Garden Island Surf School is a premiere surfing school on Kauai and provides you with a 97% success rate! They can also work with everyone from "first-timers" to long time "beach-goers" who want to have intermediate caliber?? lessons or those who want to ride the waves in a 4-man outrigger canoe! The typical class is held to 4 students, but they also offer special individual instructions for men, women or children who want "one-on-one" instruction.  Their staff are dedicated & committed surfers who live and surf on Kauai. They have state-of-the-art equipment and use only Red Cross "safety certified" instructors providing you with a safe and fun experience is their #1 concern. 

Aaron Hoff, President

A lifetime surfer with 20 years of surfing experience.

He has been teaching lessons for over 4 years when the idea of managing a surf school materialized with co-worker, Heidi Smyser.

Aaron enjoys working with children and brings a special spirituality to his company.

Heidi Smyser, Vice-President


Growing up in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, in the 60's, Heidi was not encouraged to surf by her parents.

She could swim before she could walk and became an outrigger canoe paddler, open ocean swimmer, and competitive bodysurfer.

Her life has come full circle now as owner and operator of Garden Island Surf School.

Chris Kauwe: Head Instructor

Born a native son, Chris was raised in the Mecca of Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu.

With his Hawaiian roots, Chris brings a deep passion to his cultural right to practice the sport of surfing. His 36 years of experience also attribute to his keen teaching technique.

If Chris can teach his pet wild boar, "Ilio" to surf as seen on the Discovery Channel, Sally Jesse Raphael, Fox Sports, and Animal Planet, he can teach you. Unfortunately, Ilio can't come to a public beach so won't be at the lesson. Sorry to disappoint you.

Llio - The Hawaiian Surfing Pig

Jeremy "Skiz" Doubt: Instructor

Jeremy "Skiz" Doudt, Lead Instructor
Raised on the Southshore of Kaua'i, "Skiz," as he is affectionately known, is one of the top amateur surfers in the State.

His demure, but sweet attitude of Aloha, extends to everyone in the water. 

This has recognized Skiz as one of the most well respected watermen on the island. We are honored to have him as one of our lead instructors at Garden Island Surf School.