Learn to Surf on the Classic Waves of Waikiki
Gentle, Rolling Waves and Expert Teachers Make Surfing Easy and Fun
Dec 2, 2008
Most visitors to Honolulu - the big city on the Hawaiian island of Oahu - think of Waikiki Beach as a hotel-clogged strand of beach near the Diamond Head crater.
Waikiki is not as pristine as beaches on the neighboring islands of Maui or Kauai but the waves rolling toward the sand are still some of the best in the world - especially for beginning surfers.
Waikiki is gorgeous when visitors turn their backs on the hotels lining Kalakaua Avenue and paddle a long surfboard toward the gently rolling swells. The warm water is as clear as a mountain stream, and the majestic, green lines of Diamond Head - a long-extinct volcano - are on the left.
Tropical fish and sea turtles swim around in the clear water. The big hotels and shops seem far away.
Beginners should take that first paddle out with a Waikiki Beach Boy - the group of expert surfers that have taught thousands of people how to ride the rolling waves since the 1920s. These watermen are in the water every day, and they've taught grandmothers how to ride the waves.
"Waikiki is a very user-friendly wave," said Beach Boy Bernie Barnachea. "And you're learning from the best."
Many Beach Boys are professional surfers, and they're all expert instructors. Beginners can simply walk onto the beach and make arrangements for a lesson. Beach Boys also offer thrilling outrigger canoe rides on the waves for people who don't want to paddle a surfboard.
Starting on Waikiki's Sandy Beach
Beginner lessons start on the beach, where newbies learn how to safely paddle a board and how to pop to their feet when they catch a wave.
Then it's time to paddle out toward the rolling waves of Queens or Canoes - two world-famous waves. Instructors show students how to chose an approaching wave and then give them a gentle push. Students feel the rush of riding a wave - and often make it to their feet on their first try.
Beach Boys stay close to students, and they never put anyone in a bad or dangerous spot.
"It's all about having fun," Barnachea said. "We tell people all the time that once you stand up on a wave, you can never quit - catch one wave and you want another one."
Beach Boys often call women "Honey" and men "Buddy" - it's all part of the culture and tradition.
Duke Kahanamoku and the Birthplace of Modern Surfing
Waikiki is also a world-class wave for intermediate and expert surfers. Many surfers journey to Waikiki to ride the classic, long-peeling waves and put themselves in the birthplace of modern surfing.
Native Hawaiians invented surfing centuries ago, but missionaries discouranged the sport. But some Hawaiians kept surfing at Waikiki.
During the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, a young Waikiki Beach Boy named Duke Kahanamoku won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle swim. Kahanomoku then traveled the world demonstrating surfing.
Surfers and tourists flocked to Waikiki, and it's where the sport of modern surfing took off. Waikiki is where many famous sufers learned to ride waves. And it's still a place of rolling waves and long rides on a long surfboard.
Winter Surfing at Waikiki
No one can go surfing at the most famous surfing beach in the world without walking past a statue of Duke Kahanamoku and his surfboard.
Duke’s arms are open in greeting. Leis from grateful surfers drape the arms and sway in the constant trade winds.
Winter is a great time to learn how to surf at Waikiki. The waves are small and gentle, and the water is warm. Many hotels and airlines team up for great Waikiki package deals.
Waikiki is the best place on earth to learn how to surf. The waves are friendly and break evenly, the water is warm, the rides are long and the Beach Boys are experts. They will have you standing up on a board within an hour -- usually much sooner.
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