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In the 1970s, Oahu's North Shore became synonymous with surfing in Hawaii. However, Oahu isn't the only Hawaiian Island with a north shore for big wave surfers.
Hookipa and Honolua Bay feature big, beautiful breaks when the swell comes in from the north. These larger waves are for experts only, but that doesn't mean you can't cruise out on a big day and watch the masters.
For less daring souls and beginners there isn't any better surfing in the islands than Maui's South and West shores.
The Cove and Kalama Beach Parks in Kihei are excellent beaches for first time surfers. In Lahaina, Launuipoko and Papalua Wayside (also known as Grandma's) are popular breaks for beginners.
Surfing is, at its heart, a fairly straight forward sport. All you really need is a board and a wave. However, to get the most out of your surfing experience, you'll need the right gear and you'll need to know where to go. This is what makes surf schools and surfboard shops so important, they know the conditions, they know how to fit you to a board. Your instructor will match you to a board that will give you the best experience for the waves you'll be riding. This usually means starting out on a soft top long board.
These boards are used almost exclusively by surf schools because they are more comfortable for beginners to paddle on, harder to fall off of, and aren't damaged by the occaisional collision.
Once you've mastered the basics you can start experimenting with other board styles. Short boards, long boards, one fin or three or four, swallowtails, pintails, epoxy boards, and hand-shaped foam boards are all readily available on Maui. Once you get the bug, you'll be amazed at how many surfboards you "need" in your quiver.
Of course, any activity carries some risks, and surfing is no exception. The ocean can be very dangerous and beginners should only head out under the supervision of an instructor or experienced companion. Surfing is a very physical activity and should not be attempted by people with neck, back, shoulder, or knee problems.
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6 E. Waipuilani Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: (808) 871-5857
Fax: (808) 891-8299
Email: fun@actionsportsmaui.com
Call Buzzy at (808) 573-5728
E-mail: bkerbox@earthlink.net
505 Front St., Ste 123
Lahaina, Maui 96761
Phone: (808) 244-WAVE (9283)
425 Koloa
Kahului, Maui, HI 96732
Phone: (808) 877-2111
Fax: (808) 871-6943
E-mail: htmaui@maui.net
Box 10146
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Phone: (808) 250-2870
P.O. Box 1158
Puunene, HI 96784
Toll Free: 1-866-MSG-2002
358 Papa Place, Suite F
Kahalui, Maui, Hawaii 96732
Phone (808) 244-7873
Fax (808) 877-4922
E-mail: nancy@surfclinics.com
2439 South Kihei Rd.
Kihei, Maui, Hawaii 96753
Phone: (808_ 875-4848
Toll Free: 1-800-77-OCEAN
E-mail: kayak@southpacifickayaks.com
Spike Yamamoto
PO Box 501
Lahaina, Maui, Hawai'i 96767-0501
Phone: (808) 250-SURF (7873)
E-mail: surfdog@maui.net
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