Popularized by Oahu surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku and perpetuated by renowned surf and pop culture icons, such as Kelly Slater and Andy and Bruce Irons, surfing is a time-honored sport that originated from the ancient Hawaiians who considered it a symbol of social status and power. Royalty used surfing as a means of maintaining their strength, liveliness and authority over their people. Only the elite class was allowed to use certain materials and wood for their boards resulting in a superior quality board, which separated the royalty from the commoners.
As time progressed, in the late 1800s, surfing would have been extinct had it not been for the interest of a young teenager by the name of Duke Kahanamoku. An Olympic swimming champion, Hollywood actor, Hawaiian folk hero, and pioneer of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku and his friends kept the sport alive and promoted surfing and aloha worldwide as Hawaii’s “Ambassador of Aloha.” Kahanamoku, or “the Duke” as he was popularly known, was immortalized in his formation of the Hui Nalu or “The Club of Waves,” which still exists today.
Each year, the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku is celebrated at Duke’s OceanFest on Waikiki Beach. The weeklong festival held in August, features a variety of exciting water sports competitions, including men’s and women’s surf contests, a one-mile swim, a stand-up paddle surfing contest, Hawaii Paddle Board Race, and other events that pay tribute to the local waterman. The festivities culminate with the always-popular Waikiki Lei Parade and decorating of Duke’s Statue. Duke’s OceanFest is also a major fundraiser for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s (ODKF) college scholarship and athletic grants program. For more information, call (808) 545-4880 or visit www.dukefoundation.org.
For serious surf pros, sports fans and those who appreciate the awe of Oahu’s legendary North Shore surf breaks, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is a can’t miss event. The competition returns to the North Shore of Oahu for the men’s series and women’s Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach from November to December. Kicking off with the Op Pro at Haleiwa, the series continues with the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing and women’s Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, and ends with the Billabong Pipeline Masters at the famous Banzai Pipeline. Oahu’s North Shore is always home to the final events on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) calendar that will crown surfing’s new world champions. For more information, visit www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.
In addition to the Vans Triple Crown, the world’s best big wave surfers are invited to Waimea Bay on the North Shore to compete in the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau. The Eddie can only be held when surf measures at least 20 feet (Hawaiian scale) for a full day. The holding period for the event is between December 1 and the last day in February. When the surf is big enough, thousands flock to watch the likes of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons compete in the prestigious surfing competition. For more information, visit www.quiksilver.com.
If watching surfers shred at Duke’s OceanFest, Triple Crown of Surfing or the Eddie Aikau inspires you to learn to surf or piques your interest in the surf culture and industry, Oahu offers many resources for locals and visitors of all ages to catch waves, learn about the history and culture of surfing or purchase a custom-made surfboard built by a renowned shaper.
Learn to Surf in Waikiki
Aikau Pure Hawaiian Surf Academy
Legendary waterman and champion big wave surfer Clyde Aikau opened Aikau Pure Hawaiian Surf Academy on Waikiki Beach, just outside of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. Aikau, also well-known as the younger brother of Eddie Aikau, has taught people how to surf on Duke’s Beach for 30 years. He and his close-knit team of instructors continue to conduct surf lessons to
this day.
Contact: www.waikikibeachactivities.com or (808) 951-4088
Surf Academy by Dane Kealoha
In partnership with the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa, world-champion surfer Dane Kealoha, who grew up surfing the gentle waves of Waikiki, created the Surf Academy to pass on the traditions of the old Beach Boys who shared their “aloha spirit” and knowledge of the ocean with visitors and locals. It is his vision to not only provide Waikiki’s best surf lessons, but to also teach students the history of the sport, a few facts about oceanography, and most importantly, the culture of the Hawaiian people.
Contact: www.hyattsurfacademy.com or (808) 357-8715
Ty Gurney Surf School
At just four years old, San Diego native Ty Gurney paddled out on a surfboard for the first time. He entered his first surf contest on Oahu’s North Shore at the age of seven and has loved surfing in Hawaii ever since. Gurney taught at Hans Hedemann Surf School before starting his own program to focus on private lessons, small groups and customized surf safaris. In addition to being a popular surf instructor, Gurney is also a certified lifeguard in Hawaii.
