Alysha's Surf School
Categories: Active Life Surfing Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Surfing, Trainers [Edit]
Honolulu, HI 96815(808) 375-3137
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
Jim B. said: "Compared to my previous lesson (I walked in to a beach stand), this shop (which is hidden in an alley) tries a lot harder to make my experience great. My instructor Alika (Oahu-born) was genuinely friendly and warm, and made everyone…" read more »
20 reviews for Alysha's Surf School
20 reviews in English
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Review from Ola C.
Honolulu, HI
5/20/2012
My surf instructor was Al. Don't let his beat-up practice boards or his laid back demeaner fool you into thinking that he's not a serious surf instructor or that your surf experience will be dull.
Al reviewed the basics of surfing and all the safety aspects before we went into the water, and that was extremely important to me because I am a sub-par swimmer. He taught me how to use landmarks to gauge myself while in the water, to effectively paddle, to balance myself on a surfboard whether paddling or standing, and how to adjust my surf speed on a wave.
My final wave best described what I learned during my two hour, private lesson with Al: I was able to paddle to a wave, stand, and lean forward to gain speed to the end of the wave albeit that Al's thrust was what actually helped me catch the wave. :)
I highly recommend Al as a surf instructor for all level surfers especially if you don't have a good understanding of balancing on a board. -
Review from Mizterious S.
Antelope, CA
5/3/2012
The best time of my life!!I had sooo much fun! I highly recommend taking surf lessons from Al. It was my first time and I must say, I left with more than what I expected! I really really wanted to learn how to surf but I'm not a good swimmer and was nervous about learning a new sport in deep water but thanks to Al, he made me feel very comfortable and assured me that the water was no deeper than 5 ft. He picked us up from our hotel in the Waikiki area and took us to the beach near the Ilikai Hotel. He was very thorough while going over the basics of paddling, turning, stopping and getting on and off the board safely, and techniques for getting up and standing on the board. We went over that on land and then followed him into the water. Al's helper, Kenny and Ryan, were very helpful. Ryan gathered us together and made sure we all stuck close to eachother before we paddled out to Al to catch the waves. It made me feel very safe knowing all three are life guards. Kenny was posted in the middle between Al and Ryan and took awesome pics. Kenny also coached and gave pointers as we surfed right past him...or when he had to give us the second wave! Haha! Awesome team work! I would have paid more for the lesson! I will definitely take lessons from Al when I visit again! If you're wondering, there were four of us..$40 each for 2 hrs, includes transportation from Waikiki area, wetsuit top, shoes, and of course the board..and...a hot surfer guy helping out with the lesson *wink*wink* ;) ** And Don't forget to buy pictures from Kenny. Best of all...we all got up on the board for first timers!
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Review from Carol M.
Brooklyn, NY
8/11/2011
We had a terrific experience with Alysha's Surf School (the school is named after Al's daughter Alysha - how sweet is that?). We were a group of three and we paid $43 pp for a two hour lesson with board, rash guard, and shoe rental.
We started with a 20 minute lesson on land to learn the basics of paddling, turning, stopping, and getting up on the board. Then, we followed our instructor (forgot his name but he was nice!) into the water on our long boards. He found a good spot for us and pushed us into the waves. It was a blast! I highly recommend this for anyone on vacation in Honolulu. It is pretty inexpensive compared to other activities and other surf schools. Alysha's is the best. Our only regret is that we did this too late into our vacation and couldn't plan a second lesson :-) -
Review from Sandy M.
Honolulu, HI
2/8/2012
My husband, a friend and I took a 2 hour lesson from Al on January 31, 2012. We all had great time. All of us got up during our lesson. I would have been happy to at least have gotten the basics of balancing on the board on the first lesson. I was really surprised to actually be able to surf the first time out. We all agreed that we will definitely do this again. It was the most fun we had all week.
Thanks for a great experience Al.
Mike, Sandy & Tom -
Review from Rick C.
San Jose, CA
3/29/2012
Albert is the best. He had this 53 year old standing in the first hour and I got a couple of standing rides during my lesson. Really nice guy who is a great surf instructor. Highly recommend him if you want to get a surf lesson during your time in Waikiki.
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Review from Sara S.
Honolulu, HI
6/19/2011
For a first surf lesson, this is the place to go! Awesome instructor (Al Mahoe) who really made me feel comfortable about getting in the water and catching a wave. It was obvious that he loves teaching and surfing and is willing to answer any questions you might have.
Bear in mind that for a first lesson, he picked the waves and pushed me into them, so I didn't learn much about how to do that on my own. But surfing was still so incredible and liberating. I definitely want to do it again soon!
We went around 4pm for a 2 hour lesson, and with the cold water and breezy wind, I was getting goose bumps while sitting and waiting for the waves.
Best price around--$90 total for the two of us, for a private lesson! -
Review from CodyAnne P.
Honolulu, HI
12/23/2010 1 photo
"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" was pretty much my reaction today!! (Dec 23, '10) I have received 2 surfing lessons from Al Mahoe, one of the State Certified Instructors, & he's a laid back but no-nonsense instructor. While I was unable to stand & surf any waves during my first lesson (on July 31, '10, due to a very stiff ankle), my friend did straight away, & this time, my brother caught nearly every wave with Al's help & I myself surfed a handful, too! An animated GIF on their webpage reads "Young, old, or out of shape, we will get you waves." - I'm telling you, if *I* can get a wave, *anyone* can.
