June is World Oceans Month when we marvel at the beauty and wonder of the seas and show our support for keeping it healthy and clean. Here in Hawaii, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, that's a big deal. We are so lucky to be able to relax and play in its sparkling turquoise waters, but that means we also need to do our part to protect this precious resource.
Our neighbors at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee share this commitment to the ocean and help our guests enjoy Waikiki's waters respectfully and safely through surf lessons, board rentals, beach equipment rentals, canoe rides and surf tours, as well as offering a caffeine kick at their beachy-chic coffee shop located in the lobby of Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk.
Photo Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority
Owner and Oahu native, Dave Carvalho, is a nationally ranked professional surfer and has been a legendary Waikiki Beach Boy, a steward of the land and sea, for over 35 years. He and his team bring Hawaiian culture and ocean knowledge to all their surfing lessons.
Surfing, originally known as wave-sliding or he'e nalu, was the ancient sport of Hawaiian royalty. And, Waikiki, specifically, is known as the birthplace of modern surfing making it an iconic spot to learn the sport yourself! We caught up with Dave between waves to ask his tips on learning to ride these iconic waves.
Photo Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority
10 Tips for First-Time Surfers
1. Book a lesson — Don't be shy! Big Wave Dave's will hook you up with gear, coaching, and insider tips. It's the fastest way to get stoked and stay safe.
2. Get the right board — Big, soft, and stable boards like longboards or foamies are best for starting out. They make catching waves easier and wipeouts less scary.
3. Check the forecast — Use sites like Surfline to see what's coming.
4. Sunscreen everything — The sun is not your friend if you forget this step. Reef-safe, always. Protect your skin and the ocean ecosystem at the same time. Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk offers Stream2Sea reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen for purchase by the pool.
5. Pick a surf break – "Canoes" in Waikiki is perfect for longboard lovers, with its slow, rolling waves. It's named after the old Hawaiian outrigger canoes that used to paddle through the area, but now it's mostly about easy, rolling waves perfect for that classic, cruisy style.
6. Go early — Get out early in the morning to dodge the crowds and catch those silky glassy waves before the afternoon trade winds kick in.
7. Etiquette matters — This ain't California. This is HawaiĘ»i. Show respect. Wait your turn. Don't snake waves. Smile. Talk story. And clean up after yourself, always.
8. Stay hydrated — Paddling is basically a full-body workout. Water is your new best friend.
9. Tide & swell watching — Waikiki can feel mellow, but she's still part of the Pacific. Keep an eye on tides, swell direction and trade winds.
10. Have fun and be patient — Learning to surf takes time, and every wipeout is a step closer to your next epic ride. Remember, it's called a vacation for a reason.
Header Image: Photo Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority, Photo Credit Vincent Lim