I saw other reviews for the Kailua location. Howev...

I saw other reviews for the Kailua location. However, I have not been there nor was I told to go there. I'm assuming they're both owned by Josh. He answered my online registration, suggested for 24 hours notice, for Stand Up Paddle-boarding, which helped me save some bills. I was scheduled with another student named Michael for 9:45am on Sunday 7/29.
I came a little early and Alessa introduced herself. I thought she was just going to process my application and 'mind the store'. But I was pleasantly surprised that she stated she would be the instructor for the day! I have to admit, I was intimidated initially and expected a tribal tattooed salty male local w/ a macho attitude. Alessa broke that stereotype and kept my attention with her professional instruction and laid back banter. Her encouragement, patience and positive attitude, from the beginning to the end of instruction, buoyed my enthusiasm and cemented my loyalty.
After the legalities and prepped work were mandatorily and obligatorily done away with, the van was packed with our boards and paddles and we hopped aboard for the short trip to Ala Moana State Recreation Area. As the only students for the day, Michael and I were warned about reef protection and avoidance and to common sense yield to swimmers and young children when they are in our lane of travel. We lugged the boards and paddles that Alessa assigned to us to the beach. Michael wore Vibram Five Fingers. I didn't. He was ahead of the curve. Disclaimer: Please bring some sort of water shoes or Vibram Five Fingers. Otherwise, you will have to walk bare foot on lots of rocks and possibly fall while shallow on coral and reef in the water. Alessa, of course, didn't need them. We were instructed within earshot to start off on our knees then slowly transition to the standing. This worked well and if you've balanced on those balls in the gym, you can get this. If you get tired, you can get back on your knees or even sit on your butt with either your feet in or out of the water. Of course, you will fall and then you have to figure out how to get back on the board if you're not in shallow water. As you fall, we were told, keep a grip on the paddle or you will have to swim for it.
For going out in the hot sun, bring sunglasses with straps (Croakies and a Floatie attached). My sunglasses didn't once come off my head, even as I fell several times. Wear lots of sunscreen, especially if you're light skinned.
I will now return in the near future for kayaking, and beginning surfing lessons. Hopefully, Alessa - now a trusted instructor, will be available again.

Sincerely,
Ezra