Learn to Paddleboard in Hawaii

Back in the day, Waikiki beach boys stood on their long boards while navigating with outrigger paddles, taking pictures of tourists on shore, and the sport of stand-up paddle (SUP) was born. Now referred to as Ku Hoe He'e Nalu on the Hawaiian Islands , the sport is quickly gaining popularity all over the world because of its graceful simplicity and quick learning curve.

Xoxxi Paddleboard School has lessons in the sport, and supplies paddles and specialized stand-up paddle boards 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. Our guide also recommends that the first lessons be in virtually windless conditions, so that means early morning or afternoons. It's the most beautiful part of the day and the water, where lessons are undertaken, is usually like glass.

It is excellent for surfers and non-surfers as it gives an isometric workout, which strengthens the core muscle groups, and is great fun. Improved health means improved performance. The phenomenal core and cardiovascular workout of stand up paddling is overshadowed only by how down right fun the sport is.

The renaissance of SUP 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 SUP as a division at his father's famous surf event and party, Buffalo's Big Board Classic at Makaha. It was hugely popular, got major media coverage and the seal was broken. SUP was up and running.

One difference between the modern idea of surfing and SUP is that the latter does not need a wave. In SUP, one can paddle on the open ocean, in harbours, on lakes, rivers or any large body of water. 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, allowing better visualization of features others lower above the water may not be able to see, whether it is the marine life in the harbours, lakes and coves or the incoming swells of the ocean marching on the horizon. You won't believe the workout you will get from the sport plus the fun part of it!!

Paddleboard surfing with Xoxxi in the Hawaiian Islands is a complete surfing experience, showing what the spirit of "Aloha" is all about. By using proven teaching techniques, our surf instructors will make sure you are perfectly safe, while learning the basics paddleboard surfing steps and having a great time! With Xoxxi experience world class Paddleboard surf instruction, and adventure on the legendary North Shore of Oahu. All that while enjoying home cooked, healthy and organic meals, in stylish accommodation in the most authentic Hawaiian spirit.

Price

From: GBP1315 per person (7 Nights)

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Departure Dates

Only these dates are available:
Apr 12 - Apr 18, 2009 Available
May 24 - May 30, 2009 Available
Jun 28 - Jul 05, 2009 Available
Aug 02 - Aug 08, 2009 Available
Sep 06 - Sep 12, 2009 Available
Oct 11 - Oct 17, 2009 Available
Nov 22 - Nov 28, 2009 Available
Dec 21 - Dec 27, 2009 Available
Dec 28 - Jan 03, 2009/10 Available

ITINERARY FOR SURF CAMPS (WINTER/SUMMER)
Day Description and details

Sunday Airport pick up, drive to the North Shore. Rest and relax for dinner.

Monday Breakfast is served at 7:30am followed by our first lesson. Time for lunch in Haleiwa Downtown and the rest of the afternoon free. Yoga class from 5:15pm to 6:45pm. Dinner will be served around 7:30pm

Tuesday Breakfast at 7:30am, followed by surf lesson. Time for lunch in Haleiwa Downtown, and in the afternoon go for a tour along the North Shore, visiting all the beaches and Famous Surf Spots. Rest of the afternoon free until dinner time

Wednesday Yoga class from 7:00-8:00am. After breakfast, we head to the beautiful Waimea Falls Park and its world class botanical gardens. Hike to the waterfall and enjoy the beauty of this Sacred Place. Afternoon surf session around 3:00pm, surf and enjoy the sunset. Dinner around 7:30pm

Thursday Early breakfast and morning surf session. Time for lunch in Haleiwa Downtown and the rest of the afternoon free.
Yoga class from 5:15 to 6:45, followed by dinner.

Friday Breakfast and morning surf session, time for lunch, and then... It's trail time! Prepare to hike or mountain bike up to the top of Kaena Point. It's a long way up, the view will definitely make it worth while. Dinner will be ready waiting for us as we get back to the camp.

Saturday It's time to say goodbye... last breakfast together. Depending on your flight schedule, you still have time to enjoy the ocean and the beauty of Hawaii until it's time to go. Our Shuttle will drop you off at the airport.

This really is a special place with special paddleboard surfing tuition and if you are looking to truly enjoy the art of surfing at the home of surfing, come and paddleboard with Xoxxi on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii. Spaces are limited.