Hawaii is the undisputed home of surfing. Native Polynesians have been riding the archipelago’s beautiful and plentiful waves for centuries. Today, surfers from all across the globe travel to Hawaii’s islands for their very personal mid-Pacific board-riding pilgrimage. Some may view images of heroic and spectacular big-wave riding and be put off trying the spiritually cleansing sport. However, waves suitable for all abilities can be found across Hawaii, particularly in Oahu.
As winter makes way for spring, waves calm and temperatures rise – providing the ideal conditions for first-timers and relative newcomers. So grab your board shorts, summon your adventurous spirit and book your flight to Oahu. Once there, you’ll easily find the appropriate equipment and lessons in how to catch your first wave. And, thanks to this rundown of the four best beginner surf spots in Oahu, you’ll know where you’ll be catching it.
Waikiki Beach
Hawaii’s most famous and visited beach is the ideal place for a first try. Convenient (it’s walking distance from countless hotels and surf schools) and welcoming (its waves are at worst gentle), take a brief break from the rest and recuperation routine and raise your chilled-out heartbeat a little.
Canoes Beach
While Waikiki is ultra-convenient, its often-calm conditions don’t make it the ideal learning spot. Far better is nearby Canoes Beach on the outskirts of Honolulu. Here, the predictable current and well-submerged coral reefs provide a safe environment for those inevitable, beginner thrills and spills.
White Sands Beach
For experienced surfers White Sands Beach lacks the thrill-factor that they so desperately crave. And, for that reason, it makes an ideal spot for beginners. The consistent swell attracts a mix of first-time tourists and locals introducing their kids to their religion for the first-time. The self-conscious learner will find good company here.
Pua’ena Point Beach Park
Make no mistake, when its waves are big Pua’ena Point is no place for the uninitiated. However, most days provide North Shore-residing beginners with welcoming entry-level conditions. The beach also makes a great picnic spot. And around the corner is Police Beach, a star of scenes of the popular TV show Lost.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: Pete Markham)
