Ready to hang ten in paradise? Waikiki, with its gentle waves and stunning backdrop, is arguably the best place in the world to learn to surf. This guide provides everything you need to know about Waikiki’s top surf schools and beginner-friendly breaks, ensuring you catch your first wave with confidence and aloha.
Why Waikiki is Perfect for Beginner Surfers
Waikiki’s magic lies in its consistent, mellow waves that roll in slowly and predictably. The ocean bottom is mostly sandy, minimizing the risk of scrapes and bumps. The water temperature is comfortable year-round, usually hovering in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, making a wetsuit unnecessary for most. Add to that the abundance of experienced surf instructors and well-equipped surf schools, and you have the ideal recipe for learning to surf. The popularity of Waikiki as a surfing destination dates back centuries, with Hawaiian royalty like Duke Kahanamoku, considered the father of modern surfing, regularly riding the waves there.
Choosing the Right Surf School in Waikiki
With so many surf schools vying for your attention, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top contenders, along with what makes them stand out:
Hans Hedemann Surf School
Hans Hedemann Surf School is a reputable option known for its experienced instructors and personalized approach. They offer group lessons, semi-private lessons, and private lessons, catering to different learning styles and budgets. A typical group lesson ($89-$119) includes a brief land lesson covering basic surfing techniques and safety instructions, followed by supervised practice in the water. The student-to-instructor ratio is generally low, ensuring you receive individual attention and guidance. Their instructors are certified in CPR and first aid, providing an added layer of safety. Hans Hedemann Surf School operates right on Waikiki Beach, making it easily accessible.
Star Beachboys
A classic choice with a long and storied history, Star Beachboys embodies the spirit of old Waikiki. Their instructors, many of whom are descendants of the original Waikiki beach boys, are fountains of knowledge about surfing and Hawaiian culture. They offer traditional outrigger canoe surfing lessons, in addition to standard surfboard lessons, providing a unique and memorable experience. Due to the small wave size in Waikiki, their outrigger canoes are also viable options for surfing; most lessons are around $100. Star Beachboys is located near the Duke Kahanamoku statue, a convenient landmark to find them.
Waikiki Beach Services
Waikiki Beach Services is another established surf school with a prime location on Waikiki Beach, near the Halekulani Hotel. They provide a range of lessons, from beginner group sessions to advanced private coaching. Their instructors are known for their patience and positive attitude, making them a great choice for nervous or first-time surfers. They also offer surfboard rentals and other beach equipment. A beginner group lesson typically costs around $90-$120, depending on the duration and group size. They emphasize safety and proper technique, ensuring you develop a solid foundation in surfing.
Halekulani Hotel (Oahu – Waikiki)
Aloha Beach Services
Aloha Beach Services offers a slightly more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. They are located right on Waikiki Beach and offer group, semi-private, and private surfing lessons. Their instructors are certified and experienced, providing clear and concise instruction. They are particularly attuned to the needs of beginner surfers, offering patient and encouraging guidance. A typical 1-hour group lesson would cost around $65-$85 depending on group size (4-6 people per class), ensuring you receive personalized attention. They also offer paddle board classes.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Surf School
Beyond the specific schools, here are some factors to consider when making your choice:
Instructor Experience and Qualifications: Make sure the instructors are certified in CPR and first aid, and have a good track record of teaching beginner surfers. Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge their effectiveness and teaching style.
Student-to-Instructor Ratio: A lower ratio means more personalized attention. Look for surf schools that keep group sizes small, especially if you are a beginner. Aim for a ratio of no more than 6 students per instructor.
Equipment Quality: Ensure the surfboards are in good condition and appropriate for beginners. Look for soft-top or foam surfboards, which are more buoyant and forgiving.
Location and Accessibility: Choose a surf school that is conveniently located and easy to access. Most surf schools operate directly on Waikiki Beach, making them readily available.
Price and Value: Compare prices and consider the overall value of the lesson. Factor in the duration of the lesson, the equipment provided, and the experience of the instructors.
Personal Preferences: Consider your learning style and preferences. Do you prefer a smaller group setting or private instruction? Do you want an instructor with a specific personality or teaching style?
Check Online Reviews: Before booking any surfing lessons, search for online reviews, such as Yelp or TripAdvisor, to get real-world insights. Pay attention to positive and negative experiences related to instructor experiences, equipment and scheduling.
