My situation: I wanna try surfing; I'm not a good swimmer; I've never really swam in an ocean; I don't float; I really wanna try surfing!
Carol at North Shore Surf Girls was quick to reply to my email, "should/could I try surfing?" ... "of course!" I was assured that it'd be safe, that I could wear a life vest if need be, and that the waves would be gentle (I went at the end of September). We decide I'd do an one-hour private lesson, which I thought was a great way to make my first attempt, especially with my water challenges.
Kat was my instructor and she was excellent! She was fun, personable, and patient; she put me on multiple waves, and even pointed out a friend, a surfing sea turtle! My non-swimming turns out to be a non-issue ~ when really, a giant flotation device was only a leash away tied to my ankle ... and Kat was always close by as well. I enjoyed the location of North Shore as well ~ it seems a little more calm and less crowded ... though I haven't taken a lesson at Waikiki.
Overall, it was my favourite experience over my 11 days in Hawaii, and I did a lot of firsts, and crazy things! Thank you Kat, Carol, and North Shore Surf Girls! =)