Business ProfileforTommy Castleton's Maui Waveriders

We booked a ****** for a private/semi private ******($260) for our 2 kids in *****. The kids had only tried surfing once before with a different surfing school in ***** which was 2 years ago. The experience was so fun they asked if they could have a ****** again on this trip to Maui. The day of the ****** there was high surf. I could see it was making it difficult for them to nail the basics. Their smiles were quickly turning into frowns. About an hour into the ****** the instructor and the kids started making their way back to shore. I assumed they were going to take a break and then resume the ******. Instead, the instructor kept walking towards the school carrying their surfboards and was visibly upset. He did not stop to speak with us. We asked the kids why they were done so early and they told us their instructor was mean, impatient and kept putting them down. I was shocked to hear this. He berated them throughout the ******. Our son told us he said Id rather be a surfer any day over being a lame gamer. After hearing their feedback we werent happy about this but decided to walk away instead of confronting him, as we were upset and didnt want to make the experience even worse for our kids by possibly having a heated exchange with him. On our way back to the car, an employee flagged us down and asked us if we wanted to view the photos that were taken. I replied that I didnt know photos were being offered, as the woman who snapped some photos before the ****** began told us the photos were to make sure all equipment was returned and accounted for after the ******. The employee replied the photos had just come in and they were free of charge to take home. I was surprised to learn the photos were being offered free of charge and sent my husband to take a look at them thinking at the very least we might have some cool photos to show for our $260. My husband went inside to inquire and was told the photos would be $170 to purchase. If your offering photos to your customers- great! But make sure employees arent telling customers theyre free when they arent. Most importantly, this instructor was unprofessional and demonstrated a complete lack of empathy. I have contacted the business via email today to share this review with them and recommend this instructor is coached, mentored and can demonstrate the ability to appropriately interact with children before he is he assigned to ******s with kids again.