Waikiki’s Best Beginner-Friendly Surf Breaks
Not all surf breaks are created equal, especially for beginners. Here are some of the most suitable spots in Waikiki for learning to surf:
Canoes
Canoes is arguably the most popular and beginner-friendly surf break in Waikiki. Located in front of the Duke Kahanamoku statue, Canoes offers long, gentle waves that are perfect for practicing your pop-up and riding skills. The water is relatively shallow and the bottom is sandy, making it a safe and comfortable environment for beginners. The waves at Canoes are typically knee-to-waist high, providing just enough challenge without being overwhelming. You can paddle out directly from the beach, making it easily accessible. This is where many surf schools conduct their lessons.
Queens
Adjacent to Canoes, Queens is another great option for beginner surfers. It offers similar wave conditions, with long, slow-rolling waves that are easy to catch. Queens tends to be slightly less crowded than Canoes, providing a bit more space to practice. The bottom is also sandy, making it a safe and comfortable environment. The waves at Queens are typically knee-to-waist high to chest high on bigger swells. Many surf instructors find that Queens is a great place for intermediate students to improve their turns.
Kuhio Beach (The Wall)
Kuhio Beach, also known as The Wall, is located in front of the Kapahulu Groin, a man-made barrier that creates a calmer, more sheltered area. This break is ideal for absolute beginners or those who are feeling a bit nervous. The waves are small and gentle, providing a forgiving environment to learn the basics. A protected surfing experience is often had at Kuhio Beach, because the groin is typically crowded with beginning surfers. The only minor inconvenience is that you will have to navigate a swimming channel to get to the wave break.
Essential Surfing Tips for Beginners
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your surfing experience in Waikiki:
Start with a Lesson: Don’t try to teach yourself. A qualified surf instructor can provide you with the proper techniques and safety instructions to get you started on the right foot.
Choose the Right Board: Use a soft-top or foam surfboard, which is more buoyant and forgiving. A longer board will be easier to paddle and catch waves. Avoid short boards, which are more challenging for beginners. Many students start out on 9-foot to 10-foot boards to get a really stable feel for surfing.
Practice on Land: Before getting in the water, practice your pop-up on land. This will help you develop the muscle memory and coordination needed to stand up on the board. Lie on the board, paddle with your arms and quickly put your hands on your chest and push up into a staggered stance.
Paddle Efficiently: Use long, smooth strokes to paddle efficiently. Keep your head up and look towards the horizon. Avoid short, choppy strokes, which will tire you out quickly.
Position Yourself Correctly: Paddle yourself into the correct position to catch the wave. Position yourself just before the wave starts to break, and paddle forcefully as the wave approaches.
Pop Up Quickly: As the wave lifts you up, pop up quickly into a staggered stance. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, with your front foot pointing towards the nose of the board and your back foot angled slightly. Bend your knees and keep your eyes focused on the shore.
Maintain Your Balance: Use your arms and body weight to maintain your balance. Keep your knees bent and your core engaged. Look in the direction you want to go.
Fall Safely: If you fall, try to fall flat on your back or side. Cover your head with your arms to protect yourself from the board. Don’t panic, and swim back to your board as soon as possible.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to other surfers and swimmers in the water. Avoid collisions and respect the surfing etiquette. Yield to surfers who are already riding a wave. If you kick out, be sure to paddle to the shoulder (side of the breaking wave) to ensure you won’t be in another surfer’s way.
Stay Hydrated and Wear Sunscreen: Hawaii’s sun can be intense. Drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen liberally to protect your skin from sunburn. Consider wearing a rash guard to prevent chafing.
Relax and Have Fun: Surfing is a challenging but rewarding activity. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch a wave right away. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience.
What to Bring to Your Surf Lesson
Here’s a checklist of items to bring to your surf lesson in Waikiki:
Swimsuit: Wear a comfortable swimsuit that allows you to move freely.
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and ears.
Rash Guard: A rash guard will protect your skin from chafing and sunburn.
Towel: Bring a towel to dry off after your lesson.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun with sunglasses.
Hat: A hat will provide additional sun protection.
Water Shoes (Optional): Water shoes can protect your feet from the sand and rocks but aren’t essential.
Waterproof Camera (Optional): Capture your surfing experience with a waterproof camera.
Change of Clothes: Bring a change of clothes to wear after your lesson.
Dry Bag (Optional): Store your valuables in a dry bag to protect them from water damage.
Understanding Surf Etiquette
Surfing has its own unwritten rules and customs. Here are some key aspects of surf etiquette to keep in mind:
Right of Way: The surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way.
