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
Kona Lisa is 100% Kona, Estate coffee. We hand pick, sun-dry, custom roast for a remarkably smooth cup. Stop by the farm, or visit us at the Kona Lisa Coffee & Tea Bar at neighboring Paleaku Gardens! Enjoy a cup of Kona Lisa while strolling through the scenic Peace Gardens in the heart of Kona!
HO'OMAU RANCH horseback riding, ATV UTV Tours. Ranch Stay and camping. Rare endemic, critically endangered tree species Loulu Palm Pritchardia schattaueri & Mehamehame. Hawaiian hoary bat, Mesic forest. Bird watch for endangered 'io, endemic 'apapane, 'elepaio and Pueo. Cattle pastures Agritourism!
Maui Tropical Plantation offers guests a chance to experience a unique side of Maui! Surrounded by over 500 acres of farmland, our inner property offers educational tours, zip lining, a coffee roaster and cafe, retail shopping and the farm-driven Mill House Restaurant and Bar.
Eight-acre Steelgrass Farm – so-called after a nickname for bamboo, a member of the grass family with a mechanical strength that rivals metal — is on Kauai’s East side, above the town of Kapa’a, between Sleeping Giant and Mt. Wai’ale’ale. We grow Chocolate, Vanilla and offer popular farm tours.
Spanning 240 acres, Na 'Aina Kai is a living mosaic of diverse gardens, a hardwood plantation, a moss- and fern-draped canyon, a tranquil meadow and pristine sandy beach. Gracing the gardens and wild areas are more than 200 bronze sculptures.
Honolulu's #1 walking food tour. Learn about the history and culture of Hawaii while indulging in cuisine not easily found in other parts of the world. We also specialize in private and custom food tours for your out of town conventions and special occasions!
Often acclaimed as the most beautiful area in Hawaii, this garden is a photographer’s and nature lover’s paradise. Featuring over 2,500 species of tropical plants from around the globe, an orchid garden, macaw aviary and oceanfront walk.
Retail, wholesale supplier macadamia nuts, gift baskets, incentive, corporate gifts. Visitor Center, samples, free.
Come visit our honey & bee farm in Captain Cook! Take a beekeeping farm tour & join us as we open a beehive. Sample our organic honeys, all produced from rare blossoms found on the Big Island, and browse our store and museum full of honey, beeswax products and beekeeping memorabilia.
Our work at Hāna Ranch is rooted in the values of land stewardship, collaboration, and community. We believe that by caring for the land, we can deliver the best produce to our customers and strengthen the foundation of our community.