In the first couple of weeks of Oct 2018 I took a “bucket list” trip to Oahu as 50th B-day gift for myself. One of the things I’ve always wanted to do was surf. I didn’t have big expectations, but was hoping to ride a wave and maybe start doing something that wasn’t accessible to me before.
I found Big Wave Dave’s online and inquired with their shop about lessons. They were very responsive to my questions and suggested a 3 day lesson package at a discounted rate. And if I wanted to add on more they would extend the discount. I took them up on this offer.
When I arrived to the Island, I stopped in to see the shop and find out what I should do to prepare. I felt awkward and out of my element, but the staff was warm and friendly and answered all of my questions.
The day of the first lesson, I was welcomed by all the staff:
• I was offered an Americano coffee (I was quite early) I don’t know if that is standard, but I really appreciated it (I think it was the owner).
• The young ladies working the counter were really wonderful, friendly, and helpful. They collected all the pictures over the 3 days and because I let them know I would buy all 3 days of pics, they offered a discount.
• The photographer, which I didn’t realize was there until after day 1 lessons, takes great pictures and catches everything (which I really appreciated). He ran them back to the shop before I even got back so it was a wonderful surprise.
• And of course the most important person, my instructor, Brent. A great guy who’s been surfing for 45 years. He starts out with the dryland instructions which were explained well, he anticipated most of my questions and was patient when I had more. He really made me feel comfortable and confident that I would have fun and maybe even get up on the board.
After paddling out, Brent helped set me up while we waited for the waves. It’s a little hard to watch for the wave and then get moving, so he pointed me to shore and told me when to go. I followed his instruction and actually got up on the very first wave. It was a but short lived as I fell in almost right away. I paddled back to Brent and we did it again…and I was up again and rode the wave all the way in. I did it!
I’m a bit of a slower learner and was glad I booked three days. On days 2 and 3 Brent helped me navigate the waves on my own and he pointed out areas to improve. After this, it’s really just practice. Day 2 wasn’t quite as good, but day 3 I caught a couple of good waves and got a couple of epic (for me) pictures.
Hands down, I would recommend a newbie book at least 1 lesson with Big Wave Dave. You will have a lot more fun and most likely have a better time surfing.