Enjoy Surfing in Hawaii
May 29, 2009 by Ted Felber
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One of the most magnificent things to see is a surfer making their way through the tubes of the waves. While many of the islands enjoy ridiculous swells, the most predominant hit in between October and run through March. While you’re there, you will see that the northern shores of Oahu get the popularity. Most people believe it’s because of the waves that reach as high as thirty feet, but others simply enjoy the location to watch. Years ago it was the Polynesian culture that set their ways on this land and delivered future stories of their unbelievable achievements regarding surfing.
Did you know that surfing, also known as he’e nalu, which means “wave sliding”, used to be a sport of royalty? It’s true! Only high-ranking chiefs had access to this highly competitive sport – they were using it to demonstrate their strength and power. King Kamehameha himself was known to be a keen surfer.
Although surfing was popular for a long time, it kind of dwindles away for awhile. Inhabitors were more in tune with sugar plantations and other work as immigrants made their way to each island. This went on for several years until around the early 1900s when a man by the name of Duke Kahanamoku surfaced. Even though he was known as the “father of modern surfing,” many people remember him as an Olympic gold medalist in swimming.
Back then though, it wasn’t about surf wax, shiny boards, and toned bodies. In fact, the only boards you would find were made out of balsa wood or hewn redwood. Eventually the world embraced surfing once again thanks to today’s technologies which allow lighter and faster boards. It’s simply a great way to surf and grab some of the best waves known to man.
On other Hawaiian beaches on Kauai, Maui and even Big Island, surfers test their guts to win big prizes in surfing championships. Recently, tow-in surfing has been introduced – when the surfer is towed out by boat to reach waves he would normally not be able to get to by arm paddling. As a result, pro surfers are now getting to monster waves as high as 60 feet, giving rise to a category of athletes called “The Big Wave Surfer”.
In summer, the best surfing in Hawaii is on the South shores of Waikiki, Maui and Kauai, as waves generated by storms in the South Pacific, hit the Hawaiian islands. Waves are gentler but still offer great surfing conditions. Oahu’s North Shore is NOT the place for your vacation if you’re a beginner surfer, but it’s a great place to visit just for the show! If you are a novice, go to Waikiki and Diamond Head Beach in Oahu, Hanalei Bay and Poipu Beach in Kauai, and Maalaea, Lahaina and Puamana Beach in Maui.
Even if you’ve never experienced the ocean and got a view from a surf board, you can still learn to surf in Hawaii. There’s a plethora of surfing classes available, but most of them will be found in Waikiki. The best part about it is that there are all kinds of surfing instructors available that will guarantee you’ll be standing on your board when you finish your first lesson.
Oh, and for all you women out there, enjoying the luxury of your trip does involve surfing. There are various spots that offer surf & spa retreats for people just like you. In the end, there isn’t anything like surfing and getting pampered at the same time. It’s sensuous, exotic, and fun all at the same time.
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Surfing is really the best sport out there, i love the adrenaline rush when surfing on big waves.,:-