Maybe it’s because I grew up in the desert, or because my father played the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett on near-constant repeat through most of my childhood, but I am a little obsessed with the beach and the ocean. I assume that’s why I think surfing is the coolest sport in the world. Yes, you have to go into the shark’s house, but can you think of anything more awesome than paddling out, watching the swell, catching a wave and riding it into the shore? It doesn’t hurt that the surfer uniform is an adorable bikini (or boardshorts) and a fun rashguard, or they never need “salt spray” for beachy hair.

But as chill as the surfers make it look, it’s not easy.

We have taken several lessons over the years, mostly in pursuit of my goal to learn to surf before we moved away from California, and though we had a lot of fun and we caught some waves, I never stood up all the way for more than a second. This time was different, thanks to our fantastic instructor, Ikaika.

Instead of just focusing on getting us on the board, Ikaika (a Maui native) talked to us about how to watch and catch the waves, how to steer or speed up, and why my previous method of riding the board in an awkward squatting position was not working. Within minutes, I was standing up! Please excuse the photos — I am goofy footed, so the photographer was not exactly shooting my best side, but I’m still glad we have photographic evidence of me riding some (tiny) waves.

If you’ve never tried surfing before, Hawaii is a fantastic place to start. Not only is it gorgeous, the waves don’t break as quickly as the ones in Carlsbad. Plus, the water is a whole lot warmer, so you won’t need a wetsuit! You should definitely wear a long-sleeved rash guard (unless you want first-hand knowledge of why it’s called a “rash guard”), but the surf schools all have them if you don’t have your own.

We loved Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy, and would definitely ask for Ikaika specifically. And afterward, head to one of the restaurants on the water in Lahaina (we sat on the patio at Aloha Mixed Plate) to refuel after all that paddling!

Surf leggings: Athleta, Rashguard: Tommy Bahama (similar, similar). Toby’s rashguard: Quiksilver (long-sleeved version), Toby’s bathing suit: Billabong (similar, similar, similar)