Willis Brothers Surfing
Willis Brothers Surfing
5
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About
The fastest and safest way to learn how to surf. Located in San Diego and the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. We are a family owned & operated business offering residents and visitors of all ages & ethnicity here on Oahu and in San Diego a complete surfing experience, Our Surfing School has been sharing the aloha of surfing for over four decades.
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Willis Brothers Surfing
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
160 reviews
Excellent
160
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
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Jeff b
1 contribution
Jul 2014 • Family
My 10yr old son and I are now amongst the best surfers in the world now thanks to MB1. His teaching style and surefire method will give you all that you need to be surfing in very little time. (first wave for me) I knew that we had been givin a gift after our lesson was over and we felt like we could surf with impunity. During the next four day of surfing ourselves into exhaustion I was able to observe many different surf instructors give their lessons as well as observing MB1 with his. Simply put, MB1 is the best. He had the same connection with each and every student that he had with my son and I. His wisdom and experience made even the fearful confident and all had huge beautiful smiles as they caught their first waves. Do not cheat yourself and take lessons from an often disengaged, corporate feeling, tourist mill, instructor. Go with MB1 And MC2, and you will find what you are looking for in not just a surf lesson, but in a truly awesome surf experience. My son and I consider both of these incredible souls our friends and hope to see them trip after trip for many years to come.
Written August 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madison C
1 contribution
The Willis Bros. are world class surfers and truly inspirational, larger-than-life people. Spending just an hour or two with these brothers can impact the way you experience your entire trip. They encourage you and help build your confidence not only in surfing, but in general. Both Milton "MB1" and Michael "MC2" are living examples of the meaning of the greeting "namaste," which translates to "the divine light in me honors the divine light in you." Aside from all I could say about the personalities of these brothers, they are exceptional surf instructors. I saw them on three occasions during my trip with my dad and younger brother (19). My family wake boards and some of us wake surf, but none of us had ever surfed on the ocean before. With the instruction of the Willis Bros, all three of us were able to ride waves to the shore from waist high waters by the second session. For my brother and I, it was the first session. Overall, I highly recommend you make the time for a surfing lesson from the Willis Bros!
Written August 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz P
San Diego, CA7 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
Today I had my first surf lesson from Milton Willis and it was amazing! The only reason I can think that I waited so long to try surfing was so that I could meet Milton and Michael Willis, surfing experts. Milton was patient, calm and had only positive words to say throughout the lesson. He tool me through simple steps and I got up on my first wave! He also gave me safety tips which were very helpful and always needed. I will be hopefully taking more lessons from Milton as well. One can tell, after even one lesson, that the Willis Brothers put their positive energy and motivation into helping others learn to surf and that they truly love what they do.
I can't wait until they teach my son to surf, too!
I can't wait until they teach my son to surf, too!
Written August 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeri C
Solana Beach, CA2 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
The experience was great. It was more then a surfing lesson it was a life changing experience with the Willis Brothers. We made great friends with them.
Written July 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RKNMG
Hudsonville, MI29 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
I can't begin to say enough good things about our experience with Milton and Michael. Words are simply not adequate!
Our family of four traveled to California with no surfing experience, and left California considering ourselves surfers. Our kids are STILL raving about their surfing lessons and how much they loved Milton and Michael. We were greeted warmly and felt comfortable and safe right away. We spent the first 1/2 hour learning about ocean safety and how to navigate our boards and then into the water we went! My husband and son (10) and daughter (8) were up on their boards right away and rode all the way into shore! It took me a little longer to feel confident enough to stay standing, but Milton was extremely patient and encouraging. I was riding in no time!
These instructors simply know their stuff. Their love for their sport is contagious and we all left feeling like the ocean and the instructors are part of our hearts now for a lifetime. They were amazing with our children; they took the time to get to know them, build their confidence and teach them ocean safety and how to love what they do. I cannot recommend the Willis Brothers enough. It was quite honestly one of the best days of our lives!
Our family of four traveled to California with no surfing experience, and left California considering ourselves surfers. Our kids are STILL raving about their surfing lessons and how much they loved Milton and Michael. We were greeted warmly and felt comfortable and safe right away. We spent the first 1/2 hour learning about ocean safety and how to navigate our boards and then into the water we went! My husband and son (10) and daughter (8) were up on their boards right away and rode all the way into shore! It took me a little longer to feel confident enough to stay standing, but Milton was extremely patient and encouraging. I was riding in no time!
