OUR STORY
Surf Hawai‘i Surf School offers residents and visitors of the Hawaiian Islands a complete surfing experience.
We are Surf Hawai‘i Surf School, Oahu Surf Lessons and Surf & Yoga Retreat located on the North Shore of the Island of O‘ahu in the historic town of Hale‘iwa. Surf Hawai‘i Surf School offers you amazing surf experiences, and at the same time, a beautiful and relaxing hale (Hawaiian for house) on the Anahulu river. You’ll never forget it!
About Our Oahu Surf Lessons
The North Shore of O‘ahu is known for its amazing waves. Surfed by world-class surfers, the North Shore is considered the surfing mecca of the world; each winter, it plays host to major surf competitions. With a passion for surfing, Surf Hawai‘i Surf School instructors provide local and visiting pro and amateur surfers best surf instruction. Our mission is for guests to experience the North Shore and be exposed to the sport of surfing in a safe and fun manner. We teach proper techniques, etiquette, and safety so you get the most out of your experience.
We offer a variety of surf lessons: From the first-timer to the advanced surfer, we deliver you the greatest surfing moments of your life! We provide a complete and exclusive surfing experience, sharing the famous spirit of Aloha with people of all ages from all over the world.
Our Surf & Yoga Retreats are designed to make you feel at home! We’ll host you at our hale, a tropical oasis fronting the Anahulu River in Hale‘iwa. You can relax surrounded by a peaceful and breathtaking landscape, stand up paddle down the river to the ocean, and watch the sunset, and we will take you on a tour of the North Shore’s famous surf spots and more. You also get a lot of free time for relaxing and exploring Hale‘iwa. You are sure to find the perfect fit for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Just let us know what you have in mind, and we can come up with the perfect custom package for you.
The Owners
In search of the perfect wave, big wave surfer Edison de Paula arrived on the North Shore in 1987, surfing and working as a lifeguard on the most dangerous beaches on O‘ahu. Edison finally decided to take his love of surfing and share it with the world. That was when, in 2001, Surf Hawai‘i Surf School was established, always keeping the commitment of love and respect for Mother Nature and the people of Hawai‘i.
In 2009, Edison met Jenni stand up paddling on the Anahulu river and eyeing the bananas growing in her yard. He asked if he could purchase some bananas, she said he was more than welcome to have some… but she was a little surprised when he had his machete on the SUP board with him!
In 2010, they became business partners growing Surf Hawai‘i Surf School to become the Surf & Yoga Retreat destination that is today.
All of Surf Hawai‘i Surf School surf instructors are Certified Lifeguards, CPR Certified, AED Certified, and experienced surfers. In addition to Edison, who teaches most of the lessons himself, we have other instructors that are part of the Surf Hawai‘i Surf School team. Our surf instructors speak English and some speak Portuguese and a little Spanish.
Owner
Get to know Edison
Edison was born in Curitiba, in the south of Brazil. He was introduced to surfing by a cousin at a young age at a place named Ilha do Mel, aka “Honey Island”. They would head to the beach whenever they could to catch some waves. The more Edison surfed, the more stoked he got! Edison wears many hats; he acts as one of our surf instructors, coordinates daily operations, and helps to document your surf experience. When he is not teaching, Edison enjoys traveling and surfing around the world.
Aloha! My name is Edison de Paula, I am the head surf instructor and founder of Surf Hawai‘i Surf School. My specialty is offering North Shore surf lessons! I have been in Hawai‘i for over 30 years. During these years, I have dedicated my time to big wave surfing, lifeguarding on the North Shore, and going to school at BYU Hawaii, where I studied Information Systems. I enjoy training all year round to be prepared for the winter swells. My favorite surf spots are Sunset Beach, Waimea, and the Outer Reefs, but I like to travel all over the world to catch the best waves. I decided to share my passion for the sport by teaching other people how to surf. Today, my main focus is to share my surfing techniques with my students at Surf Hawai‘i Surf School, as well as to welcome people from all over the world to our Surf & Yoga Retreats. After all of these years, I still thank God every day for living in paradise and doing what I do. Surfing has changed my life, and I would love to have the opportunity to share that gift with you.
Accomplishments
Men’s division – 1st or 2nd, who cares! place in the Sunset – Waimea paddleboard race in 1999
4th place in the First Annual Peahi (Maui) Tow in Surf Contest, with his partner Romeo Bruno, in 2000
4th place in the Second Annual Phelony North Shore Tow in Surf Championship, with partner Joao Jabour, in 2006 at Pua‘ena Point
Get to know Jenni
Jenni was born on the Mainland and has lived on O‘ahu since 1983. She moonlights as a consulting hydrogeologist, continuing her passion of environmental protection of the isles of Hawai‘i. Jenni handles the logistics of our Surf & Yoga Retreat, arranging transportation and yoga classes, and coordinating activities for our guests. In her spare time, Jenni enjoys traveling, Sup lessons and playing soccer.
Co Owner