Travel Journal Oahu 2009 Day 7

After a day of lounging, we decided to take on a more physical activity. One of my goals for this trip is to take on another surfing lesson. I took on surfing on our first visit, it turned out to be an unforgettable activity that I intend to pursue in the Jersey shore. So far, I haven't surfed by myself. I am afraid to do it alone. I know. I know they always say- you have to do it once.





We went along on the small hut located on the shore next the Sheraton. It is owned by the local beach boys. This establishment is well recommended by travel books if you are curious to try surfing on Waikiki beach. There were name brand schools (the Hans one) in the area but we chose the no frills surf instructor, most of them moonlights as lifeguards.

It costs $30 per an hour session. They only take on people who can swim. You are provided the use of a long board and a long sleeved rash guard. The long board is the best for newbies, you need all the real estate you can get once you are riding the waves. A small and narrow board would be difficult to first time surfers. Remember, they have to provide fun results to make the experience memorable. The rash guards would provide protection from the rocks whenever you have a wipe out, it also serves a barrier from the surf boards, it is difficult to avoid skin rashes from constant friction.

The instructor can take a maximum of 5 students, there were 4 of us: me, my 2 sisters and Justin. We had another fellow tourist with us, a newly wed from Arizona. There were 5 boards on the sand, the instructor showed us how to paddle and gave us some pointers how to get up the board by pointing where to put our weight and how to hold the boards.

Sounds easy? Wait till you get in the water. If you have balance issues, surfing is not for you.


One of my hesitations on taking the surfing lessons is its physical aspect. I am afraid not to be able to keep up paddling. I have been out of shape but it turns out that it was an enjoyable session. One of my sisters decided to head back ashore, the guys quickly picked up and were able to catch the waves themselves. I was able to ride the waves better, it was a tricky one but I was able to stand up. For half an hour, I was able to catch the waves, once in a while there was a wipe out but heck, it is fun. I wish I can go surfing everyday at the back of my mind, I am moving to Hawaii.

After an hour, we head back ashore. The instructor is a fit dude, he was able to paddle himself, me and my sister back. He was leaning on his board while he hooked up additional board on each foot. He barely broke a sweat. He mentioned working as a lifeguard and was born and raised in Honolulu.

By noon time, we head over to Chinatown at Tamashiro Market to get some shell fish. It is a nondescript corner store that sells fresh fish. We were able to get live Kahuku shrimps and crabs. The shrimps were pricey, they sell it for about $10 per pound but the crabs sell for half of that.

We ended our day having a quiet dinner and able to catch up with friends and their kids.

Tonight, with a heavy heart, we have to pack up and catch a red eye flight back to Newark. 

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