Stand-Up PaddlEBOARDING Lessons Waikiki

All Lessons are contracted to and serviced by Pacific Island Beach Boys, licensed Surf Instructors by the State of Hawaii Dept of Land & Natural Resources, operating permit 23-84679. Permitted for Waikiki Beach Activities by City & County of Honolulu Contract RP-DES-22-7859.

This is your chance to learn how to stand-up paddle board in Hawaii, our fastest growing water sport. Big Wave Dave provides lessons in stand-up paddling, and supplies the paddles and stand-up paddleboards for all skill levels. We’ll teach you advanced strokes for turning and catching waves, safety on the water, safe methods of carrying your gear, basic strokes and turns, correct stances and how to use the paddle for stability. Learn to SUP in optimal conditions.

 
 
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Advantages of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in Honolulu

The beauty of the sport is that all that is required is a body of water; no wave needed. A river, harbor, lake or any body of water will do when you are not by the ocean. One of the advantages of Stand-up paddle surfing is the angle of visibility because of the standing height over the water. One can see both deeper into the water and further across the surface of the water; whether it is the marine life in the water or the incoming swells of the ocean rolling in on the horizon.  You will be blown away by how much fun you will have while getting a great workout.

Private Stand-Up Paddle Board Lessons Rates & Information

  • $179 per 1.5 hour lesson per person

Semi-Private Stand-Up Paddle Board Lessons Rates & Info

  • $149 per 1.5 hour lesson per person. Call for Honeymoon Specials.

All equipment is provided including paddleboard, paddle, leash, and instructor. You provide your swimsuit, sunblock, and a positive attitude.  Lessons are available year-round, rain or shine We welcome corporate groups, school organizations, civic groups, etc. Please contact us for group discount rates.  SUP photo and video packages available to capture your memories.

There are no group paddleboard lessons.  

Lessons typical start in a very shallow area with calm water. Once you can maintain your balance, you will be able to explore other parts of the water and catch waves.  

All lessons include:

  • Usage of the Stand-up paddle board, paddle and leash

  • Basic Ocean awareness

  • Stand-up paddle board etiquette

  • Basic paddle technique

  • Advanced turning techniques

  • How to build speed and catch a wave

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History of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in Honolulu

Paddleboarding is a mix of surfing and paddling. It started in Waikiki back in the 1940’s. Beach boys stood on their longboards while navigating with outrigger paddles, to take pictures of tourists onshore. Now referred to as Ku Hoe He’e Nalu on the Hawaiian Islands, paddle boarding is quickly gaining popularity all over the world because of its graceful simplicity and quick learning curve.

Stand up paddle boarding is excellent for surfers and non-surfers as it gives an isometric workout - a cardiovascular workout that strengthens the core muscle groups. Some do it because it’s the best workout on the water; others use it to access surf that is difficult to tap with prone paddling. But the reason this ancient style is becoming so popular is simply that it’s a fun new way to experience being on the water.

The recent popularity of stand-up paddling can probably be tracked to a long summer flat spell in 2000, when serious watermen like Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama on Maui and Brian Keaulana, Mel Pu’u and Bruce De Soto at Makaha, seized on the idea of paddling their tandem boards as fitness workouts. It didn’t take them long to realize how much fun this aspect of surfing could be. In 2004, Brian Keaulana introduced Stand-up paddling as a division at his father’s famous surf event and party, Buffalo’s Big Board Classic at Makaha. It was hugely popular and got major media attention - stand-up paddling was up and running.