For starters, we’re stoked for you! You’re about to go surfing in one of the best surf spots on the planet, especially when it comes to beginners or those who have just a few sessions under their belt (err…board shorts).
Given that you’re about to do your very first surf lesson, you might be wondering if there are some things you can do to prepare prior to your paddle out. While the right instructor (more on this below) will get you up and riding even if you’ve just stumbled out of your Waikiki hotel in the early AM, it certainly doesn’t hurt to consider the tips we’ve laid out below.
5 DIY Tips to Preparing for Your Very First Surfing Lesson in Waikiki Beach
1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Like with any physical activity, it’s a good idea to get a good sleep the night leading into it. We know, you’re vacationing in Waikiki which means the night before you’ll be out at Duke’s, Tiki’s Bar & Grill, returning late from a day trip to the North Shore, or another one of the 101 things to do on Oahu, but if possible, aim for 6-8 hours of pillow time. It’s no deal breaker, but it helps.
2. Stretch Prior to Your Lesson
Stretch out those tight muscles, ligaments, and tendons. You’ll want to focus on your shoulders (for paddling) in addition to the hamstrings and glutes (helps with both popping up and riding), although a full core stretch is highly recommended. If you’re at a loss for how to do this, you can reference this list of the ten best yoga poses for surfing. Squeeze them in about 30 minutes to an hour before you lesson and you’ll be feeling flexible, agile, and ready to pop up and ride.
3. Hydrate and Have a Light Snack
You should always hydrate before any physical activity. However, when it comes to surfing you will want to go the extra mile with that filtered water. That’s because you’ll be out in ocean and under the sun for an hour or more and won’t be able to grab a bottle, at least until they invent cup holders for surfboards (invention idea!). Drink at least two full glasses of water 30 minutes prior to your lesson, or consider coconut water which in addition to a wide variety of nutrients has a healthy dose of potassium to stave off early AM cramping.
What about eating? Some people like to hit the water in the morning without breakfast, and that can be fine (assuming you’ve hydrated) but it’s a good idea to consume something light yet packed with nutrients. We suggest a banana (keep up with that potassium) and throw in some fresh pineapple for good measure – you are on islands after all! It’s also OK to snack down on a light muffin (etc.). It really comes down to how your body reacts to certain foods. You don’t want to feel bloated out there when laying belly-down on the surfboard.
4. What to Wear
While the weather and water around Waikiki is warm and balmy all year long, we do suggest wearing a t-shirt, even if you prefer to surf in board shorts or a bikini. This is because your upper ribcage will not have developed a tolerance (tough skin) to laying down and paddling aggressively to catch a wave. The friction can bother some people, but a simply layer of clothing (t-shirt or tank top) can make a world of difference. If a cloudy and cooler day (for Hawaii, that is) is forecast, you may want to consider a rash guard. If you don’t have one you can pick on up the night before at one of the local surf shops or even an ABC store if brand name and quality isn’t too important to you.
5. Choose The Right Instructor
This is the best possible way to prepare for a surf lesson, assuming that you haven’t already officially booked one yet. A great instructor will spend time with you on the beach beforehand, teaching you paddle and pop up form, and will explain how the waves break and how to navigate the crowds that may or not be out there on any given day. They will swim/paddle out with you, identify the waves to take (and teach you how to do the same), and will work with you until you experience what you came to do – surf, and have FUN!
This will require a little homework through the days leading up to your lesson, as you qualify surf instructors out there. Have a look at their website to see if they have posted testimonials from real people. In addition, check their Google Reviews to verify that they have a 4-5 star rating, and cross reference that with Facebook reviews, Yelp, and even TripAdvisor for good measure. Beyond those social channels, check to see if they have an Instagram profile – a good gauge for whether or not their clients are having a good time, and are riding waves. By following the above, you will quickly gain confidence that you have found the right instructor for you and/or your party. The good news, is that you’ve come to the right place already – Sparky’s Surf School!
Contact us today at 808-724-4208 with any questions whatsoever, or simply use our booking form on our homepage to book your lesson.