつきっきりで対応してくれて大変だったでしょう。御礼申し上げます。朝、ピックアップに遅刻してきたので　星ひとつ減点です。私の人生の中でピカッと光るいい思い出となりました。どうもありがとうございました。

I've been to Hawaii many times, but I wanted to try kayaking. I was hesitant because I was scared of capsizing, but after enjoying the views of Kailua and Ilikai Beach, I thought it would be fun to challenge myself and visit a small island in its natural state.

I really felt the beautiful nature of Hawaii up close, and I'm so glad I did it. While circling Flat Island, I saw birds resting among the coral reefs and crabs, and the guide made me feel like the world is so vast.

They explained the situations that could lead to capsizing, and having a guide made me feel secure. Next time, I want to build my stamina and land on Twin Islands to have lunch!

ハワイには何度もきてるけど、カヤックはやってみたいけどひっくり返ったら怖いなあと避けてましたが、カイルアやイリカイビーチを眺め、自然のままの小さい島へいくのも楽しそうとチャレンジしました。
ハワイの美しい自然を近くに感じられて、ほんとにやって良かったです。
フラットアイランドを一周しながら鳥がサンゴ礁の間に休んでたり、蟹をみたり、ガイドしてくれて、世界って広く感じられます。
転覆するのはどういった場合か説明してくれたし、ガイド付きは安心です。
今度は体力つけて、ツインアイランドに上陸してランチを食べるのをやりたいです！

The teaching was great and it was fun. It was a good workout from the morning. The location was not crowded, the waves were good, and I was able to stand up quickly. I want to take the lesson again.

教え方も上手で楽しかったです。
朝からよい運動になりました。
場所もすいていて、よい波がくるし、すぐに立てますよ。
また受けたいです。

Although I had a little surfing experience in Japan, it was my first time riding waves in Waikiki, especially on a reef! At 49 years old and lacking in stamina, I was exhausted from paddling! During those times, the kind and strong Adam helped me by pulling my board with his feet multiple times! Thanks to Adam, I was able to catch many great waves! Thank you so much! (*^^*)

日本で少しだけサーフィン経験はあったものの、ワイキキ、しかもリーフで波に乗るのは初めて！
49歳、体力の無い私はパドリングで力を使いクタクタに！そんな時優しく力強いアダムさんが足でボードを引っ張り何度も助けてくれました！アダムさんのおかげで、たくさんいい波に乗れました！本当にありがとう(*^^*)

The instructors were amazing and extremely patient! They made surfing very easy and fun for us. It was all of our first time surfing and it won't be the last!

Honestly, it was tough for a 47-year-old overweight woman like me. However, since the lesson was in English only, I thought I had to interpret, so I participated. My 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son quickly learned to stand on the board and were surfing stylishly. I was especially glad to see my rebellious daughter working hard with a genuine smile. My son, who isn't very athletic and usually slow, was told, "He has talent. When we go back to Japan, get him a board and a wetsuit," and he seemed motivated by that. If only we lived by the sea... I have been suffering from pain in my left knee and right arm due to physical labor, but I pushed through. However, it was quite a struggle to get back on the board after falling. I took a break before returning to the instructor. When I said, "I'm tired," I was told, "This is a two-hour lesson just to get tired." The instructions were mostly in English, and the instructor, who could speak a little Japanese, only knew phrases like "favorite student," "number one," "paddle right," "turn," and "paddle left." According to the kids, while I was trying, they said, "Mom, bad." But one by one, they praised me as "number one," which lifted my spirits. I finally managed to get on the board twice. A couple watching said, "Nice challenge." After it ended, without a moment to rest, we carried the very heavy board back to the office, which was a five-minute walk. I saw that other groups were being charged $35, but we got it as a gift. Additionally, the kids received a T-shirt each. Did we pay an extra fee for the family private lesson? Maybe they realized I was poor when I said I worked at a market? But they were nice people. That same day, I started feeling muscle pain in my arms, and surfing, which was the most challenging activity for me, became the most unforgettable memory. Above all, the happy faces of my children are treasures. I remember their best smiles along with the pain in my arms. Passive activities are nice, but it feels great to be able to work hard and achieve something. Unfortunately, I think the people at the office assumed I didn't understand English, as they were gossiping about me at first, which felt quite unpleasant. They laughed and said, "Is she?" in a derogatory manner. After choosing surfing shoes, I wasn't told what to do next and was left alone; when I asked, I was just brushed off with a "nice." After a while, a guy conducting group lessons explained things, and once he realized I understood some English, he changed his attitude. They probably made assumptions about me based on my age, but their behavior towards customers was unacceptable. I was ready to complain if that attitude continued, but then our instructor appeared, and he was nice, so I let it go. The unpleasantness from the office staff cost them one star. By the way, one of the women at the office was playing Pokémon Go in front of customers without a care.

