Sep 3, 2025
Highly recommend surfing with Chris! It was a blast, and learned a ton - There are a number of positive things I could say about South Shore Surf, but the most important one is this: Chris is an incredible coach and a really dope dude, and you should learn to surf with him. Like go sign up. Now.
It wouldn’t really be possible to do a true comparative study across all the different surf schools in Honolulu, but I have surfed multiple times with Chris. I’m going to share three things that made my experiences so positive, and that I also suspect will be representative of the type of experience you’ll have.
1. You will get the right coaching, in the right way.
Chris is action-oriented, smart, and has remarkable attention to detail. This has a few excellent implications, but my favorite is that you will spend as much time as possible in the water, doing the thing, rather than practicing on the sand. Chris also cares, which seems like the baseline, but is (sadly) a rare quality - he will go above and beyond to find session slots that work for you, and make time to do multiple lessons, even if the last one is on the day you’re flying home; will introduce you to his friends who are out in the water and through that, show you that surfing creates community; will provide accessible analogies so your brain can understand the athleticism surfing requires; and will ensure you are being efficient with your paddling, safe with your movement, and confident in what you’re learning.
2. Speaking of - you will learn a lot.
There is an incredible history and culture around surfing, and to get to do it in Waikiki, the birthplace of modern surfing, with someone who’s both surfed these waves his entire life and honors that history is a pretty special thing. Pay attention. Do it because Chris will be doing that for you - pay attention when he’s teaching you how to read waves, pay attention when he answers your unspoken questions and addresses your silent fears, and pay attention when he sasses you about looking down instead of up / “blacking out” / bombing. It’ll keep you present, but also it’ll make for a lesson that is so much more valuable than it would be otherwise.
3. You will have fun.
Surfing is lowkey very hard but also so, so, SO much fun & Chris will remind you of this!! For you overthinkers, yes you, the ones researching and comparing surf schools, I promise you - do not stress. You won’t really be able to because Chris has got a sense of humor and will call you out if you try to analyze your way through a pop-up. He will say hey remember this is supposed to be fun. Also Chris will go out of his way to find a turtle, and if you meet her, it will be magical.
I think that a surfing lesson could be just another activity you do on your vacation, but with South Shore, it’ll more likely be a wondrous adventure and core memory. I say — send itttt! 🤙🏼
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Jul 24, 2025
- I had a private lesson with Chris. He was a very skilled and effective teacher, he knew the Waikiki break incredibly well, and was a great guy to hang out with. 11/10 would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 6, 2025
Would recommend to a friend - Great class where Chris met each of us at our skill level. He made it approachable while still encouraging us to stretch. I had an issue with a pre-existing shoulder condition and Chris helped me calmly in the stressful moment and, after giving some time, helped me still have the surfing experience I had hoped for. Wish I could go again soon!
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Jul 5, 2025
Learned a lot and had fun! - Chris was great! Surfed in front of the Sheraton, less crowded and more relaxed than in front of Duke’s statue. Chris teaches in a way that is fun and easy to understand. Myself and my two boys not only had a lot of fun, but learned a ton!
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Jul 2, 2025
Safe and memorable experience - An amazing time with Chris and my daughter! He got my daughter surfing in a matter of minutes and helped me get standing on the third time. Truly memorable experience, surfing with the iconic diamond head in the background. Highly recommend; he'll keep you safe and ensure you have a great time.
Enjoyed our time with him so much that we booked a second surf lesson with him the following day.
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Jun 29, 2025
Awesome surf lesson!! - Had a great private surf lesson with Chris. Great instructor, awesome attitude, gave specific and clear advice to help me improve - would highly recommend!!
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Jun 26, 2025
Great surf lesson - Chris was a great instructor. He helped get my daughter and me up and riding waves. Great experience. Highly recommend adding on the picture package. Great memories.
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Jun 25, 2025
Best Surfing Instructor - We loved our lesson with Chris! He was super skilled and hilarious. He explained everything clearly - then shoved me into my first wave without warning. I screamed, he laughed, and somehow I was actually surfing. 10/10 would let him betray me again.
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Jun 23, 2025
Family Fun Time Memory Made - Chris was a great instructor. He was patient and so helpful with our lesson. He was able to help my family and me to make a memory we will never forget as we were all able to catch a few waves.
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Jun 20, 2025
Awesome! Must add to your list! - We met up with Chris and Shae for surf lessons with my family. It was my wife and I along with our two kids (11 and 15). They were very professional and accommodating. Chris and Shae were both extremely great working with our kids. So much so they want to continue to try surfing when we go on our annual beach trip to the Outer Banks. I would highly recommend getting these surf lessons and requesting Chris and Shae!
Memorable experience.
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