These instructors simply know their stuff. Their love for their sport is contagious and we all left feeling like the ocean and the instructors are part of our hearts now for a lifetime. They were amazing with our children; they took the time to get to know them, build their confidence and teach them ocean safety and how to love what they do. I cannot recommend the Willis Brothers enough. It was quite honestly one of the best days of our lives!
Written June 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve M
Chicago, IL1 contribution
May 2015 • Solo
When I first saw Milton and Michael, they were both doing hand stands in the parking lot of the beach. I knew immediately I selected the right surf instructors. They were both clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the sport. Their Willis Way and nonstop positivity led to a very successful first session for this beginner. Although my expectant wife was unable to go out and surf, they made every effort to include her in the day. Overall, great people who love and are excellent at what they do. Looking forward to meeting up for another session next time I'm in San Diego.
Written May 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DunkinDuncan
Dallas, TX2 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
From my initial communication, Milton (MB1) stationed my expectations for an instructor and surfing experience at a seemingly unattainable level. That level was eclipsed within the first several minutes of our "lesson". . .before a wave or board was even mentioned.
Every written or telephone connection conveyed a trust and respect that is rare among long lasting friendships, let alone a expected 'transactional' relationship. MB1 and his twin brother/partner/friend Michael (MC2) promptly began offering wisdom and enlightenment, preparing our mindsets and movements to catch waves right away. Everyone on our team could feel the energy and I'm convinced MB1 and MC2 shaved 5+ years from our learning curve with their trademark Willis Bros technique. Following our scheduled lesson, they continued to be astoundingly accommodating in too many ways too list.
The brothers' and their friends' spirit will stay with us throughout our trip, and will be my favorite souvenir when I return home.
Blessings and Respect
Duncan
Every written or telephone connection conveyed a trust and respect that is rare among long lasting friendships, let alone a expected 'transactional' relationship. MB1 and his twin brother/partner/friend Michael (MC2) promptly began offering wisdom and enlightenment, preparing our mindsets and movements to catch waves right away. Everyone on our team could feel the energy and I'm convinced MB1 and MC2 shaved 5+ years from our learning curve with their trademark Willis Bros technique. Following our scheduled lesson, they continued to be astoundingly accommodating in too many ways too list.
The brothers' and their friends' spirit will stay with us throughout our trip, and will be my favorite souvenir when I return home.
Blessings and Respect
Duncan
Written August 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carmen l
2 contributions
Aug 2014
Best time ever!!! I'm From Louisiana.. Came to San Diego for a family vacation and knew jus one thing for sure that I wanted to do... I wanted to learn how to surf!! Best decision I could have made!!! My instructor MB1 was the best!!! So laid back and down to earth.... Walked me thru the whole process step by step... Made me feel very comfortable!! I would definitely recommend this company to anyone wanting to ride some wave with the best!!!
Written August 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NancySz
Boston, MA20 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
These gentlemen are unbelievably capable and kind instructors. They are extremely attentive to their students' surfing and their safety (both physically and emotionally.) My sons (twins aged 14) took private lessons from them and the attention and patience that they offered were unsurpassed. One of my sons has some struggles with coordination and he came away from his lesson feeling like a star. Michael and Milton also agreed to come out a second morning and teach another wonderful lesson despite a very busy personal schedule. If you are visiting the San Diego Area, take lessons from the Willis brothers. You will have the ultimate California surfing experience - fun, skill, safety and positive, relaxed attitude all wrapped into one.
Written April 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy J
Del Mar, CA3 contributions
Dec 2012 • Solo
My life long dream was to surf, never was I able to feel confident to accomplish as I tried at age 17 in Carmel, Calif, and an angel saved my life, I was drowning, so I believed it was going to forever be a dream,,,,,,,untill,,,,wow,,,,,,Michael Willis came into my life,,,,,I stood up on my first wave, my hair dry, and when into shore,,truely I collapsed...I could not move nor speak..my 86 yr old mother observing...such an outerbody experience like no other...I walked on water on the surfboard. Since then, I have connected with Michael to give the experience he gave to me to my relalatives abroad from CHILE,,,and every single one without fail experienced same thing...all you get is tried true proven riding wave first wave first time hair dry, There is no other than Michael Willis, ,,,can not begin to list all I have told and gone to Michael and all thank me me beyond belief, and my response always the same , not me,,,its MICHAEL WILLIS,,, thank him! THank you for a lifetime Michael Willis, for what you have done for me and continue to do for all without fail all I have sent your way! You are amazing!
Written November 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There would be 4 guys in our group. Staying at the Omni by Petco. How can we make this happen next Sunday (5/31)? How does transportation work? How do we dress? Really want to do this!!
Written May 23, 2015
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