Boogie Boarding & Body Surfing in Honolulu and Oahu

Boogie boarding (or sponging) has become a popular alternative to surfing for a couple of reasons. First, the start-up cost is much less—a usable board can be purchased for $30 to $40 or can be rented on the beach for $5 an hour. Second, it's a whole lot easier to ride a boogie board than to tame a surfboard. For beginner boogie boarding all you must do is paddle out to the waves, turn toward the beach, and kick like crazy when the wave comes.

Most grocery and convenience stores sell boogie boards. Though the boards do not rival what the pros use, you won't notice a difference in their handling on smaller waves. Another small investment you'll want to make is surf fins. These smaller, sturdier versions of dive fins sell for $25 to $35 at surf and dive stores, sporting-goods stores, or even Wal-Mart. Most beach stands do not rent fins with the boards. Though they are not necessary for boogie boarding, fins do give you a tremendous advantage when you are paddling into waves. If you plan to go out in bigger surf, we would also advise you to get fin leashes to prevent loss. For bodysurfing, you definitely want to invest in fins. Check out the same spots as for boogie boarding.

If the direction of the current or dangers of the break are not readily apparent to you, don't hesitate to ask a lifeguard for advice.

Word of Mouth

Bellows is great. You can drive your car right up onto the beach and there are small waves perfect for boogey boarding.

-jayc

Best Spots

Boogie boarding and bodysurfing can be done anywhere there are waves, but, due to a paddling advantage surfers have over spongers, it's usually more fun to go to exclusively boogie-boarding spots.

Kuhio Beach Park (Waikiki, past Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel to Kapahulu Ave. pier) is an easy spot for the first-timer to check out the action. Try The Wall, a break so named for the breakwall in front of the beach. It's a little crowded with kids, but it's close enough to shore to keep you at ease. There are dozens of breaks in Waikiki, but the Wall is the only one solely occupied by spongers. Start out here to get the hang of it before venturing out to Canoes or Kaiser Bowl's.

Makapuu Beach (Across from Sea Life Park, 2 mi south of Waimanalo on Kalanianaole Hwy.) on the Windward side is a sponger's dream beach with its extended waves and isolation from surfers. If you're a little more timid, go to the far end of the beach to Keiki's, where the waves are mellowed by Makapuu Point, for an easier, if less thrilling, ride. Although the main break at Makapuu is much less dangerous than Sandy's, check out the ocean floor—the sands are always shifting, sometimes exposing coral heads and rocks. Also always check the currents: they can get strong. But for the most part, this is the ideal beach for both boogie boarding and bodysurfing.

The best spot on the island for advanced boogie boarding is Sandy Beach (2 mi east of Hanauma Bay on Kalanianaole Hwy.) on the Windward side. It's a short wave that goes right and left, but the barrels here are unparalleled for pure sponging. The ride is intense and breaks so sharply that you actually see the wave suck the bottom dry before it crashes on to it. That's the reason it's also called "Break Neck Beach." It's awesome for the advanced, but know its danger before enjoying the ride.

Equipment

There are more than 30 rental spots on Waikiki Beach, all offering basically the same prices. But if you plan to boogie board for more than just an hour, we would suggest buying a board for $20 to $30 at an ABC convenience store and giving it to a kid when you're preparing to end your vacation. It will be more cost-effective for you and will imbue you with the aloha spirit while making a kid's day.