Contact: www.tygurneysurfschool.com or (808) 271-9557
Faith Surf School
Tony Moniz started Faith Surf School with a passion to share his love for surfing and his extensive surfing experience to all who wanted to learn. Moniz has been a professional surfer for the past 25 years. He surfed the ASP World Tour, has been an invitee to the Quicksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational for 22 years, and is known worldwide as a big wave rider and an “Ambassador of Aloha.” Moniz is eager to provide all participants with a fun learning experience they won’t
soon forget.
Contact: www.faithsurfschool.com or (808) 931-6262
Surfing Lessons All Around Oahu
Hans Hedemann Surf School
Experts at Hans Hedemann Surf School strive to make surfing an exciting, memorable, fun, and successful experience. With several locations on Oahu, including Waikiki and the North Shore, Hans Hedemann makes lessons easily accessible for surf students of all levels. Lifeguard and CPR
trained instructors will teach proper paddling techniques, how to turn and maneuver the surfboard, positioning to stand up and ride waves, and proper water safety and etiquette.
Contact: www.hhsurf.com or (808) 924-7778
Hawaiian Fire Surf School
Based on the dream of three firefighters, Hawaiian Fire Surf School transports visitors from Waikiki to a secluded, sandy beach and gives surf lessons with soft-top surfboards and protective rashguards and footwear, reflecting their work as safety professionals. The fact that the instructors are both firefighters and surfers puts them in the unique position of life-saving professional, both in and out of the water. Their many safety certifications in Open Water Rescue, EMT-B and CPR provide participants with a worry free environment.
Contact: www.hawaiianfire.com or (808) 737-3473
Nancy Emerson School of Surfing
Learn to surf with former world champion surfer, Nancy Emerson at Nancy Emerson School of Surfing. Emerson and her team of accredited instructors take students out to the safest surf spots on the island based on individual skill levels. Nancy Emerson School of Surfing also offers stand up paddle boarding lessons and an exclusive Girlfriend Getaways package for women that includes surfing lessons, a stand up paddle boarding adventure and yoga classes.
Contact: www.surfclinics.com or (808) 294-5544
North Shore Surf Girls Surf School
The North Shore Surf Girls Surf School, located on the North and South Shores, offers surf lessons to men, women, and children with surf experience ranging from beginner-level to experienced surfer. All of the instructors are females whose experience ranges from former professional surfers to “Baywatch” stunt doubles and surfers featured in the surfer girl movie “Blue Crush.”
Contact: www.northshoresurfgirls.com or (808) 637-2977
Surf Lessons With Sunset Suzy
Sunset Suzy caught her first Hawaiian wave on Waikiki Beach when she was 15 years old. She later became a lifeguard on the North Shore of Oahu and started the first women’s surf camps in Hawaii.
Her women’s surf camps now focus on learning surfing skills, surfing and linking up surfer girls from all over the world.
Contact: www.sunsetsuzy.com or (808) 780-6963
Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Paddle Core Fitness
Paddle boarding has been around for decades as a form of riding the ocean’s swells. Today it is one of the world’s fastest growing recreational water sports and is also known throughout the world as stand up paddle boarding. Paddle Core Fitness incorporates a fun workout, into the sport, building strength through balance and resistance, and enabling students to walk
on water.
Contact: www.paddlecorefitness.com or (808) 723-5357
AccesSurf Hawaii
On the first Saturday of every month, AccesSurf Hawaii sponsors a “Day on the Beach” at Barber’s Point Beach Park for disabled persons who love the ocean. AccesSurf Hawaii is a non-profit organization whose mission is to make Hawaii’s beaches accessible to everyone. Its volunteers teach mentally and physically challenged individuals how to surf and swim through adaptive surfing and shoreline floatation/swimming. All who are interested can spend a fun and relaxing day at the beach while also helping those with disabilities surf, swim and enjoy the outdoors.
Contact: www.accessurfhawaii.org or (808) 236-4200
Surfing Memorabilia
Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Located near the Honolulu Police Department’s station on Waikiki Beach, the famous bronze Duke Kahanamoku Statue welcomes all to the Waikiki surf spot where Duke surfed and served as one of the original Waikiki Beach Boys. Locals and visitors honor Duke by placing lei on his outstretched arms. Visitors can also wave and send messages to loved ones through a video camera on the statue that broadcasts online.