Don’t Drop In: Don’t paddle into a wave if someone is already riding it. This is considered one of the biggest offenses in surfing.
Paddle Wide: When paddling out, paddle wide around the lineup to avoid getting in the way of surfers riding waves.
Don’t Snake: Don’t paddle around other surfers to position yourself closer to the peak.
Respect the Locals: Be respectful of the local surfers and the surfing community.
Apologize for Mistakes: If you make a mistake or accidentally drop in on someone, apologize sincerely.
Communicate: Communicate with other surfers in the water to avoid collisions and misunderstandings.
Beyond Surfing: Other Activities in Waikiki
While surfing is a must-do activity in Waikiki, there are plenty of other things to see and do. Here are a few suggestions:
Diamond Head Crater Hike: Hike to the summit of Diamond Head Crater for panoramic views of Waikiki and the surrounding coastline. The hike is relatively easy and takes about 1-2 hours. Permits may be required, it is best to check ahead of time via To-Hawaii.
Pearl Harbor: Visit Pearl Harbor and learn about the history of this important site. Take a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and other historic sites.
Honolulu Zoo: Explore the Honolulu Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals from around the world.
Waikiki Aquarium: Discover the underwater world at the Waikiki Aquarium, which features a diverse collection of marine life.
Shopping: Waikiki is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide variety of stores and boutiques. Explore the shops along Kalakaua Avenue and at the Ala Moana Center.
Luau: Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau, complete with music, dance, and delicious food.
Sunset Watching: Relax on the beach and enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surfing in Waikiki
Here are some commonly asked questions about surfing in Waikiki:
What is the best time of year to surf in Waikiki?
The best time of year to surf in Waikiki is generally during the summer months (May-September), when the waves are typically smaller and more consistent, making it ideal for beginners. However, Waikiki offers surfable waves year-round. The winter months (October-April) can bring larger swells, which may be challenging for beginners, but there are still beginner-friendly breaks available.
How much does a surf lesson cost in Waikiki?
The cost of a surf lesson in Waikiki varies depending on the type of lesson (group, semi-private, private), the duration of the lesson, and the surf school. Group lessons typically range from $60 to $120 per person, while private lessons can cost $100 to $200 or more per hour.
Do I need to bring my own surfboard?
No, most surf schools provide surfboards as part of their lesson packages. If you are renting a surfboard, make sure to choose one that is appropriate for your skill level.
What should I wear for my surf lesson?
Wear a comfortable swimsuit and a rash guard to protect your skin from chafing and sunburn. You may also want to wear water shoes, but they are not essential.
Do I need to know how to swim to surf?
While it is not absolutely essential to be a strong swimmer to surf in Waikiki, it is highly recommended. You should be comfortable in the water and able to swim short distances. Even in the shallow waters of Waikiki, you may encounter currents or waves that require you to swim.
How long does it take to learn to surf?
Learning to surf is a gradual process that takes time and practice. Most beginners can learn the basics of popping up and riding a wave within a few lessons. However, mastering the art of surfing requires dedication and consistent practice. How quickly someone can learn to surf also depends on their balance, coordination and experience with similar sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding or wakeboarding.
Are there any age restrictions for surfing lessons?
Most surf schools in Waikiki accept students of all ages, from young children to seniors. However, some schools may have specific age restrictions or requirements. Check with the surf school beforehand to confirm their policies.
Are there any safety precautions I should be aware of?
Yes, there are several safety precautions you should be aware of when surfing in Waikiki:
Always listen to your instructor and follow their instructions.
Stay within your skill level and avoid surfing in conditions that are too challenging.
Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to other surfers and swimmers.
Avoid collisions and respect the surfing etiquette.
Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
If you get caught in a rip current, don’t panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back to the beach.
Never surf alone.
What if I am afraid of the ocean?
It is common to feel nervous or anxious about surfing, especially if you are not comfortable in the ocean. Choose a surf school with experienced and patient instructors who can help you overcome your fears. Start with a smaller group lesson or a private lesson, and gradually work your way up to larger waves. Remember to relax, breathe, and focus on the moment. Be sure to tell your instructor that you are afraid of water and they will tailor the lesson to provide you with comfort and ease.
Ready to Ride the Waves?
Waikiki is calling! With its gentle waves, warm waters, and experienced surf schools, there’s no better place to embark on your surfing journey. Don’t wait any longer – book your surf lesson today and experience the thrill of riding your first wave. Aloha!
References
To-Hawaii.com.
