Aqua Sports Maui
Aqua Sports Maui
5
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At Aqua Sports Maui learning to kiteboard has never been easier. With your safety as our # 1 priority , our professional instructors will have you flying over the water in the least amount of time possible.We offer private and semi private kiteboarding instruction at all levels, from absolute beginner to semi-pro. Whether you want to pick up the fundamentals of kiteboarding, refine your kiteboarding performance, or learn to kitesurf big waves, Aqua Sports Maui has the kiteboarding lesson for you! Call or email us at today to set up your lessons or for more info, we are happy to answer your questions.
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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.
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5.0
65 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Mike025
vancouver7 contributions
Dec 2011 • Solo
There are three kite-boarding schools that operate out of vans in the western parking lot at Kanaha beach and they all seem to be very similar. It makes for a friendly vibe and a great way to get an introduction to the sport. There are lots of students on the beach and your big red helmet is a clear signal to others to give you space on the water.
I booked a three-day package with Aquasports and I was really impressed with the instruction I got. My instructor Diane knew exactly what I need to learn to get up and riding my board and maximizing my time. I did have another lesson with another instructor that did not progress so fast, but this is always the case when you are taking any sort of lessons. So much of it depends on the skill of the individual instructor.
The gear was all in great shape considering what a pounding it takes, and even when I busted two kites in the surf, it was not an issue. They were also flexible on the price of the package when I cut one lesson short by an hour, and it was no problem changing my dates at the last minute.
I'd never kiteboarded before, but by the third lesson I felt like I had the basics of riding and kite control. Having experience surfing, windsurfing, power-kiting and snowboarding all helped me a lot. That said, I did spend couple hours on each of the days washing around in the surf trying to get the hand of the sport. But once you manage to get up and riding it is well worth the effort. I'm hooked!
Price wise I think Aquasports is a good deal, or even a great deal. I think it worked out to about $60 per hour for my eight hour package, including equipment. Lessons back home in Vancouver are nearly twice the price I believe.
I'd recommend this school to anyone who wants to try out this sport.
I booked a three-day package with Aquasports and I was really impressed with the instruction I got. My instructor Diane knew exactly what I need to learn to get up and riding my board and maximizing my time. I did have another lesson with another instructor that did not progress so fast, but this is always the case when you are taking any sort of lessons. So much of it depends on the skill of the individual instructor.
The gear was all in great shape considering what a pounding it takes, and even when I busted two kites in the surf, it was not an issue. They were also flexible on the price of the package when I cut one lesson short by an hour, and it was no problem changing my dates at the last minute.
I'd never kiteboarded before, but by the third lesson I felt like I had the basics of riding and kite control. Having experience surfing, windsurfing, power-kiting and snowboarding all helped me a lot. That said, I did spend couple hours on each of the days washing around in the surf trying to get the hand of the sport. But once you manage to get up and riding it is well worth the effort. I'm hooked!
Price wise I think Aquasports is a good deal, or even a great deal. I think it worked out to about $60 per hour for my eight hour package, including equipment. Lessons back home in Vancouver are nearly twice the price I believe.
I'd recommend this school to anyone who wants to try out this sport.
Written January 16, 2012
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.
Tim-YVR
1 contribution
I had read about kiteboarding for years and always dreamed of doing it. This time in Maui I finally decided that it was time to jump in and learn - and this will be one of the best moments of the trip!
Diana was my instructor, and as part of the Beginner 1-on-1 package, I had specific training that took into account that I had wakeboarded before, and had flown cheap little stunt kites a few times. Diana was a perfect instructor - clear and very informative, as well as truly loving what she does. I had read some other reviews of other kite schools and some have some sketchy ratings due to a few cranky instructors. Definitely not the case here!
We started out with kite basics, did some dry land flying (with some beached whale butt drags across the beach!), then progressed to body dragging in the water, body dragging with a board, board recovery, and finally strapping on the board and getting the feel for the combination.