Another fantastic thing about Alysha's Surf School is that it is AFFORDABLE. At this point, Hickam AFB no longer offers surfing lessons, so this is definitely a plus for many people since it is about the same price as what Hickam offered. They also provide a Rash Guard, Reef Shoes, & a soft-top surfboard for you to learn on.
The only downside, which I don't think is a downside at all, is that there is no official address or office to go to. You schedule your lessons via e-mail or phone, & the instructor will pick you up from your hotel downtown (or if you live here, meet you at the spot, or meet you somewhere so you can follow them to the surf spot). They'll have everything you need right there.
I'll definitely be returning to Al at Alysha's Surf School for at least one more lesson before we move away from Hawaii :) -
Review from Lindsay O.
New York, NY
8/22/2011
Albert (Al Mahoe) is an amazing person and instructor. His passion in life is surfing and when it comes to teaching, he is a natural. His lessons are thorough and affordable. He is patient and nice. I consider myself just average in sports. He had me up on a board my first try. All the equipment you need to surf is there when you arrive on location. As Al says, "Going to Hawaii and not surfing is like going to dinner and not eating" :)
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Review from Karena W.
New York, NY
2/28/2011
Everytime I visit Hawaii, my go-to surf instructor is Al Mahoe. He is the best!! He is knowledgeable, professional, and fun. He runs on time, offers great prices and teaches you a lot without rushing you. He always makes you feel comfortable, gives you great feedback and you definitely will learn how to surf with him. I will always recommend him to anyone looking for a surf lesson on Oahu, North OR South Shore. Maholo Al!! Ka
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Review from Sarah B.
Portland, OR
11/13/2011
A great lesson, a great instructor and the perfect price. I highly recommend Al. Our group of four people unanimously decided that our surf lesson was the highlight of our trip! I will be recommending Al (Alysha's Surf School) to everyone I know going to Oahu.
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Review from Matthes M.
Phoenix, AZ
8/21/2011
this was possibly thee best service i have ever received in any form and i was so thankful of Albert. his laid-back professionalism was exactly what one would want from a surf instructor especially if it is your first time, which it was for me and my girlfriend. it can be very frustrating but Al got each and every one of us up on waves, standing!, and riding on our own. he was such a great guy and great teacher at a great price that was unbeatable. HIGHLY recommended!
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Review from Miki M.
Honolulu, HI
9/25/2011
Great place to get lessons for the first time surfer or if you need to brush up on technique. They really work on foot position on the board so you are able to stand up. Everyone in my session was staying on their first wave!
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Review from Melissa L.
Tempe, AZ
8/18/2011
Our first surf lesson with Alysha's Surf School was as good as it gets. Albert was our instructor. Not only did he respond to my message quickly, he fit us in for a 2 hr lesson with only 3 other people for a very good price without much notice. This meant a lot to my boyfriend and I since we had to leave Waikiki that very day and hadn't gotten to try to surf yet. The experience of the students that day was mixed, but everyone got the attention they needed and Al had personalized tips every time he started us in the line up to help us do our best. Al even let each of us get two extra waves which made my day and probably my month since I only got up on a wave my very last try. Also, he tried to "launch" my BF and I on the same wave which was sweet. : ) I highly recommend Alysha's and Al if you're lucky enough to get him.
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Review from Tim R.
San Bruno, CA
8/17/2011
We had two familes and five kids 12 to 20 years old. Al was great with all five and they had a blast. He took time with each one and made the whole experience great for them. Rash guards, booties and boards for everyone while they were surfing.
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Review from M H.
Grass Valley, CA
6/18/2011
Great instructor-he took 3 teenage girls and taught them the basics within 2 hours-and they had a great time in the process! The only guy to call if you want "real".
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Review from Marie F.
Denver, CO
2/23/2011
I've surfed with Al Mahoe from Alysha's Surf School on two separate trips to Oahu and he is the ONLY person I'll take lessons from and surf with on Oahu. On my first visit, I surfed with Al two days and spent five days in the water with him on my second visit. It's amazing how much more I learned with him, than I did with previous instructors. His prices are better than every other "surf school" I saw online and he took me to uncrowded, local spots each day. I can't wait to go back and surf bigger, summer waves with him!
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Review from Charles E.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
7/9/2011
Al Mahoe was an excellent, patient surf instructor. The lesson started off on the beach with the basics of surfing. This was my first time surfing and thanks to his instruction, I was able to catch some waves even on my own. I had a great time. I highly recommend.
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Review from Sam V.
Manhattan, NY
6/29/2011
This was THE BEST surf experience I've ever had. I grew up and Waikiki and came back to visit with several friends. I surfed about 8 years ago but wanted a refresher, and I wanted to treat my friends to some fun surfing. Albert was AMAZING. He's SO nice and seem genuinely interested in his students' safety and comfort. I've had several other surf lessons with other instructors who were all nice... but Albert is really something special. I can't recommend him enough. He even called me after I left Hawaii to see how we all were doing! One of the nicest people ever! Highly recommended.
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Review from ethan k.
Northampton, MA
5/22/2011
Excellent instruction, on time, professional great rates. We all had a really good time and a fun, safe, successful first surfing experience. We're going to book another lesson later in the week. Would definitely recommend.
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Review from Lisa V.
Littleton, CO
6/9/2011
Alysha's Surf School made my trip back home to hawaii complete. Al Mahoe offered an amazing lesson to my family and friends. Very laid back, but straight to the point instructions, which allowed everyone to stand up and catch some waves. We all had an amazing time and were able to go home with memories that will last a life time. Thank you Al and Alysha's Surf School!!!
