Surf with a Service Animal

Posted By : Aaron_E
From the start James and his loyal companion Church were friendly and welcoming. They were both patient and helpful teachers and gave my wife and I as much time in the water as we wanted. I never got up past a crouching position but I never felt defeated. Highly recommend this unique experience! PS, Church is the goodest boy!
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Posted On : 2024-06-17 18:04:27

Posted By : Rachel_K
We started our honeymoon off strong with these lessons with James and Church! It was our first time surfing, and we had an absolute blast. We received great instruction from James and enthusiastic motivation from Church, as evidenced by us managing to catch our first waves and stand up on the board very early into the lesson. By the end of the lesson, my husband and I shared a board together with Church on one last epic wave. Thank you James and Church for an unforgettable experience! (A tip from us to future students: wear something that covers your knees, and bring a waterproof camera)
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Posted On : 2024-03-11 10:08:16

Posted By : UrLucky13
I can’t say enough about this experience! This was definitely an experience of a lifetime for me, an experience I’ll never forget. I am an animal lover but fearful of the water due to my extreme phobia of sharks. I have to say being with Church the surf Dog I didn’t even think about a shark once! I felt so at ease out on the water even with the waves I consider big lol but really aren’t. I couldn’t understand how a dog could teach you until I saw Church going through all the steps right in front of my eyes. James his owner explained with instructions beforehand but it was a whole different lesson watching Church. I am still in awe of how he knows when a wave is coming, how to position yourself low as it creeps up to then stand tall when it’s riding and move his body with the surf board. JUST INCREDIBLE!! This has definitely made my trip as I flew in from Miami to help MHS & HARF with the animals affected by the fire which has been a lot emotionally. I was able to forget about everything for 2 hours and just enjoy the natural beauty of Maui. I am so very grateful & thankful. Please reach out to James he’s a cool guy who makes you feel very comfortable with the water, surfing and CHURCH. This is experience is for everyone you won’t be disappointed MAHALO 🙏🏼🏄‍♀️🐶🌊✨
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Posted On : 2023-10-07 22:51:57

Posted By : J5012KGjayc
We had a great time with Church and James! Church was so much fun and he gets so excited to go surf. James had us up and surfing waves in no time while Church was keeping us balanced on the board. Seeing all the sea turtles was awesome too - 10/10 recommend Church and James!
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Posted On : 2023-10-05 15:56:55

Posted By : KobrieH
When I found out my family was going to Hawaii I told them I wanted to drink coconut water out of a coconut and try surfing. I had no idea I was going to get to surf with a dog! Church is really sweet and very gentle, and REALLY likes the water. James is also very nice and explained everything really well. He could see I was nervous but he and Church made me feel more comfortable. It took some time and a lot of tries, but James was always there encouraging me and I was finally able to stay up with the help of Church! Having him on the board helped me balance and I was able to stay up several times. It was my favorite part of the trip and I hope I can go back and do it again. (I got my coconut too). Thank you for helping me check something off my bucket list at 11 years old. I’ll never forget it!
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Posted On : 2023-07-17 23:17:40

Posted By : Stephanie M
My husband surprised me with a surfing lesson with Church on my birthday trip to Maui.

I don’t have great balance and was skeptical about being able to stand up. James helped me get out of my head and stop overthinking. He told me to look over the top of Church’s head and focus on the horizon. It totally worked and the next thing I knew I was up on the board.

Church is the most patient and adorable puppy and made my surfing adventure so much more fun. James and Church are the Dynamic Duo of surfing. Definitely check this out if you are visiting Maui 🏄🏽‍♀️
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Posted On : 2023-07-13 21:31:14

Posted By : VacationingStephanie
The experience was amazing! Church (service dog) helped to ease my son’s anxiety - he was more focused on church and having fun learning rather than being anxious. James has a fun approach and keeps it a laid back vibe. Started off surfing with Church in front, my son in middle, and James in the back. The second hour my son was ready for his own board! I can’t thank James enough for this memorable experience. Highly recommend!
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Posted On : 2023-06-06 15:21:36

Posted By : 485jodyc
This was a huge highlight for my daughter. She wanted to try surfing and loves dogs. When we found Church the surfing dog, it was perfect. The excitement of the dog took all the stress out of trying something new. Dog adds balance to the board and my daughter was standing the first try. By the end Church and my daughter we're surfing together alone. James as a very patient and competent instructor. Highly recommend the experience.
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Posted On : 2023-04-04 14:09:09

Posted By : linzw27
While this post is a year late. I tried surfing for the first time with James and Church last minute one Sunday. It was a blast. James was awesome about reaching out when Church had an injury and he wasn't sure if he would be able to go out with us since I had book surf with a dog. However as soon as Church saw we were going surfing he was right as rain and came out with us. James himself was very patient with me and had me riding waves once I got out of my head. Can't recommend James enough!
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Posted On : 2022-09-01 04:38:36

Posted By : Eric_M
Fantastic morning with James and Church, first time surfing and a day we will never forget! I lost count of how many times my daughter rode the waves in with Church and on her own, she can't stop talking about it.
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Posted On : 2022-08-08 12:42:59