Diana is full of knowledge and is a very logical and sequenced person. Every step is fun, but is also safe, and she checks to make sure you are comfortable with each step before progressing to the next. As someone who has been on the kiting scene in Maui for over ten years, she is comfortable with the locals, and I never felt like we were intruding on anyone else or doing anything that would upset any of the more experienced boarders.
The views here are mainly of a postcard beach, with "Pro Beach" in one area (I recognized this from magazines), and there was in fact a pro there lit up and throwing tricks about 20' up with a camera man in the water. There were also some shadows in the water and concrete structures sticking up - all wartime bunkers. Very neat to see both the wartime history and the pros in action.
The Aquasports van is very well organized, I only wish I could have a van like that stocked with kite gear :)
Overall, the lesson I received was stellar, and I'd highly recommend taking lessons from Diana - you'll be in great hands!!
Tim
Diana was my instructor, and as part of the Beginner 1-on-1 package, I had specific training that took into account that I had wakeboarded before, and had flown cheap little stunt kites a few times. Diana was a perfect instructor - clear and very informative, as well as truly loving what she does. I had read some other reviews of other kite schools and some have some sketchy ratings due to a few cranky instructors. Definitely not the case here!
We started out with kite basics, did some dry land flying (with some beached whale butt drags across the beach!), then progressed to body dragging in the water, body dragging with a board, board recovery, and finally strapping on the board and getting the feel for the combination.
Diana is full of knowledge and is a very logical and sequenced person. Every step is fun, but is also safe, and she checks to make sure you are comfortable with each step before progressing to the next. As someone who has been on the kiting scene in Maui for over ten years, she is comfortable with the locals, and I never felt like we were intruding on anyone else or doing anything that would upset any of the more experienced boarders.
The views here are mainly of a postcard beach, with "Pro Beach" in one area (I recognized this from magazines), and there was in fact a pro there lit up and throwing tricks about 20' up with a camera man in the water. There were also some shadows in the water and concrete structures sticking up - all wartime bunkers. Very neat to see both the wartime history and the pros in action.
The Aquasports van is very well organized, I only wish I could have a van like that stocked with kite gear :)
Overall, the lesson I received was stellar, and I'd highly recommend taking lessons from Diana - you'll be in great hands!!
Tim
Written September 27, 2012
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.
Vangruvie
Vancouver, Canada22 contributions
Can't agree with the negative reviewer above...four of us signed up for lessons and had a great time. The two of us that we're really keen stuck with it and we're getting up on day 2. Karen and the instructors are very safety conscious and very supportive. I can't wait to get back out on the water...or snow...soon.
Written January 16, 2012
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.
James Richard B
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK10 contributions
Aug 2011 • Solo
not a good company...bad attitude from instructor who was more interested in talking about herself than in teaching...just a pain really
Written September 10, 2011
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.
I am very sorry that this reviewer did not enjoy his lesson, our lessons are 100% garaunteed,To this reviewer: I would be happy to refund your money. I have tried to contact you but have been unable so far, so I thought I would try here. Aloha, Karen Aqua Sports Maui Manager
Written April 14, 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rosconaut
Calgary, Canada8 contributions
Jul 2011
Not quite sure what the negative reviewer is talking about, I found the instruction to be top notch. I am a nationally certified coach in other sports, so I know good coaching when I see it. Kiteboarding is a very complex endeavour, especially if you are a beginner coming at it from scratch, like I was. You have a lot to learn, including gear, wind theory, kite control, safety & self rescue, body position for wakeboarding, launching technique, and hopefully control while riding & turns. I took the 3 day x 3 hr lesson package. After Day 1, I got the concept, but had no control, and was very frustrated. Karen talked me through this, adjusted my gear (and my attitude). By Day 2, I was popping up out of the water fairly reliably. By Day 3, I was kiteboarding, and in love with the sport. I'd attribute this quick success directly to the instruction I received from Karen at Aquasports. By contrast, since my Maui vacation, I've taken some really lousy lessons in Texas City. The conditions are a whole lot tamer than they are in Maui, but with a lower calibre instructor, I didn't do nearly as well as I did with Karen in the surf & chop of Kite Beach. If you want to learn to kiteboard, Aquasports is a fine school. Just be prepared to invest the time & money. There are so many things to learn, it is likely to take you at least 3 solid lessons before you are even at the most basic level of the sport, but it is well worth the effort and investment.
