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
Island and You is the tour of all things local! This circle-island tour lets you visit sacred historical sites, enjoy the island’s best authentic Hawaiian food, and shop for the perfect souvenir as you tour around Oahu. Make the most of your time in Hawaii. Take a day to taste, see and feel it all!
Don't just visit Oahu, get focused and capture it with Oahu Photography Tours! With over 1300 5 star reviews, you can't go wrong! We offer tours for all skill levels and ages & are designed so that anyone can walk away happy with the photos they captured while out with us.
From our two mile long Zipline Through Paradise, to the only volcano tour on the Big Island chosen “BEST” by Princess Cruises the adventure of your dreams awaits with KapohoKine Adventures!
From sunrise to sunset, Haleakala National Park, and the surrounding upcountry Maui area offer memories for a lifetime. Make the most of your trip to Haleakala National Park on a guided tour with Skyline Hawaii. Let us do the navigating while you enjoy the views and learn about the environment and cultural significance of Haleakala.
Wasabi Tours Hawaii is a NTA (National Tour Association) approved tour operator that has been providing small group tours on the Big Island of Hawaii for over 7 years.
Join And You Creations on our Nature and You tour! Experienced guides will lead you through the Manoa Valley Rainforest to a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall. Our tour includes transportation from Waikiki and a delicious and healthy lunch. The trail is suitable for all ages and experience levels.
Kipu Ranch Adventures, located on the lush island of Kauai, is proud to be one of the top eco-tours in Hawaii. We enable visitors and residents alike to discover the rich history, landscape and legends that make Kauai activities unique. Come out and join us for a tropical 4x4 off road adventure.
Ko Olina continues to set new standards for luxury vacation resorts with its mix of like-minded resort partners that include Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina; Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club; and the Beach Villas at Ko Olina.
Discover an ocean-side paradise bordering a marine preserve that teems with colorful reef fish and protected species such as green sea turtles and spinner dolphins. Explore this untouched island playground, and experience your own private Hawaii.
With over 18 years of experience in gifting, our committment is to present our customers with a large selection of high quality products, some of which are designed exclusively for Precious Hawaii. In addition to our full product line, we take pride in our high demand Participatory Events.