Surfing Waves

Going to Maui next week.

Are there any clean, waist high, forgiving, no reef spots for beginners - this time of year ?

Also, hopefully no crazy locals, etc...

Thank You!

....forgot to put uncrowded....

SoCalSurfing wrote:Are there any clean, waist high, forgiving, no reef spots for beginners - this time of year ?

Also, hopefully no crazy locals, etc..

Hawaii is mainly reef breaks.

The majority of locals are not crazy, it's the rude Haole tourists from the mainland that have no Aloha. You give Aloha, you get Aloha. You disrespect the locals, they disrespect you.

I consider your remarks as disrespectful to those who live in Hawaii.

waikikikichan,

I apologize for that...

Apology accepted. Just realize where ever you go in the world surfing wise, there's butt heads but also nice guys. In Hawaii there's not so much violent crime but a lot of property theft, so bring only what you need to the beach. You'll probably end up liking Reef breaks compared to Beach breaks. Just sit on the beach and watch for like 2 or 3 sets before you go in, so you can figure out the line up. Where and when it breaks and how people sit and which way they paddle. Oh, and buy some real surfers sun screen, not the oily suntanning gunk in the ABC stores.

Waikikichan is totally correct. Don't be a a-hole and you will find plenty of people with Aloha. I lived in Maui for a few years but grew up on Oahu and I cannot think one non reef, beginner type wave in Maui. I would recommend you use one of the surfing instructional schools, especially the ones in Kihei. The water will be shallow but the reef no super sharp. I think the schools actually give booties to the students in Kihei because the water will be waste to shoulder high so you will be standing often.
Schools on Maui do a good job with the surfing students and generally keep them in friendly conditions and out of danger. If you are a bit more experienced, summer time offers plenty of lefts at Lahina Breakwall and other S facing breaks. If you are somewhere between beginner and intermediate you may luck out and catch a SW swell, if you do go to S turns. S turns is not quite sand bottom and not quite reef, just a few areas with patches of rocks, coral etc but the water is pretty deep so no worries. S turns is on the way to Honolua Bay and if you are not very good, don't go there. Its shallow, it will be packed and not a place to be a beginner. Great cliffs for watching, especially if the waves are firing. Have fun, be polite and you will find plenty of Aloha all over the island. Maui is my favorite place in the world and I am moving back as soon as my son is done with me. Hopefully 4 years but I am not counting down. lol