Healing Through Surfing
Scroll to Continue
Healing Through Surfing Video
Dustin Tester
Dustin is a surfing pioneer. She was a member of the first all-woman tow-team to surf Peahi, also known as Jaws, on Maui’s North Shore. She calls it, “The Mount Everest of big wave surfing.” On her first wave, she was whipped into a 25-foot monster. It was one of the most exhilarating rides of her life.
The waves off of Olowalu are only a foot tall. Dustin pushes the 10-year old onto a wave and the girl gets up and riding. Her joy is not unlike Dustin’s, surfing that 25-footer at Jaws. In ancient times, only alii (Hawaiian royalty) could surf. Today, Dustin is spreading the joy of surfing to girls and women from around the world, turning their fear into power.
“Surfing has always empowered me and healed my heart.”
Tell us what it felt like to surf Jaws.
Peahi (Jaws) is a magical, powerful wave here on the North Shore of Maui. Only the best of the best surf that wave. In 2004, me, Andrea Moller and Maria Souza, all trained to go to Jaws. We were the first women out there. It was definitely eye-opening and scary. The first wave at Jaws for me was a lot of pressure. I just had triple the anxiety, getting there with all that adrenaline and those legends surfing Jaws watching.We did great. Everyone was pretty blown away, seeing women that were really handling the wave out there. It was probably one of the best surf experiences of my life out at Jaws with those girls. That gave me confidence that “I can be out here with these guys.”
What made you start this surf camp?
When I was nine, I was uprooted from my home here on Maui. My mom moved us to California. So that was very difficult. I lost my dad and everything I knew. When I came back to Maui and became more of a surfer in high school, that's when I really discovered my identity. You know, like I'm a surfer, I'm an ocean woman, I’m an athlete – and that gave me peace, knowing that's who I am. I feel like the hardships that I had during my teenage years and growing up here on Maui has contributed so much to me starting Maui Surfer Girls.
“The ocean doesn’t judge and that’s a pretty powerful thing when you’re out there.”
What do you love about surfing?
It’s an amazing and empowering sport that I love to share. It’s a spiritual connection with the ocean that I really covet. It’s my church. You can surf a two-inch wave and feel a release or you can surf the hugest wave of your life and still feel a release, there’s always some therapeutic aspect to surfing waves. We're giving women and girls the opportunity to connect with their bodies and their spirits and feel the healing mana (spiritual power) of the ocean.
Can any woman surf?
I'm trying to really break down the barriers of the stereotypical surfer girl and really show girls and women that anyone can do this sport. A surfer's body is anything. It's in any package. Some of the girls come with self-confidence issues and I found that surfing is the perfect outlet for them to really empower them in their bodies. They definitely find that inner warrior in them that's like, “Yeah, it’s gonna be awesome. I'm a surfer.”
Browse Hawaii Adventures
Royal Kahana Maui by Outrigger is an oceanfront condominium located between Kaanapali and Kapalua on Maui. Upgraded studios, one- and two-bedroom units feature spectacular ocean views, with the islands of Molokai and Lanai in the distance.
The Kapalua Villas is located in the stunning 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort on Maui’s northwest coast and features upscale accommodations with a choice of beachfront, mountain-side or golf course locations.
Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa Kauai by Outrigger is located on the scenic eastern shore of Kauai and offers luxury one- and two-bedroom condominium units with designer kitchens, a two-acre heated soft-water river pool and three sand-bottom whirlpool spas.
The Paia Inn is located on the North Shore of Maui. Enjoy a white sandy beach with our private beach access. Each guest room offers wireless internet, flat screen TV, iPod clock radio, and complimentary coffee, tea, gym pass, daily maid service and business center.
Trump International Hotel Waikiki is the first & only Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Hotel on Oahu & #1 hotel on TripAdvisor since October 2011. Less than a 2-minute walk to the beach & in the heart of Waikiki's vibrant entertainment & shopping scene, it is a perfect respite for your Hawaiian getaway.
Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel, fronting world-famous Kāʻanapali Beach, is officially recognized as Hawai’i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel. Here on 11 acres of tropical gardens, our guests can relax and truly enjoy the romantic Hawaiian atmosphere. Here you will experience Aloha at its best!
A tropical paradise resort located on beautiful Kalapaki Beach. Enjoy spacious guestrooms, 1-, and 2-bedroom villas featuring living and dining areas with kitchenettes. The resort offers a 26,000-square-foot swimming pool, golf, spa, and more.
Hotel Lanai, Hawaii's Best Little Inn, nestled in towering Cook Pines at the top of Lanai City invites you to slow down, step back in time and enjoy a simpler way of life.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, often referred to as the "First Lady of Waikiki," is a legendary landmark introducing the world to Hawaiian hospitality in 1901. Step back into yesteryear with all the contemporary amenities and unique services to make your Hawaii vacation memorable.
Child friendly Hawaii hotel features 1 bedroom suites, w/ fully equipped kitchens making dining affordable. Facilities include mini-playground, heated swimming pool,10 bbq grills, tennis, sauna, and two hot tubs. Near Waikiki beach and family attractions.