FAQs
Common Questions and Answers
3 Days - 3 surf sessions per day.
- What is it like out at the surf breaks?
- What is the value of a 'surf lesson'?
- What do we need to bring?
- How early in advance do you need to reserve lessons?
- Can you have a lesson with us?
- Where are the lessons?
- What is the availability?
- Where is your location?
- How many lessons does it take to really learn to surf?
- What is the typical water temperature?
- Once I sign up, if the weather is not suitable (water too rough, raining), would we just reschedule?
- What is the risk of shark bites?
- What shape do you have to be in the participate?
- Do you have boogey board instructors?
- What age and level of swimmer do you need to be to surf?
- How can you sign up?
- What do I do now that I have registered?
Answers
- What is it like out at the surf breaks?
The ocean is our playground. It's a public place where anyone can go. The challenge is to play together safely. The ocean waves and the equipment that we have are fun to play with but without proper knowledge can be dangerous to yourself and others, not to mention ocean currents and shallow reef zones. Everyday people ask us to introduce them to the surf breaks, help them perform to be best of their ability, and keep them safe.
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- What is the value of a 'surf lesson'?
Each lesson is ensures the Safety and Performance of registrants, as much as possible in the extreme sport of surfing. With limited time to play or surf in the ocean, we all want to perform well, to develop confidence, and independence. None of us want to visit the hospital or have our equipment damaged, or to be the cause of someone else getting hurt.
Girls Who Surf instructors are licensed and trained to help you with your wants - we are able to bring the right equipment from our equipment range and stock. We are also licensed and trained to help you keep out of the situations you do not want, and in the event that they do occur, we are licensed and trained to respond to emergency situations.
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- What do we need to bring?
A towel and sunscreen.
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- How early in advance do you need to reserve lessons?
A: On Oahu we are blessed to have beginner waves year round, morning to evening. We handle same day reservations, but we recommend reservations with advanced notice. An advantage to booking ahead of time is access to our FAQ for Registered Students. Surfing is an awesome experience and we are here to help you do your best. Our pre-registration FAQ gives you an edge in your surfing lesson.
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- Can you have a lesson with us?
To have a lesson with us you must know how to swim.
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- Where are the lessons?
Surf spots minutes away from Waikiki, Ko Olina, North Shore resorts.
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- What is the availability?
Lessons are offered throughout the day.
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- Where is your location?
We do not have a public location but operate out of Honolulu. Transportation is available as are directions to one of our beaches. Is there a location that you would prefer? There are a few just 10 minutes from the Hilton Hawaiian.
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- How many lessons does it take to really learn to surf?
Each lesson builds your abilities, theoretically, faster than if you paddled around on your own. We love to guide people with their surfing and that’s what we make ourselves available to do.
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- What is the typical water temperature?
Approx. 78 degrees.
http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/hawaii.html
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- Once I sign up, if the weather is not suitable (water too rough, raining), would we just reschedule?
Our activity is supposed to be fun for everybody so if it looks like it's not going to be, we'll reschedule if it's possible. If not, we'll refund. Other than weather and illness, cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, cancellations between 24 and 48 hours are half refunded, and cancellations outside of 48 hours are fully refunded.
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- What is the risk of shark bites?
From About.com
“Incidents of sharks biting people in Hawaiian waters are very rare, occurring on average at a rate of about three or four per year. Fatal shark bites are extremely rare, especially considering the number of people in Hawaii’s waters.
People who enter the water need to recognize that there are hidden dangers. A number of marine animals can cause serious injury to people, and sharks are just one example. Entering the ocean should be considered a "wilderness experience," where people are visitors in a world that belongs to the sharks.
The risk of injury caused by sharks is extremely small, but it is a risk accepted by anyone who enters the shark’s world. By learning more about sharks, using common sense, and observing the following safety tips, the risk may be greatly reduced.”
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- What shape do you have to be in the participate?
Try this: Lay on the ground on your stomach. Place your hands on the ground beside your hips. Push up, high. Leave one leg right where it is, pull one leg forward, placing your foot on the ground between your arms, or as close as you can get, between your arms. And get to standing position? That’s the stand up for surfing.
We have students of all ages and sizes. I had a heavier woman recently – she had trouble pulling herself onto the board once she was in the water…but she got better at it through the lesson (it’s not easy for anyone). She didn’t really stand up. She got to her knees on one of the waves, the other ones she basically boogey boarded. She had a good time and she tried it.
If you’d like to go out on a surfboard, I’d recommend that. We love introducing people to surf and would love to take you out this time you’re in Hawaii.
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- Do you have boogey board instructors?
We have boogey board instructors and would be happy to set that up for you.
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- What age and level of swimmer do you need to be to surf?
We provide surfing lessons, in many locations. If you are in Waikiki, we recommend Waikiki beach and a one hour lesson. If the kids can swim and want to try, we take them and prepare them for going into the water with us. The young children learn very quickly, but like the adults who surf, they need some desire and courage to be out in the ocean waters. We can work with them if they have this. If they think surfing is cool, I think they can have a good time. If they are on the edge or at all wary about it, maybe it’s better to wait a few more years. I guess a great tell-tale is: do they like going to the pool?
Our base rates are $75 for one hour for one person. For three people, the rate is $35 each. With our best services, we provide transportation and gifts.
Adults can watch, but we will ask you to hand the children over to us during their lesson time. Speaking from experience, most children are more brave and apt to try new things when you are not accessible.
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- How can you sign up?
Call 808-371-8917 • 1-888-436-4085 or
Submit an online registration request
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- What do I do now that I have registered?
Aloha and Thanks for registering your surf lesson(s) with Girls Who Surf. Surfing is an awesome experience that we are looking forward to having with you.
Here are a few things to do before your lesson to help you get the most out of it:
* DO A FEW PUSHUPS.
If you don't do any now, start with 5 or 10 tonight and do at least that or a few more if you can.
* DO A FEW SITUPS and SUPERMANS.
Surfing has quite a bit to do with balance and core strength. Start with 5 or 10 a night and you'll do just a little better during your lesson time.
* DON'T DO IT IF IT'S WORK.
We surf and take you surfing to have fun and enjoy the ocean. This is not a competition so nothing is required.
* If you get sea sick - CONSIDER TAKING SEA-SICK MEDICATIONS.
Riding on a surfboard in ocean water can be similar to riding on a boat in ocean water.
* BRING A TOWEL AND SUNSCREEN
UV rays in Hawaii are strong. As tan as we are, even we do it.
* THINK OF SOME QUESTIONS
We love conversing with our students and have some time during the lesson. We like to get to know you and will do our best to field your questions about surfing, Hawaii, and other cool things about the world.
* CALL US WITH ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
808-371-8917 • 1-888-436-4085
* CANCELLATION POLICY
A full refund is given for cancellation outside of 48 hours and a half refund is given for cancellation outside of 24 hours. No refund is available for cancellation within 24 hours that is not a medical emergency. If the weather is bad, according to us and you, we'll first try to reschedule. If we can't reschedule, we will provide a full refund.
We look forward to having you with us for a fun adventure.
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