What do I bring to the surf lesson?

Please bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, drinking water, and a bathing suit. Board shorts or leggings are recommended for girls. Gratuities are appreciated but never expected.

What does Got'Um Surfing provide for the lesson?

We provide surfboards, long sleeve UV rash guards, and reef shoe booties for your lesson.

What’s the youngest and oldest you teach?

You're never too old to surf with us! Ages 6 and under need to book a Private Lesson with an assigned instructor. You must be age 10 to participate in Semi-Private and Group Lessons.

Do I have to know how to swim?

No, you don't have to know how to swim. If you don't know how to swim, please bring a lifejacket with you to your lesson.

Please check in 30 minutes before your lesson start time. For 8 AM lessons, check-in is at 7:30 AM; for 11 AM lessons, check-in is at 10:30 AM.

How long is our surf lesson?

Each surf lesson is 2 hours long.

Do I have to know how to surf?

No, we teach you the basics! Our instructors will guide you through the fundamentals of surfing.

When we arrive at the location, what should we look for?

Please look for our Got'Um Surfing flag located on our Chevy Surf Truck. Your instructor will be there 30 minutes before your lesson starts.

Do you offer afternoon surf lessons?

Waves are better in the mornings. Trade winds shift throughout the day and pick up in the afternoon, along with possible scattered showers and increased UV strength.

Why do you only offer two times for surf lessons?

Got'Um Surfing LLC specializes in providing our clientele with the best swell conditions, which are best in the mornings.

Are there any health precautions that I should be aware of?

Surfing is a high-cardio sport. If you are feeling faint or weak, please be sure to let your surf instructor know so that they can assist you back to shore. We recommend following several health precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Do we get to keep the rash guards we use for our lessons?

No, Got'Um Surfing LLC provides the use of UV protective rash guard swim shirts and surf shoe booties for use during your lesson only.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If weather conditions are unsafe, we will reschedule your lesson to ensure your safety and the best possible experience.

What is your cancellation policy?

Surf lessons must be cancelled 48-hours prior to lesson start time or you will be charged full-price for the lesson. At Got'Um Surfing LLC, we do our best to accommodate rescheduling.

One Year Later: Celebrating Our First Anniversary

Got'Um Surfing
7 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

One Year Later: Celebrating Our First Anniversary Gotum Surfing Lahaina Surf School

A year ago, Got'Um Surfing was just an idea. Something we talked about, sketched out, and hoped would grow into something meaningful. We didn’t know exactly what the journey would look like, only that we were ready to begin.

Fast forward to this past weekend and we just celebrated our one-year anniversary.

Gotum Surfing Lahaina Surf School Owner Lopaka and his Family

The party was more than just a milestone, it was a moment to pause and really take in everything that’s happened. From the early days of figuring things out as we went, to building something we’re genuinely proud of, this past year has been full of lessons, challenges, and a lot of growth.

Gotum Surfing Lahaina Surf School Merchandise

Gotum Surfing Lahaina Surf School Partners

Seeing everyone come together to celebrate with us meant everything. Whether you’ve been here since day one or joined somewhere along the way, you’ve played a part in shaping what this has become. For talking stories, the support, the good vibes, those are the things that made this day unforgettable.

Giving out raffle prizes was the most fun with MC JAMU AH JAMU. We did 5 rounds with 32 prizes to give out. Mahalo to all our partners for making this happen!

Gotum Surfing Lahaina Surf School Raffle

This milestone also carried a deeper, more personal meaning for me. I recently reached two years of sobriety. That journey has shaped not just who I am, but how I show up in this space every day. It’s taught me discipline, clarity, and a level of gratitude I didn’t always have before. Building this over the past year while staying committed to that path hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it in every way. If anything, it’s made this celebration feel even more meaningful.

The best rides don’t happen alone. It’s the crew beside you, lifting you up, calling you in, and growing with you that makes it unforgettable. Proud to say Got'Um Surfing was blessed with the best team on Maui! Weʻre just a group of good people who love the ocean and our community, pushing each other, having each other’s backs, and growing every single day.

Mahalo to my team, you know who you are!

Lopaka Samudio Gotum Surfing Lahaina Surf School

Looking back, one year might not seem like a long time, but it’s amazing how much can happen when you stay consistent and committed. Teaching people how to surf in Lahaina is a KULEANA we wont ever take for granted. We’ve learned a lot, made mistakes, improved, and kept moving forward. And we’re just getting started.

To everyone who’s supported us, believed in us, and shown up for us: MAHALO! Special mahalo to the first 250+ bookings who took a chance and booked surf lessons with Got'Um Surfing. This first year wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Gotum Surfing Lahaina Surf School Raffle Winner

Huge shoutout to Waikomo Maui for coming through and spending time with us, we’re so grateful for what you do. The cake from Ariele's Kitchen was incredible, seriously lost for words!

Big thank you to my cousins for the special Got'Um Surfing blanket. I love it so much I might frame it and keep it forever.