Tamba Surf Company is a true surf company in that it is run by people passionate about surfing, with people passionate about sharing surfing, and with a long list of premier surf items. Whether you are a seasoned surfer or just getting into the sport, Tamba Surf Company has something to offer you.
You will find Tamba Surf Company in Kapaa, just steps away from Kapaa Beach — a perfect spot for beginner surfers. In fact, Tamba Surf Company doesn’t just cater to surfers, it also helps to create them.
You can book individual, personalized surfing lessons with an experienced surf instructor at Tamba Surf Company for about $75 per 1.5 hours of instruction. The group caters to surfers of all skill levels, so whether you have never surfed before or want to learn how to better tackle Hawaii’s famous waves, this company can set you up. The one caveat is that they will not book lessons far in advance due to shifting weather and other conditions. So plan to set a concrete time for your lesson a day or two before.
Need a board but not an instructor? Not a problem. Tamba Surf Company offers outstanding surfboard, stand-up paddleboards, bodyboard, and snorkel gear. Where they really shine, however, is in their rental times. Where most places require rental drop-offs at the end of the shop’s working day, Tamba Surf Company offers a true day, as in a full 24-hour day rental. This is ideal as it allows surfers to keep a board overnight so as to enjoy a sunrise surfing experience on the Hawaiian islands.
While Tamba Surf Company does offer board rentals and instruction, they are foremost a surf shop selling gear and accessories. And they have earned quite the reputation for doing so. This Kauai surf shop and spot first opened its doors in 1997 and has been operating in the same location ever since. That’s an impressive 25 years operating along the popular Kapaa oceanfront drive. When you step into their Kapaa store, it feels like stepping into a beloved hangout spot. The walls are adorned with surfing pics, memorabilia, and even trophies from local surfing contests and championships.
Of course, inside that same store, you will also find plenty of colorful and exciting surf gear and accessories. Much of the apparel sold by Tamba Surf Company has its own brand and logo on it, but you will also find items from the globally-recognized surf brands as well as other local names. Accessory items sold here include stickers, hats, rash guards, and much more.
Truly, there is a lot to love about the Tamba Surf Company. This is an authentic Hawaiian store that was started by a Hawaiian surfer who sold his Harley-Davidson and maxed out a credit card to begin the dream. Several of his peers went on to win national and world tournaments, bringing back some of that memorabilia you will see on the walls. Today, there are three Tamba Surf Company stores, including one on Oahu. All of them have their own unique style and flavor, but the Kauai location is where it all began and worth a visit if only to window-shop. In a recent interview, the brand’s owner and founder Saa Tamba estimated as much as 75% of his business at the Kauai shop is local.
Insider Tips:
-Regret not buying a branded tee-shirt? Tamba Surf Company offers free mainland shipping for all orders over $100 and free shipping to anywhere on the Hawaiian islands for all orders.
-The Tamba Surf Company has an outstanding website that includes a special selection entitled “Beach Guide.” Go here to learn about their most recommended surfing beaches and what amenities each one has. You can also always stop into the shop to get more personal information about Kauai and where best to surf, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned visitor.