Complete beginner

Welcome!

Belmar always has great waves here in jersey when you get back!

The easiest thing would be to go to Waikiki beach - "queens beach" and there are rentals and ppl there that could help - it's cheap too and on the south side so even if it's what we would consider flat- it still might be 1 to 2 ft- perfect for beginners!

Have fun!!

Also- just to warm you- a lot of ppl in here are not too nice- not like the locals on Belmar, so if anyone says anything just let it go...

Ps guys please be nice to this guy!

 

I was stationed out there in the Navy 20 years ago, at NAS Barbers Point. That's west out past Ewa Beach, at Kapolei. I was 22 and started surfing for the first time at Nimitz Beach on Barbers Point. Nimitz Beach was great for beginners; consistently about 2 to 5 feet all year. The base is closed now, so hopefully the beach is open to the public these days (but I don't know).

 

Maui would probably be good. Its smaller island, easy to get around. Stay on the west side in Laheina so there are things to do. Depending on the swell direction, you should get some moderate surf on the north west side of maui. If its dead flat there, you will probably get decent waves across the north shore of the island. There are pretty solid swells this time of year, so you will probably be able to stick to surfing just the west side. Nice part is, if its too big, you can just keep driving south and south east and it will get considerably smaller as you wrap around maui's underbelly.

 

In case you already forgot, you are a tourist. Be respectful & try not to kill anyone in the ocean with your soft top.

And, upon your return to the mainland, if a pudgy dood from Maine offers you private 'surfihng' lessons in his barn, well, run don't walk.

 

Waikiki.
Take reputable lessons.
Wear a leash - sometimes the rental boards on the beach don't have them.

 

Can you turn how did you ride 6ft Hawaiian straight?!?

 

Welcome Newb! I second what Walking said, don't take anything too serious on here and get your feelings hurt. Sounds like you had a good time in Hawaii. Some pretty easy things to remember, don't drop in on others, since you are just learning, try to stay out of the crowds, use a leash, don't come on here and ask where is the best place to surf today (HA HA HA). Most guys are here are willing to pass on great information, but if you ask things like, "Should I wax the bottom of my board?", well, someone may have some words for ya. Have fun and good luck!!

 

New...Surfer...Practicing....

 

Its definitely an addictive sport! Course you may want to think about relocating. Are you really from O'Canada?

Surfing is the greatest sport ever invented! It does require a lot of dedication though. Actually I would consider it more of a lifestyle than using just the term "sport".

Sounds as if you may have picked it up a little quicker than some. It takes a good couple of years to really get the hang of it. A big part of surfing is knowledge itself. The more you know about waves and the way they break etc... the better you will do. Also most surfers are amateur Meteorologists. When it comes to predicting waves, locations and times of swells, meteorology comes in big time!

Like you also mentioned, the paddling.... hitting the gym will help some but to ultimately build up your paddling motors you really have to get and surf for 6-8 hour sessions. I remember back in the grom days my triceps actually charlie-horsing to the point I couldn't move!

Enjoy yourself man.... its a hell of ride....

 

Go to pipe, rob JOB's guns, hide in the bushes and wait for swell, paddle out, find JJF, and punch him in the face. Tell me what happens.

 

That's awesome bro. Good for you.
Seems like you have the ability to travel a bit, so you should be fine. The more time in the water you have the more comfortable you'll be.
You'll enjoy Costa Rica.

Good luck

 

Great to hear - thanks for writing back - it's feeds the stoke for us all, hearing about beginning experiences! Most ppl on here ask for advise on a surf trip here or there but never come back to say how it went...

I would suggest swimming or paddling to stay in shape and more important , to stay comfortable in the water

 

glad to here you had a good trip man. i was stationed in hawaii, couple miles from the North Shore. glad some samoan didn't eat you alive, eh? hawaii is a great time, cool to see you have the will to travel alone and try new things. i wish i was at a position in my life where i could just drop everything and travel except i am a broke college student now a days. heres some tips; be safe, don't push your limits (yet), be respectful in the lineup, be humble, watch out for others, don't snake people, and don't be a ****.