Written January 14, 2012
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.
Ron C
Rossland1 contribution
Aug 2013 • Friends
I took 5 kiteboard lessons with Aqua Sports Maui this past August. The Readers Digest version: Highly recommended. Stop reading and take a lesson!
This was my introduction to kiteboarding and I was very happy with the entire experience. Karen is very professional and organized. My instructor was knowledgeable, patient, and always provided constructive and positive comments. I am new to the sport, over 50 (just!), a long time windsurfer (still enjoy!) but getting a bit lonely at the windsurf sites as my friends have mostly switched or are in the process of taking up the kite. I was motivated to learn a new skill and stay safe. My instructor instilled a healthy degree of respect for the sport and the possibility for problems. I was never in a situation where I felt I was in over my head during my lessons. The lessons progressed at a pace that was in keeping with my ability, yet I definitely improved with each session.
You have enough decisions to make in your life. If you are interested in the sport, or want to take your existing skills to the next level, do not hesitate to give Aqua Sports Maui a try.
Disclaimer - I have no relationship with this company.
I will be back in November with more Aqua Sports Maui lessons planned.
BC, Canada
This was my introduction to kiteboarding and I was very happy with the entire experience. Karen is very professional and organized. My instructor was knowledgeable, patient, and always provided constructive and positive comments. I am new to the sport, over 50 (just!), a long time windsurfer (still enjoy!) but getting a bit lonely at the windsurf sites as my friends have mostly switched or are in the process of taking up the kite. I was motivated to learn a new skill and stay safe. My instructor instilled a healthy degree of respect for the sport and the possibility for problems. I was never in a situation where I felt I was in over my head during my lessons. The lessons progressed at a pace that was in keeping with my ability, yet I definitely improved with each session.
You have enough decisions to make in your life. If you are interested in the sport, or want to take your existing skills to the next level, do not hesitate to give Aqua Sports Maui a try.
Disclaimer - I have no relationship with this company.
I will be back in November with more Aqua Sports Maui lessons planned.
BC, Canada
Written September 28, 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.
CarolineMHG
London4 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
Having done my research on kiteboarding on Maui well in advance of my trip, I got in contact with Maui Aquasports. Karen returned my emails very promptly and with very helpful responses, so I had great expectations from Maui Aquasports; I was looking to rent kit/have a supervised kite session (I already had IKO L3), and to buy a 7m kite and new board.
I turned up at the beach without having confirmed my lesson times in advance and was flexible as to when I went out on the water. Karen was extremely helpful in fixing me up with an instructor quickly, and getting me out on the water as soon as possible.
From thereon, the lessons were distinctly average and the effort/enthusiasm/interest I received from my instructor was somewhat minimal. My expectations were high based on both Karen's helpfulness, as well as the standard set by my previous kite school [LEK in Cabarete], and so I left quite disappointed, particularly after my second afternoon session, when I got the impression the instructor would have rather been kiting, than having to deal with the hassle of teaching me!
As I kiter, I am more competent than I am confident. I was worried about kiting in a new area, in higher winds than I am used to, and with different hazards. That said, I was really, really up for giving it my best shot and improving my kiting.
My instructor made no effort to find out about me, my previous kiting experiences, or my goals for my sessions (should any lession in any discipline not start out with this?!). He had ample opportunity to do this on our initial hike upwind, but instead marched on ahead of me, without even turning back! From thereon, he watched me, and provided me with some useful pointers, but was not really active in providing instruction (i.e. I got the pointers when I happened to arrive on the beach. I wasn't really "instructed" to do anything specific!). Again, when I got into trouble and had to self rescue to within about 30 yards from the beach, he waited for me to get completely washed up rather than making any attempt to help me, or even ask if I was OK!).
