Good ol' stand-up surfing is alive and well on Kauai, especially in winter's high-surf season on the North Shore. If you're new to the sport, we highly recommend taking a lesson. Not only will this ensure you're up and riding waves in no time, but instructors will provide the right board for your experience and size, help you time a wave, and give you a push to get your momentum going. You don't need to be in top physical shape to take a lesson. Because your instructor helps push you into the wave, you won't wear yourself out paddling. If you're experienced and want to hit the waves on your own, most surf shops rent boards for all levels, from beginners to advanced.

Best Spots

Perennial-favorite beginning surf spots include Poipu Beach (the area fronting the Marriott Waiohai Beach Club); Hanalei Bay (the area next to the Hanalei Pier); and the stream end of Kalapaki Beach . More advanced surfers move down the beach in Hanalei to an area fronting a grove of pine trees known as Pine Trees . When the trade winds die, the north ends of Wailua and Kealia beaches are teeming with surfers. Breaks off Poipu and Beach House/Lawai Beach attract intermediates year-round. During high surf, the break on the cliff side of Kalihi Wai is for experts only

Lessons

Blue Seas Surf School. Surfer and instructor Charlie Smith specializes in beginners (especially children) and will go anywhere on the island to find just the right surf. His soft-top, long boards are very stable, making it easier to stand up. Rates start at $75 for a 1½-hour lesson. (Transportation provided, if needed.) Meet at beach; location varies depending on surf conditions. 808/634-6979. www.blueseassurfingschool.com.

Margo Oberg Surfing School. Seven-time world surfing champion Margo Oberg runs a surf school that meets on the beach in front of the Sheraton Kauai in Poipu. Group lessons are $65 for two hours, though Margo herself rarely teaches anymore. Poipu Beach. 808/332-6100. www.surfonkauai.com.

Nukumoi Surf Co. The parents of Kauai-grown and world-famous Rochelle Ballard own this surf shop. Not that the instructors who teach surfing here these days taught Rochelle, but they are die-hard surfers, even if they never made the international scene. Lessons run $75 for two hours with no more than four students per instructor. Their primary surf spot is the beach fronting the Sheraton. On Hoone Rd. across from Poipu Beach Park. 808/742-8019. www.nukumoisurf.com.

Titus Kinimaka Hawaiian School of Surfing. Famed as a pioneer of big-wave surfing, this Hawaiian believes in giving back to his sport. Beginning, intermediate, and "extreme" lessons, including tow-in, are available. If you want to learn to surf from a living legend, this is the man. He does employ some other instructors, so if you want Titus, be sure to ask for him. (And good luck because if the waves are going off, he'll be surfing, not teaching.) Rates are $65 for a 90-minute group lesson; $85 to $120 per hour for a private lesson; $150 for a one-hour, tow-in lesson. A surf DVD is included with each lesson, upon request. Meets on Hanalei Bay by pier. 808/652-1116.

Want to Go Surfing?

Thinking about taking surf lessons? These are a few good questions to ask your potential surf instructor:

What equipment do you provide? (If you're a beginner, you'll want to hear about their soft-top beginner boards. You'll also want to know if they'll provide rash guards and aqua socks.)

Who will be my instructor? (It's not always the name on the company logo. Ask about your instructor's qualifications.)

How do you select the location? (Ideally, you'll be assured that they pick the location because of its gentle waves, sandy beach bottom, and good year-round conditions.)

What if the waves are too big? (Under the best circumstances, they'll select another location or reschedule for another day.)

How many students do you take at a time? (Don't book if it's more than four students per instructor. You'll definitely want some personal attention.)

Are you CPR- and lifeguard-certified? (It's good to know your instructor will be able to help if you get into trouble.)

Equipment

Hanalei Surf Company. Mauka at Hanalei Center, 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei. 808/826-9000.

Nukumoi Surf Co. On Hoone Rd. across from Poipu Beach Park. 808/742-8019.

Nukumoi Surf Co. West Side. In Waimea, makai on Rte. 50. 808/338-1617.

Progressive Expressions. On Koloa Rd. in Old Koloa Town. 808/742-6041.

Tamba Surf Company. Mauka on north end of Hwy. 56 in Kapaa; across from Scotty's Beachside BBQ;, 4-1543 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa. 808/823-6942.