Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
general rule, if you're paddling for a wave, there is already someone riding that
wave, and you can see that person's face, then choose a different wave.
•
6. Don't throw your board.
Sometimes in larger surf your board can get ripped
away from you, but it's heavily frowned upon to “duck dive” a wave by throw-
ing your board to the side and swimming under the wave. Instead, either duck
dive your shortboard under the wave, or, if on a longboard, try to “turn turtle” by
flipping upside down with your board and letting the wave crash over you (while
holding it with your hands). In the event you are riding a wave and fall, to keep
the board from shooting out and hitting someone in the face, reach down and try
to grab the part where your leash connects to minimize the distance it can go fly-
ing.
•
7. As strange as it seems, don't stare at people.
This is especially true at more
advanced breaks such as Honolua Bay. Even if you like someone's tattoo or are
trying to read the brand of someone's boardshorts, it comes off as threatening.
Strange, but true.
•
8. Assess your own abilities.
“If in doubt, don't go out!” Surfing is meant to be
fun and enjoyable. Paddling out into conditions which are outside of your ability
level is a good way to get in trouble. Sit and watch the waves for a few minutes
before paddling out, assess the vibe once you're out there, and as long as you fol-
low proper surf etiquette, you'll end up having an epic time on the water.
To surf in a secluded location in a private group, try
Hawaiian Paddle Sports
(808/
660-4228,
www.hawaiianpaddlesports.com
)
, which offers completely private lessons.
Share in each other's trials and revel in each other's success. The lessons usually take place
along the shoreline south of Lahaina. Since these two-hour lessons are completely private,
they are understandably more expensive at $159 for a single person or $109/person for
private groups of five or more.
If you're just looking to rent a board in downtown Lahaina and prefer to teach yourself,
you'll get a better deal if you move a few blocks away from the busy surf schools. The
Boss Frog's
(150 Lahainaluna Rd., 808/661-3333,
www.bossfrog.com
,
8am-5pm daily)
in the center of town has soft top boards for either $25/day or $75/week, and fiberglass
boards are $35/day. Of course, you can't walk to the surf break from here, so rent or pur-
chase straps for your vehicle.
