Pono Camp Photos and Testimonial

What a whirlwind summer! We are still running at full speed with our surf lessons, but our teen camps are complete, and we know summer is coming close to wrapping up when we start booking lessons for the winter holidays. Our teen surf camp photographer, Rachael Zimmerman, has been busily editing thousands of images from both weeks, and we wanted to share just a few of her images from Session 1 : Pono Camp!

Our first week of camp was focused on inner strength, and included activities such as nutritional counseling, art therapy, and yoga, as well as ropes course challenges, ding repair and lei making!

Pono Camp Teen Camp Maui — PC: Rachael Zimmerman

We also received this letter from one of our parents that made all the hard work of creating and running our 19th summer of camp all worth it:

Surf Coach Carole (top right) with her surf pod PC: Rachael Zimmerman

Hey Dustin,

I just wanted to send you an email now that the camp is done and we are all settled at home. Our daughter had the most amazing time with you guys and I honestly can’t thank you enough for the passion and love you put into this program. Her dad and I were both moved to tears when we were listening to her talk about her week with you all.

This experience went far beyond surfing for her. The confidence she has gained is absolutely priceless and hearing her excitement for next year is confirmation that Maui Surfer Girls will hopefully be a part of our lives for many years to come.

We were both so nervous as parents sending her off for a week. Would the other girls be nice? Would she be able to surf? Would she get hurt? Would she hate every minute of it? Best case, we figured she’d have fun and might even be up for it next year. Worst case, she could hate surfing and be totally turned off by overnight camps all together. The camp exceeded any expectation we could have possibly had.

PC: Rachael Zimmerman

She is already saving money to do the full two weeks next year!

You are a very special person and I know these girls are all better for their time with you, and that extends to the other amazing women you have at camp as well.

From the deepest place in our hearts, our family thanks you all. We’re filled with gratitude and joy for everything you have done.