Waikiki Surfing Questions
Surf School FAQ
Please read our FAQ to learn what to expect on your first Waikiki Beach surf lesson. Surfing for the first time can be a scary experience and you may have a lot of questions. Sparky goes the extra mile to make sure all his surf students are prepared, safe and happy!
Why IS WAIKIKI BEACH THE BEST PLACE TO LEARN TO SURF?
The breaks in Waikiki Honolulu offer anywhere from beginner to advanced waves. The waves are slow rolling, which makes it easier for beginners and intermediate surfers to stand up and ride the wave, maximizing surfing time! Waikiki also has good and consistent conditions all year around for lessons & is very safe
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE SPARKY TO BE MY INSTRUCTOR?
Sparky loves to share his passion for the ocean with others and is an excellent, patient, and kind instructor. He is fully licensed and has over 40 years surfing experience, 15 of teaching. He understands how to read the ocean which is one of the most fundamental aspects of surfing. This means that YOU get to catch more waves! His main goal is to get you surfing and having fun. Surfing with us is more than a lesson, it’s an experience!
WHAT DO YOU PROVIDE?
We provide you a fully licensed surf instructor, surfboard, and probably one of the best days of your life! Photography is available too – must be booked in advance!
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY LESSON?
Before we get in the water, we teach you the fundamentals of standing up, paddling and safety, and practise together. After this you will get 1 hour in the water with Sparky where you will get pushed onto waves, and he will coach you when to stand up. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the ride.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY LESSON?
Your swimsuit, towel, sunblock, a positive attitude and a smile! Everything else is included.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING A SURF LESSON?
A lesson teaches you the fundamentals, surfing etiquette, and keeps you safe. Surfing is not as easy as it looks and a lesson teaches you things that would otherwise take a long time to figure out, like how to catch waves. You will get so much more out of your experience by having an instructor putting you exactly where you need to be in the line up to catch the waves, and push you on to the right waves at the right time, saving your paddling energy.
DO YOU TEACH ALL AGES?
Yes we teach age 4 and up – you are never too young or old to learn to surf! Our online booking system automatically assigns children 12 and under their own instructor, for extra safety. This means children can surf as part of a family lesson along with their parents, or in a small group lesson, or in a private lesson.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PRIVATE LESSON, SMALL GROUP LESSON, AND FAMILY LESSON?
Book the adults or kids private lesson if you have 1 surfer. This is perfect if you have specific surfing goals, or would like to work 1:1 with your instructor. If you have 2-3 people, choose the small group lesson. If you have 4 or more people, choose the family lesson. These are both perfect for families, groups of friends, or siblings! For any kids 12 and under, we automatically add an additional instructor to work with them 1:1 for safety. Kids can participate in any of the lesson options.
HOW WARM IS THE WATER, DO I NEED A WETSUIT?
Hawaii has warm water all year round, it’s just warmer in summer! Temperatures range between 76- 82 F. (24 – 28c). No wetsuit necessary!! Thank us later
DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM WELL TO TAKE A SURF LESSON?
It is not necessary to know how to swim, but do make sure you let your instructor know this before you get in the water.
DO YOU OFFER PHOTOGRAPHY?
Yes! Capturing the memories of your first time surfing is something you’ll treasure forever!
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Our meeting spot it at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue on Kalakaua Avenue, directly in front of Waikiki Beach, where our lessons take place.
HOW CAN I WRITE A REVIEW?
We really appreciate receiving reviews and welcome all feedback and are very proud of our excellent reviews! You can review us on Trip Advisor, Google Business, or Yelp. Mahalo!
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Please let us know at least 48 hours in advance if you need to cancel for any reason. If you cancel inside of this timeframe we will be unable to refund you but happy to reschedule your lesson!
SHOULD I TIP MY INSTRUCTOR?
Tipping is completely up to you. In the US, tipping/gratuity is considered a sign of appreciation and while we do not expect tips, they are always sincerely appreciated.