In summary, what I think was most lacking was what I needed most - a bit of encouragement and confidence building, along with some technique practice. What I got was someone who didn't seemed fussed whether I ever kited again.
I turned up at the beach without having confirmed my lesson times in advance and was flexible as to when I went out on the water. Karen was extremely helpful in fixing me up with an instructor quickly, and getting me out on the water as soon as possible.
From thereon, the lessons were distinctly average and the effort/enthusiasm/interest I received from my instructor was somewhat minimal. My expectations were high based on both Karen's helpfulness, as well as the standard set by my previous kite school [LEK in Cabarete], and so I left quite disappointed, particularly after my second afternoon session, when I got the impression the instructor would have rather been kiting, than having to deal with the hassle of teaching me!
As I kiter, I am more competent than I am confident. I was worried about kiting in a new area, in higher winds than I am used to, and with different hazards. That said, I was really, really up for giving it my best shot and improving my kiting.
My instructor made no effort to find out about me, my previous kiting experiences, or my goals for my sessions (should any lession in any discipline not start out with this?!). He had ample opportunity to do this on our initial hike upwind, but instead marched on ahead of me, without even turning back! From thereon, he watched me, and provided me with some useful pointers, but was not really active in providing instruction (i.e. I got the pointers when I happened to arrive on the beach. I wasn't really "instructed" to do anything specific!). Again, when I got into trouble and had to self rescue to within about 30 yards from the beach, he waited for me to get completely washed up rather than making any attempt to help me, or even ask if I was OK!).
In summary, what I think was most lacking was what I needed most - a bit of encouragement and confidence building, along with some technique practice. What I got was someone who didn't seemed fussed whether I ever kited again.
Written September 16, 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.
So sorry, Carolina,
We absolutely guarantee that your lesson is awesome , not so,so. Please accept a full refund for your lesson. Your instructor has been reprimanded , I am going to personally work with him to help him improve, (he is the youngest and newest member of our team). He means well, but just doesn't have the experience of the rest of our team.
We only used him that day for you because it was such short notice to get you a lesson. Just walking up to the beach and getting in is usually not possible. In retrospect I should have had you wait till the next day and scheduled one of our regular guys, but was just trying to help.
So again, please accept my apologies and refund.
Aloha,
Karen
Written September 22, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sut747
Makena, Hawaii, United States2 contributions
Jun 2012 • Solo
When I started I was so nervous! With the help of my instructor, Diana's calm voice and instruction I was able to develop more confidence in flying the kite. What a difference! Diana had patience and helped me launch the kite in sometimes difficult conditions. I am a woman in my late 50's and am so happy to face my fears and become a kite boarder. It is great fun and I plan to enjoy the sport for many years to come! Thank you Diana and Aquasports!!
Written July 16, 2012
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.
Mikebchiro
Huntington Beach, CA4 contributions
Nov 2011 • Couples
I went from knowing nothing about kiteboarding to becoming an IKO certified Kiteboarder in just 4 days! This was all thanks to the fantastic instructors that coached me each step of the way.... from Diana showing me the ropes and getting me to stand up... to Tim showing me how to jump waves and fly 20 feet in the air. There's no better place to learn to basics or fine tune your expert skills.
As for the negative review... Kiteboarding can be frustrating to learn, you just have to have patience with yourself and you can't take it out on the instructors. It's a challenging sport and these instructors do their absolute best to help each student have a wonderful experience.
As for the negative review... Kiteboarding can be frustrating to learn, you just have to have patience with yourself and you can't take it out on the instructors. It's a challenging sport and these instructors do their absolute best to help each student have a wonderful experience.
Written January 16, 2012
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.
Bryan S
Kula, HI26 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
Originally went to Aqua to get introduction to kiteboarding (safely) with a vacationing buddy. Top notch experience. Safety is top priority. I live here and since have used Aqua exclusively. Great instructors (have worked with six), very personable and experienced. Very accommodating of my challenging schedule (doctor). Super fun sport. Gotta try it. Did I mention they are all about your safety?! If you want to try kiteboarding call Aqua.
Written January 16, 2012
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.
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