Duke’s Waikiki
Named after Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s restaurant at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach features an extensive collection of surfing memorabilia, including many original photos of Duke. Duke’s Waikiki sits on the original spot of the Outrigger Canoe Club and overlooks the spot where Duke rode his biggest wave – a 30-foot swell named Bluebird. Duke’s Waikiki offers live Hawaiian music nightly, fresh local seafood, refreshing tropical drinks, and an award-winning chocolatey ice cream Hula Pie dessert.
Contact: www.dukeswaikiki.com or (808) 922-2268
Bishop Museum
One of Duke’s early surfboards, with his name across the bow, is preserved at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. The Bishop Museum’s archives also contain the largest collection of Duke Kahanamoku photographs in the world. Duke’s wife Nadine donated some of the images while she was still alive; the rest she bequeathed to the Museum in her will.
Contact: www.bishopmuseum.org or (808) 847-3511
The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon
The newly restored Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa honors the aquatic legend with a relaxing lagoon and park area. The saltwater lagoon, which is lined with coconut trees and native Hawaiian plants and flowers, features an island with a two-tier waterfall and a promenade boardwalk with benches and picnic areas. Every day, Surfing 101, a 30-minute “talk story” session is offered at the lagoon that includes a historical overview of Duke Kahanamoku and ends with a brief demonstration of surfing techniques by one of two noted watermen, Clyde Aikau or Errol Kane, Jr.
Contact: www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com or (808) 949-4321
North Shore Surf and Culture Museum
The North Shore Surf and Culture Museum attracts locals, visitors and historians to its quaint, unassuming location in famous North Shore surf town, Haleiwa. The museum houses a collection of antique surfboards, including the first motorized surfboard, first snowboard and old, hollow wooden boards. Throughout the day, surf movies are shown that educate guests about surfing and the culture of the North Shore.
Contact: www.northshoresurfmuseum.com or (808) 637-8888
Surfboard Shapers
Aipa Surfboards
Legendary surfer, shaper and International Surfing Hall of Fame inductee, Ben Aipa of Aipa Surfboards has designed and built surfboards for many of the world’s best surfers. His designs have revolutionized the surfboard industry with innovative shapes that allow surfers to travel faster and turn tighter on their boards. His company, Aipa Surfboards, is a family-run business that employs the help of his children.
Contact: www.benaipa.com or (808) 836-0804
Tokoro Surfboards
For more than 20 years, Wade Tokoro of Tokoro Surfboards has been shaping surfboards for some of the world’s best surfers, including surfing legends and world champions Sunny Garcia, Bruce Irons, Mick Fanning, and Mark Occhilupo. With a mission to be on the cutting edge of surfboard design and offer the best possible equipment, Tokoro Surfboards builds a variety of surfboard models and thoroughly tests each design to ensure the highest quality board for riders of all levels.
Contact: www.tokorosurfboards.com or (808) 239-6263
Country Feeling Surfboards
Oahu residents and master shapers Jeff Bushman and Kyle Bernhardt recently created Country Feeling Surfboards, a line of surfboards made with environmentally friendly materials. Available in an array of shapes, colors and sizes, Country Feeling Surfboards are made with soy and sugar-based foams, resin activated by the sun, as well as hemp, silk and bamboo.
Contact: www.countryfeelingsurfboards.com or (808) 638-7192
The Factory
The Factory on Oahu’s North Shore sells stock and custom-made boards built by the best shapers in the industry, including Ben Aipa, Keoki, Dennis Pang, and Jon Pyze. As a full-service facility, The Factory does everything from color customization through airbrushing, pigment lamination, foam stains, and fabric inlays to sanding and glassing. The Factory also sells surfboard accessories and apparel.
Contact: www.hawaiisurffactory.com or (808) 542-0589
Barnfield’s Raging Isle Surf & Cycle
Established in 1987, Barnfield’s Raging Isle Surf & Cycle on Oahu’s North Shore has been selling surfboard designer and shaper Bill Barnfield’s much sought after boards. All of the boards sold at this shop are hand made right on premises, where you can watch them being made.
Contact: www.ragingisle.com or (808) 637-7797
Resource
Hawaii Tourism Authority / Oahu Visitor's Bureau / July 16, 2010
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