Surfing can be traced back to the 12th Century. In Polynesia, cave paintings found showed images of people riding on waves. The Polynesians brought with them to Hawaii their culture and surfing. From then, the sport rapidly grew in popularity.
Today, countless individuals choose Hawaii for a surfing vacation. The spot that many of them decide to descend on is Waikiki, Honolulu. During any of the 365 days of the year, a trip to Waikiki is well worth the travel. The neighborhood boasts picturesque views. It is rich in culture and offers a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy. Most of all, Waikiki beach is a surfer’s dream.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner wanting to learn how to surf, a trip to Waikiki beach is an excellent place to go surfing. If you are looking to take a trip to Waikiki, Honolulu, this year for surfing, here are a few tips to ensure that you go at the best time.
Booking In Advance
Hawaii is a popular holiday destination for many tourists. Each year, thousands decent on the islands to stay on one of the volcanic islands. Some choose to visit to witness a volcano erupting. Others will retreat to these islands for a tranquil getaway. The adventure-seekers will book their trips to enjoy the water sports, like surfing, to quench their adrenaline junkie desires.
Being such a popular location, accommodation in Waikiki can become booked up in the blink of an eye, especially in peak seasons for surfacing. Ensuring that you book in advance will ensure you are not left disappointed over not being able to travel due to having no accommodation. You will likely find no difficulty searching for a hotel in Waikiki is simple. With a room booked at your chosen Waikiki hotel, you can begin planning what you will be doing during your time in the area.
Choose The Right Season
Waikiki is the prime place to be for surfing in Hawaii. Aside from the striking beaches, the size of the waves that crash to shore is what many surfers dream about. For those looking to dive into the world of surfing, Waikiki beach is an ideal spot for beginners. The waves at Waikiki beach can be gentle, making it perfect for beginners to learn and practice standing up on a surfboard.
As Waikiki beach attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of which are visiting to go surfing. Choosing the right season is an essential factor when going to Waikiki beach to surf. Here are a few things to consider about each season.
Visiting In Spring
When spring break comes around, many tourists will make their way to Hawaii. Those wanting to enjoy a surfing holiday will likely choose Waikiki. When spring break often occurs in the early spring season, the waves will reach between one and three meters. These heights are ideal for beginners looking to get into surfing. You can easily paddle out into the ocean without much concern that you could be swept away by a high wave.
If you visit later in spring, especially just before summer, you will likely experience far bigger waves. Some wave heights can pass three feet. When these waves begin to appear, do not feel pressured to continue surfing. If you do not feel confident in your surfing abilities, stay in areas that experience smaller waves. This way, you can continue surfing as you build up your strength and confidence in your abilities. If and when you feel confident to tackle more giant waves, you can try surfing the higher waves.
Go For A Summer Vacation
Towards the end of spring, as mentioned, is when the bigger waves will begin to roll in. These waves are often three feet and higher sometimes. It is loved by those with experience in surfing as it can be tremendous fun to ride. Of course, those with less experience at surfing or who have yet to try can enjoy the waves down in Waikiki.
The only downside of travelling to Waikiki in the summer is that it can be busy. Schools are out for the summer break, and many choose this time to travel as most countries are in their warmest climate. If you decide to go surfing during this season, be prepared for busy beaches.
An Autumn Break
As the temperatures begin to drop, many choose to book their trips to visit a warmer climate. For those who have surfed occasionally, autumn is an ideal time to visit Waikiki. The waves are not overwhelmingly high, but they do reach decent heights. If you are looking at improving your surfing abilities, autumn might be your time. Small waves help you build your confidence, and a few larger ones to try if you feel ready.
The more giant waves will be most noticeable during the start of autumn. Towards the end, when winter is on the horizon, the waves will begin to drop in height. This time of year is also ideal for beginners who want to learn how to surf.
A Winter Getaway
Similar to people escaping the crisp autumn weather, many will flee to a warmer climate when the season changes to winter. Compared to the waves in the summer, winter waves are far smaller – making them perfect for beginners in surfing. These smaller waves can help gently ease people into surfing without overwhelming them with the larger waves. The waves are consistent throughout winter on Waikiki beach. It is unlikely that you will see waves the size of those during the summer months during winter.
Along with riding the waves, spending some time on Waikiki beach in winter will be an unforgettable experience.
In Summary
Before you get on a surfboard and tackle the waves at Waikiki beach, the vital thing is that you need to know how to swim. If you are not a strong swimmer, consider building up your strength. You might be able to handle the smaller waves, but the waves that surpass three feet it is best to avoid. Staying safe is one of the most crucial steps for surfing. Additionally, only surf the waves you feel the most comfortable with. If you do not feel like you can handle the more giant waves, remember that you do not have to surf.
When visiting Waikiki beach, you will notice that there are numerous opportunities for surfing lessons for beginners. Take advantage of these lessons, as they will help you build your confidence before you choose to get into the water to try and ride your first wave. The support from an instructor could help you learn more about getting onto the surfboard, how to surf a wave and ways to do all of this safely. Having this support and expert guidance can be helpful as you gain a deeper understanding of how to surf.
If you are looking to visit Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, in the next year, keep these tips in mind if you are making the trip to go surfing. These could help you have an unforgettable experience riding the waves, whether it be your first time or tenth.
