Surfing in Honolulu and Waikiki

Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing and especially for beginners, surfing in Honolulu is the best.

Oahu's North Shore is where most of the big, international surfing competitions are held. It's also where the waves get huge and very dangerous even for the pros. For that reason, we suggest starting out where the sea is more gentle. How about beautiful Waikiki?

Surfing Lessons

You can do private lessons but it's cheaper to do a group lesson and less intense. It just depends on how fit you are and how enthusiastic you are. Either way, you'll be out in the ocean with everyone else and the people watching you may get some amusement at your expense but chances are, you are going to have fun. Note: surfing is not as easy as the instructor and pros make it look.

Renting Equipment

You can find plenty of places to rent boards on the beach or in shops around the beach. Most places offer hourly rates or a flat fee for the day. You might want to rent the board for the lesson and then another hour to test the skills you've just learned. Or, you might just want to head straight to eat because you're too tired out from paddling! Many places do both lessons and rentals so it's all in one and easy.

Buying Equipment

Before you buy, you can try out different boards by renting them. Of course the boards you get to try depends on the renter's selection. (Generally, beginners will use longer boards.) Once you decide it's time for your own board consider getting something used. If you look around, you can still get something nice at a much lower price.

Chatting with other surfers, instructors and surf shop owners and getting their opinions can help you figure out what type of board would be best for you. Don't forget to check out boards online too.

Surfing Etiquette

Surfing has become very popular but some inexperienced surfers get too ambitious. They go after waves they can't handle, don't pay attention to the surfers around them and end up getting in everyone's way. Poor surfing etiquette will anger the other surfers very quickly. Everyone out there is sharing the ocean and the waves so have fun, but be polite to your fellow surfers.

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