To those who have written bad reviews here,
I used to surf when I was younger 20 years ago. Well, since then I have added weight, a marriage, a family, two kids, and many stressful jobs that have taken their toll on my life. When I returned to Waikiki Beach this year I decided it was time for me to return to surfing but I was not sure how I was going to make that happen. Then I found the Hans Hedemann Surf School crew down on the beach coming in after a session and they directed me to their shop. Never once was anyone rude to me at all and they helped me immediately to reserve time the following morning. The cost was fair too. I was concerned that with my weight I was not going to be able to do this but they were able to provide me with the correct 12' Laird Soft Top board that turned out to be really fun to ride. So the next day my daughter (12 year old, previous surfing experience) and I came to take the course and the instructor took us out in a group of four. He gave us good instruction, taught us what to do, what not to do, and helped us correct what was wrong while we were doing it. What a blast! Well I found out my knees were not so great but I was still able to get a lot of 100 yard rides knee boarding with the occasional attempt to stand up. And best of all, my daughter was able to get some really great rides as well and had an awesome time. This experience, and the others that followed, changed my life permanently and now I plan on buying a board and picking up this fantastic sport again. Yes, there is coral reef out there, it's the Hawaiian Islands people, there is reef everywhere! Surfing with these guys was hard at first but I stuck to it and it changed me on the inside. So if any of you readers out there feel discouraged by negative reviews here, don't be, surfing is a 1500 year old sport tradition that takes some practice so be patient with the crew. Remember, let instructors guide you and they will teach you how to surf sooner than you think. It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget and still remains with me now. Can't wait to come back!
Thanks to James and Richard, and to all the guys and gals at Hans Hedemann Surf School!