I spent this beautiful July morning surfing in Waikiki with my boss, of all people!
When I first got on island I was hesitant about a surf lesson. I figured it'd be too touristy, too expensive and that there would be too many people to really learn anything. When looking out from Waikiki you see hundreds of beginners bobbing up and down in a cluster and then running over each other when they actually got a wave. I did not want to be one of those. But I'm so glad 3 years later I changed my mind!
Our lesson started at 9am. The beach wasn't too crowded yet and the sun wasn't at its hottest yet either. Our class had only 4 people in it and honestly, I wish that there had been more! Paddling through the waves requires quite a bit of arm strength and stamina. You paddle out and wait for the wave, catch one, then repeat. By the time I would get back to the instructor I wanted to just collapse on my board for a good 5 minutes- but it was my turn to go again! Serg, the instructor, compared himself to the control tower at an airport and we were the planes. The plane gets lined up on the runway, then waits for the control tower to give you the okay-- when that comes you take off! He would get us to start paddling before the wave came than pushed us at just the right time, yell "up" and then we would just enjoy the ride. Surfing is so much easier when someone does the thinking for you!
(paying close attention to our dry land instructions)
The surf photographer was phenomonal! Not only did she make paddling out and surfing look effortless- but she put us all to shame by taking photos and video while doing it! I really played my tourist card by buying the disc for my boss and I.
(The boss and I catching the same wave)
This is definitely something that I will be trying again! Who knows, maybe I'll be able to catch one on my own before the end of my time here!
Beach Boy Hale Website
Parking: We parked at Fort DeRussy, it was only $10 for the time of our lesson- and if you're military you can get your parking validated at the nearby Hale Koa. The other perk is its right across the street from where their stand is on the beach.
Tip: Its a good idea to tip the instructor, the typical 20% will do, don't forget about the photographer they tend to be overlooked.
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When I first got on island I was hesitant about a surf lesson. I figured it'd be too touristy, too expensive and that there would be too many people to really learn anything. When looking out from Waikiki you see hundreds of beginners bobbing up and down in a cluster and then running over each other when they actually got a wave. I did not want to be one of those. But I'm so glad 3 years later I changed my mind!
Our lesson started at 9am. The beach wasn't too crowded yet and the sun wasn't at its hottest yet either. Our class had only 4 people in it and honestly, I wish that there had been more! Paddling through the waves requires quite a bit of arm strength and stamina. You paddle out and wait for the wave, catch one, then repeat. By the time I would get back to the instructor I wanted to just collapse on my board for a good 5 minutes- but it was my turn to go again! Serg, the instructor, compared himself to the control tower at an airport and we were the planes. The plane gets lined up on the runway, then waits for the control tower to give you the okay-- when that comes you take off! He would get us to start paddling before the wave came than pushed us at just the right time, yell "up" and then we would just enjoy the ride. Surfing is so much easier when someone does the thinking for you!
The surf photographer was phenomonal! Not only did she make paddling out and surfing look effortless- but she put us all to shame by taking photos and video while doing it! I really played my tourist card by buying the disc for my boss and I.
This is definitely something that I will be trying again! Who knows, maybe I'll be able to catch one on my own before the end of my time here!
Beach Boy Hale Website
Parking: We parked at Fort DeRussy, it was only $10 for the time of our lesson- and if you're military you can get your parking validated at the nearby Hale Koa. The other perk is its right across the street from where their stand is on the beach.
Tip: Its a good idea to tip the instructor, the typical 20% will do, don't forget about the photographer they tend to be overlooked.
