We booked this lesson and rental last minute. Called in the morning and was able to book at private SUP lesson for 1pm on the same day. Very convenient!
Was easy to find the marked van--it was parked in front of the beach...along the water and kinda across from the restaurant. We were able to park directly beside the Rainbow van.
Our instructor was friendly, patient, informative, and upbeat! (She was the owner's daughter!)
While we (my 12 year old and I) have been paddleboarding before, the quick lesson on the beach was appreciated. She offered little tips and practices as we went down the river, too.
Having a guide was appreciated as she showed us the way to the river via the ocean. This was great. Now, that we know the way, we would likely simply rent boards or kayaks in the future and guide ourselves.
Paddleboarding down the river in Haleiwa has always been a dream of mine. So glad that I finally did it.
While we only saw one turtle, the foliage and scenery was lovely. It was a peaceful trip. In areas, we enjoyed resting on the boards and floating down the river.
The water was rather brackish--to be honest, I would not have liked to have fallen in! We told, though, that it was safe and clean--it is just water!
We had a quick swim in the ocean upon returning to the van. A bit of a drop off as one walks in the ocean. Temperature was great, though.
Our guide took photos the entire way--and Airdropped them for me at the end of the trip. For free! So great--we are still looking through them! This was a nice touch!
(Notes--we took nothing on the ride. My car key was left in the van. Our flip flops were secure in the teacher's water bag. No bathroom as we were directly on the beach. Luckily, we changed and used the restroom at Dole Planation before showing up.)
All in all, it was a fantastic experience!
事業者からの返答
Such a great review! We are so happy that you had a wonderful tour. When you guys come back again we can definitely set you up with some sup rental boards and a fun experience again. Mahalo
A
amrishaprakash
July 28, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing
This was my first SUP experience and also the most fun I had during my Hawaii trip. The river and nature was beautiful, saw a few turtles and other other wildlife, and Ivy the instructor was wonderful. Thank you!!
事業者からの返答
Thank you for paddling with me! I'm so thrilled the adventure made your trip epic! 🤩
C
CarrieM901
May 28, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Perfect place to learn!
Just returned home from my solo trip to Oahu. I've been wanting to try SUP forever and signed up with Rainbow Watersports for a private lesson. Kate was my instructor and she was so great!! She knew how nervous I was and my fear of drowning (I'm not a strong swimmer). She gave perfect instructions and once we were in calmer waters I was able to stand up easily! We had a great time talking and looking at the turtles along the way.
We made a quick stop to visit "Uncle" - he sells coconuts and we had some fresh coconut milk for our ride back. That was an unexpected highlight for me and a memory I will treasure forever!
The second time I got up to stand was pretty effortless, as I just took my time and remembered what Kate had told me to do. The time went by so fast.
THANK YOU so much again to Kate - she's a treasure! If I make it back to the island again I for sure will look to see if she's there and take another lesson! Perhaps next time a night adventure will be crossed off my list! Thank you Kate!!
M
mariacF7979XG
May 5, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
What an amazing team!!!!
This was an amazing experience!!! Niky made it happen for us last minute, she went above and beyond! Very professional and responsive. We are grateful for them and their time.
C
Christine_D
April 18, 2023 · via Viator
Must do experience!
Megan was AMAZING! She was very knowledgeable about the area and patient. Super fun experience. We even got to see some turtles while paddleboarding!
S
sdamyhill
May 29, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Kate was Great!
The customer service during booking, communication regarding where to meet, and actual paddle board experience were all 5 star! My husband and I had a private lesson with Kate, she was professional, knowledgeable and friendly. We had an amazing time. 10 out of 10 highly recommend. Mahalo!
事業者からの返答
Thanks for the review! We are so glad that you had a fun, smooth experience with booking, communication, and the adventure!
S
ScarletRavens
February 7, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Do it, you won't regret it!
This was my first time on a stand up paddleboard, and my husband's second. It was so fun and easy to learn, especially thanks to the great tips and instructions! We went down the river around sunset and saw probably about 10 or more sea turtles. Convenient location. Highly recommend! I was nervous about falling but it never happened. Photo of me and my young daughter who I put on the paddleboard after we got back from the river and had extra time.
事業者からの返答
WOW, We are thrilled that you had a fun time (you must be a turtle magnet)!
G
Gabriela_S
January 19, 2022 · via Viator
Fun, exciting, peaceful when finally in the river
With a group of nine people Heidi, Eden, and kat did a great job teaching us now to properly paddle, stand, move etc. Even when some of us struggled they were patient with us and helped us gained confidence and keep going. Some of us for may have fallen, but it was all apart of the experience. Would definitely go again.
事業者からの返答
Aloha! We are stoked that you has a great time. We love our job, especially when we get to help people overcome their fear and gain confidence on the water.
M
marcyn932
December 31, 2021 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
We had an amazing time for our first time paddle boarding. Kate, our instructor, was a great teacher and a cool hang. She was especially good with our 9 year old daughter who had the time of her life. We would definitely recommend Rainbow Watersports. And make sure to ask for Kate!
事業者からの返答
We love all of our instructors! They are so easygoing, professional, and fun. We are so glad that you had a stellar time!
A
Anshal_W
December 22, 2021 · via Viator
Worth the money
My parents had little to no swimming skills and Kate was very accommodating and made sure my parents felt comfortable. The view on the river was gorgeous and with the river’s calm waters, it was the best place to get well acquainted with the board. Kate was very kind, a good teacher, and if that’s your instructor, you have nothing to worry about. We also saw a turtle on the way back that waved at my brother and peeled its head out of the water to say hi. Definitely worth the money and I bet my parents will be talking about the experience for awhile.
事業者からの返答
We aim to give you a high-quality adventure that you'll want to remember long after your vacation is over; we are so glad to have created that for you. Thanks for the stellar review.