First post here. Was looking for some firsthand feedback on longboarding Waikiki during the summer.
Magic seaweed shows a significant decline in wave heights throughout the summer, but I noticed Waikiki appears to be benefiting from a nice swell right now. Four to five foot waves.
Is there anyone around who can confirm this?
I’m thinking about making the trip the last two weeks of July, flights and rooms are cheap and I thought it would be a great getaway, but I want to surf.
Whats everyone take on riding an 8’ longboard, and being able to get waves daily in Waikiki??
Hi J. , An 8' longboard would be small for Waikiki. This swell is fading but easy to find something to ride laters. LOTS of people and unfortunately lots of sups. Shootz, go! Fun place no matter what. Aloha still exists, the water is really nice and it's summer in town. Plenty Waves.
Is there a place close to Waikiki that rents nice 10’ longboards. I know they rent boards on the beach, but they charge a ton, and they boards are foam.
Otherwise I might be able to get my hands on a 9’ before I go, more airlines cap board transport at around 9’
I was over there a few years ago and met one of our Sway brothers. He took me out and showed me how to get into (almost) any place with no hassels.
1. When you paddle out say hello to each person your near, be happy. Sit inside and off the shoulder so you don't bother anyone. If there is a free wave coming by go for it.
2. As you get warmed up (and others see that your not a threat, you CAN control your board) then move out a little closer to the lineup.
3. Catch a few more waves that the others miss or fall off of before they get to you. If they are on the wave and continue on pass you, cheer them on. Wehn they start smiling and cheering you on then move on out with them.
You probably won't have to get that deep. The idea is to be courtious, friendly, be respectful.
I've surfed the south mostly and a few times on the North Shore (lots of fun!) with no problems. Know the rules and respect others and you'll have a lot of fun! I'll be over there the end of July for the Molikai2Oahu and will rent a board from KOA and surf waikiki also. Have fun!
Be aware that the south shore can get big and does have some fast hard breaking waves. The "30 Year Cycle", Ala Moana and The Duke's famous great ride all come to mind.
Warm water, soft breaking waves and friendly crowds are the norm. Do as Dr Les says... sit inside the pack and catch the smaller waves that everybody seems to let slide by.
We’re at the tail end of a small swell, but the winds have been strong.
Anywhere in Waikiki will be fun to surf. Crowds will be everywhere, but if the waves are at least head high you will find waves. There are a lot of SUPS and longboards. I ride 8’ boards a lot but I’ve been surfing since the mid/late 60’s. I’ll ride even smaller boards if the waves are good.
If you know how to surf you will be fine, if you are a beginner I’d say hang around canoes or queens with all the other beginners and no one will bother you. Just be mindful of not getting in the way. Once you get used to the waves you can paddle around to another less crowded spot and have more fun. I love surfing at Queens, but I only go there once in a while.
I’ve surfed with Les (tridrles) in Waikiki a couple of times, and with Keith Melville and his family too. You should be able to have a good time. There are lots of surf shops nearby that rent boards by the day or week. Very reasonable prices and less than bringing a board. The beachboy rentals are very expensive by comparison.
Be careful if the waves come up, when the waves are OH+ it is a lot stronger than people think.
Let us know when you will be around and maybe some of us Swaylocks folks can surf with you. It would probably only be on a weekend for me. UncleD surfs in Waikiki a lot, he’s a fun and really nice guy.