Surf with a Service Animal: Unique Surfing Experience with a Certified Therapy Dog in Maui
5.0
13 Ratings
Lahaina
Experience the ultimate surfing adventure in Maui with a certified therapy dog. Learn to surf with Church, the surfing therapy dog, and create unforgettable memories!
Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ukumehame Beach Park - Church Dog is on Instagram as @ChurchSurfs feel free to check it out and see for yourself what to expect when surfing with this unique Duo.

Morning introductions start with a friendly meet and greet where we can discuss your experience, goals and let you get some quality Dog time in with Maui’s Beloved Surfing Staffordshire Terroir, Church. After which we’re off to catch some waves.

After just a few minutes in the water we will have you up & Surfing. Church helps bring a smile to your face as you see the love he has for Surfing & how much he improves your balance when surfing together.

Whether your a total beginner or a weathered surfing veteran, this experience will help you look at dogs and surfing from an entirely new view point.

Please let us make your time in the water an experience you will never forget

What's Included
  • surfboard
  • rash guard
  • water shoes
What's Not Included
  • bathing suite
  • towel
Additional Information

Church, my four-legged surfing companion, and I are fortunate to have been born and brought up in this beautiful haven called Maui. Having spent a significant part of our lives in the ocean, we’ve emerged as an exceptional surfing pair. Besides being a competitive surfer myself, Church is a trained and certified therapy dog and emotional service animal. Maui is full of spots to learn surfing, but ours is the only place that allows you to boast about a dog being your instructor. So, don’t wait, register now and let the ultimate instruction team create unforgettable memories of your vacation!

Location
Ukumehame Beach Park
Hawaii 30
Morning introductions start with a friendly meet and greet, from there we discuss your experience, goals and let you get some quality Dog time in with Maui's Beloved Surfing Staffordshire Terroir, Church.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(13 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rachel_k
Mar 11, 2024
Excellent surf lesson for first-timers - We started our honeymoon off strong with these lessons with James and Church! It was our first time surfing, and we had an absolute blast. We received great instruction from James and enthusiastic motivation from Church, as evidenced by us managing to catch our first waves and stand up on the board very early into the lesson. By the end of the lesson, my husband and I shared a board together with Church on one last epic wave. Thank you James and Church for an unforgettable experience! (A tip from us to future students: wear something that covers your knees, and bring a waterproof camera)
Review provided by Viator
Urlucky13
Oct 7, 2023
Unforgettable Experience Of A Lifetime!! - I can’t say enough about this experience! This was definitely an experience of a lifetime for me, an experience I’ll never forget. I am an animal lover but fearful of the water due to my extreme phobia of sharks. I have to say being with Church the surf Dog I didn’t even think about a shark once! I felt so at ease out on the water even with the waves I consider big lol but really aren’t. I couldn’t understand how a dog could teach you until I saw Church going through all the steps right in front of my eyes. James his owner explained with instructions beforehand but it was a whole different lesson watching Church. I am still in awe of how he knows when a wave is coming, how to position yourself low as it creeps up to then stand tall when it’s riding and move his body with the surf board. JUST INCREDIBLE!! This has definitely made my trip as I flew in from Miami to help MHS & HARF with the animals affected by the fire which has been a lot emotionally. I was able to forget about everything for 2 hours and just enjoy the natural beauty of Maui. I am so very grateful & thankful. Please reach out to James he’s a cool guy who makes you feel very comfortable with the water, surfing and CHURCH. This is experience is for everyone you won’t be disappointed MAHALO 🙏🏼🏄‍♀️🐶🌊✨
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J5012kgjayc
Oct 5, 2023
Amazing Time Learning to Surf With a Cool Dog! - We had a great time with Church and James! Church was so much fun and he gets so excited to go surf. James had us up and surfing waves in no time while Church was keeping us balanced on the board. Seeing all the sea turtles was awesome too - 10/10 recommend Church and James!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kobrieh
Jul 17, 2023
Bucket list - When I found out my family was going to Hawaii I told them I wanted to drink coconut water out of a coconut and try surfing. I had no idea I was going to get to surf with a dog! Church is really sweet and very gentle, and REALLY likes the water. James is also very nice and explained everything really well. He could see I was nervous but he and Church made me feel more comfortable. It took some time and a lot of tries, but James was always there encouraging me and I was finally able to stay up with the help of Church! Having him on the board helped me balance and I was able to stay up several times. It was my favorite part of the trip and I hope I can go back and do it again. (I got my coconut too). Thank you for helping me check something off my bucket list at 11 years old. I’ll never forget it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie
Jul 13, 2023
Best Birthday Present ever! - My husband surprised me with a surfing lesson with Church on my birthday trip to Maui. I don’t have great balance and was skeptical about being able to stand up. James helped me get out of my head and stop overthinking. He told me to look over the top of Church’s head and focus on the horizon. It totally worked and the next thing I knew I was up on the board. Church is the most patient and adorable puppy and made my surfing adventure so much more fun. James and Church are the Dynamic Duo of surfing. Definitely check this out if you are visiting Maui 🏄🏽‍♀️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacationingstephanie
Jun 6, 2023
Memorable experience - once in a lifetime! - The experience was amazing! Church (service dog) helped to ease my son’s anxiety - he was more focused on church and having fun learning rather than being anxious. James has a fun approach and keeps it a laid back vibe. Started off surfing with Church in front, my son in middle, and James in the back. The second hour my son was ready for his own board! I can’t thank James enough for this memorable experience. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
485jodyc
Apr 4, 2023
Excellent experience. - This was a huge highlight for my daughter. She wanted to try surfing and loves dogs. When we found Church the surfing dog, it was perfect. The excitement of the dog took all the stress out of trying something new. Dog adds balance to the board and my daughter was standing the first try. By the end Church and my daughter we're surfing together alone. James as a very patient and competent instructor. Highly recommend the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linzw27
Sep 1, 2022
Year late but still great memories - While this post is a year late. I tried surfing for the first time with James and Church last minute one Sunday. It was a blast. James was awesome about reaching out when Church had an injury and he wasn't sure if he would be able to go out with us since I had book surf with a dog. However as soon as Church saw we were going surfing he was right as rain and came out with us. James himself was very patient with me and had me riding waves once I got out of my head. Can't recommend James enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eric_m
Aug 8, 2022
Unique and memorable experience! - Fantastic morning with James and Church, first time surfing and a day we will never forget! I lost count of how many times my daughter rode the waves in with Church and on her own, she can't stop talking about it.
Review provided by Viator
Evan
Jul 25, 2022
We loved it! - We absolutely LOVED this experience and cannot recommend it enough. James is super friendly and patient with the kids (and the nervous mom) and Church just makes everything more fun. He is a total pro and the kids loved riding with him - and then playing fetch with him. If you have an a younger one hesitant to surf, Church is the ultimate ice breaker. He was so excited to get out on the water and our “nervous one” followed him right in. We all were able to stand up and catch a few waves … definitely a highlight of the trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 4 guests
1 Adult
April 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today