After being there a month ago, I actually would recommend hiring someone for a tour/trip, lesson, or whatever you want to call it. Unless you've been there before or already know where to go and when. While it is true that it easy to get around if you rent a car, someone with local knowlege will know what is breaking and what is not which will cut out what otherwise would be wasting time. It is true that you can just talk to people near the beach when you arrive and get a lot of good information. Unless I was going with a group of people, I would hire someone if you want to maximise your time in the water. Learn where to take off, paddle out, paddle in, etc. I guess it also depends on what kind of swell is happening. The east coast had decent swell when I was there but mixed winds chopping it up and wasn't ridable until the last few days. Someone else might have gone directly to other spots although I guess there is no guarantee that anywhere would be working, even with a guide. On the otherhand, if one of the popular places is consistently working, it may not be needed. I rented a car and didn't use Zeds, but met him who seemed cool so I don't think you would have any problems with them.