正直、４７歳の太ったおばさんにはキツイです。でもレッスンが英語のみなので通訳せねば、と思って一緒にやりました。中２の娘と小６の息子はあっという間にボードの上に立てるようになり、かっこよくサーフィンしていました。特に反抗期の娘がすごく素直な笑顔で頑張っているのをみて、やってよかったと思います。小６の息子もあまり運動神経が良い方ではなく、普段トロいのですが、「彼には才能がある。日本に帰ったらボードとスウェットスーツを買ってもらえ。」と言われてその気になっていました。海辺に住んでたらね…。私は肉体労働で左ひざと右上腕を痛めているのですが、そんなこと言ってられないので、頑張りました。が、落ちてはボードに乗るのに一苦労。先生のところに戻る前に休憩。「疲れた。」と言うと、「疲れたるためだけの２時間レッスン」だと言われました。基本全部英語で、日本語が少しできるという先生は「お気に入り生徒」「１番」「右　こぐ」「まわって」「左　こぐ」くらいでした。子ども達によると私がチャレンジしている間「ママ　バッド」と言っていたそうです。でも順番に全員「１番」とほめてくれて、気分よくしてくれました。私もやっと２回ボードに乗れました。見ていたカップルに「ナイス　チャレンジ」と言われましたよ。終わったあと休む間もなくボードを運び（すごく重いです）、歩いて５分の事務所へ帰る。ＣＤを見て他のグループレッスンの人たちは３５ドルとか言われてましたが、うちはプレゼント。あと、子どもたちにＴ-シャツ１枚ずつプレゼントされました。３人でファミリープライベートレッスンにするのに、追加料金を払ったから？私の仕事を聞かれてマーケットで働いていると言ったから、貧乏なのがわかったから？でもいい人でした。その日のうちから腕の筋肉痛が始まり、サーフィン、私にとっては一番つらいアクティビティだったのに、一番忘れられない思い出になりました。何よりも子どもたちの嬉しそうな顔が宝物です。腕の痛さとともに子ども達の最高の笑顔を思い出します。受動的なアクティビティもいいのですが、やはり、自分が頑張って何かをできるようになるっていいものですね。でも残念なのは事務所の人たちが英語がわからないと思ったのか、最初私の噂話をしていて、かなり感じ悪かったです。「彼女が？」と蔑むように言われて笑われました。サーフィン用のくつを選んだあと、何をするのかも言われず、ほっとかれて、聞いても「ナイス」とごまかされて答えてもらえず。しばらくして、グループレッスンをしているお兄さんが説明してくれて、ある程度英語がわかると思ったら態度を改めていましたが、たぶん年齢とかから私をどんな人物か推測していたのでしょうが、お客様に対してありえない態度でした。その態度が続いたら文句を言おうと思っていましたが、その後私たちの担当だという先生が現れて、感じがよかったのでよしとしました。事務所の人たちの感じ悪さで星１つマイナスです。ちなみに事務所の女性はお客様の前だというのに構わず「ポケモンゴー」をしていました。

First, I was taught how to stand on the board a few times on land, and then we headed straight to the sea!! It seemed like they chose easy waves for us, and I was able to stand up easily on my first try, which was amazing. There were two instructors helping us catch the waves and one more instructor closer to the shore, with about ten students in total, but I was able to ride a lot of waves without having to wait, which was satisfying. Since surfing mostly involves moving on your own, I had no worries at all participating solo.

まずは陸で数回ボードの上での立ち方を教えてもらって、すぐ海へ!!
乗りやすい波を選んでもらっているのか、1度目で簡単に立てて感動しました。
波に乗せてくれるインストラクター2名と陸寄りに1名いて、生徒は10名くらいいましたが
待つことなくたくさん波乗りできて満足です。
サーフィンはほとんど1人で動くことが多いので、1人参加でも全く心配要らなかったです。

The instructors we had were unbelievably professional, fun, courteous and accomodating. My daughter and I definitely recommend private lessons.

It was a class full of beginners, but most of the participants were able to stand on the board. I was not confident due to my poor sense of balance, but I was relieved that I could get on from the first time. The staff were friendly, creating a great atmosphere, and I was able to enjoy myself as if I were part of the group. However, I struggled with paddling and my arms were sore... But it was a good experience.

初心者の方々ばかりのクラスでしたが、ほとんどの方がボードに立てていました。私はバランス感覚が悪く自信がなかったのですが、一回目から乗ることができて安心しました。スタッフの皆さんが仲良しなので雰囲気がよく、仲間に入れてもらったように楽しく過ごすことができました。ただ、パドリング不慣れで腕がきつかった。。でもいい経験になりました。

Veltra booking is awful they know your a tourist and not familiar with the islands and where things are and they take your money and book you and don't explain you need a boat or plane to get to them and won't refund you

The Hans Hedemann Surf School Experience was awesome. I actually surfed on Waikiki waves! What a memory!

It was my first time surfing, and it was in English... I was surprised because I didn't realize that when I signed up. Surfing itself was fun and went by in no time! However, it didn't feel very beginner-friendly.

Also, I wasn't sure if there was a return shuttle, and it felt like I was reluctantly given a ride back, which I didn't like.

Thank you very much!☆

初めてのサーフィンで、しかも英語…
申込みの時に気付かなかったのでびっくりしました。
サーフィン自体は楽しくてあっという間！
ただ、初心者向けではない感じでした。

あと帰りの送迎があるのかないのかわからず、いやいや送って貰った感じでいやでした。

ありがとーございました☆