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
Experience Maui's top-rated Whalewatch, as well as award-winning snorkel cruises to Molokini & Turtle Arches, Lana'i and Honolua Bay; Dolphin Watch ecotours; Sunset Dinner and Cocktail Cruises; and much more with the experts at Pacifc Whale Foundation.
Awarded "2006/2007 C.R.U.I.S.E. Tour of the Year" by Princess Cruises! Captain Zodiac is more than a snorkel tour; it’s a high-speed thrill ride adventure. See dolphins & whales, explore sea caves and see blowholes & unique lava formations.
Booking online with Snorkel Molokini is the easiest, least expensive and fastest way to plan your snorkel at Molokini Crater.
Oahu's only marine-biologist founded and led ocean wildlife tours. Small group (6-10 passengers) charters include year-round whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling with giant sea turtles and endemic tropical reef fish. Portion of proceeds donated to marine conservation orgs.
Lana'i Ocean Sports is committed to excellence by creating lifelong memories through personalized service delivered with Aloha. As stewards and sailors, we perpetuate our Hawaiian culture and protect our environment. As an ‘Ohana, we value each other and inspire integrity, innovation, and community.
Experience Waikiki’s breathtaking coastline and stunning sunsets aboard Majestic by Atlantis Cruises. We offer daily sunset dinner cruises and seasonal whale watch cruises. Join us!
We are a PADI 5 Star Resort Center offering beginner to advanced SCUBA diving charters seven days a week at two locations on Oahu, Hawaii Kai and in Waikiki near Kewalo Basin Boat Harbor. We offer complimentary roundtrip transportation to and from Waikiki and Honolulu Hotels.
Sea Maui is Ka'anapali's "FUN BOAT". We operate a variety of snorkel tours, dolphin and whale watching trips, Sunset Cocktail sails, private charters and more! Our 55ft catamaran pulls right up onto Ka'anapali beach for loading. Fun for the whole family!
3-hour tours, specializing in professional year-round whale watches, learning adventures. Guaranteed sighting or come again free. Free 8z11 color whale photo. See Hawaii's abundant whales and dolphins with the people who know them best.
At Ali'i Ocean Tours we offer the highest level of service aboard our beautiful 38' cruiser "Hoku Elima". Whether it's an amazing experience with spinner dolphins, snorkeling the famous Kealakekua Bay or customizing your own private charter you'll forever remember it as a highlight of your vacation!