Surfing
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.
Equipment and Lessons
Blue Seas Surfing School. Surfer and instructor Charlie Smith specializes in beginners (especially children), and though he operates primarily at Poipu Beach, lessons are offered elsewhere on the island. His soft-top longboards are very stable, making it easier to stand up. He specializes in one-on-one or family lessons, so personal interaction is a priority. He has also added stand-up paddling to his operation. Transportation is provided, if needed. 1959 Hoone Rd., Koloa, Hawaii, 96756. 808/634–6979; www.blueseassurfingschool.com. From $75 for a 1½-hr lesson.
Hanalei Surf Company. You can rent boards here and shop for rash guards, wet suits, and some hip surf-inspired apparel. Hanalei Center, 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, Hawaii, 96714. 808/826–9000; www.hanaleisurf.com.
Nukumoi Surf Co.. Owned by the same folks who own Brennecke's restaurant, this shop offers surfing lessons, board (surfing, body, and stand-up paddle), snorkel, and beach-gear rental, as well as casual clothing. Their primary surf spot is the beach fronting the Sheraton. 2100 Hoone Rd., across from Poipu Beach Park, Koloa, Hawaii, 96756. 808/742–8019; www.nukumoi.com. $75 for groups for 1½ hrs; $250 for private sessions.
Progressive Expressions. This full-service shop has a choice of rental boards and a whole lotta shopping for clothes, swimsuits, and casual beach wear. 5428 Koloa Rd., Koloa, Hawaii, 96756. 808/742–6041; www.progressiveexpressions.com.
Tamba Surf Company. This is Kauai's homegrown surf shop, and your best bet for surfboard and snorkel gear rentals, new boards, and surfing lessons on the East Side. Tamba is a big name in local surf apparel. 4-1543 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746. 808/823–6942; www.tamba.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 advanced lessons are available at Hanalei, with a maximum of three students. If you want to learn to surf from a living legend, this is the man. Advanced surfers can also take a tow-in lesson with a Jet Ski. He employs 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.) Customers are able to use the board for a while after the lesson is complete. Quicksilver, 5-5088 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, Hawaii, 96714. 808/652–1116; www.hawaiianschoolofsurfing.com. $65, 90-min group; $250 Jet Ski surf; $65, 90-min group stand-up paddle.
