While these stand up paddle rules generally apply to any location, Waikiki does have it’s own unique SUP and surfing dynamic, just like any beach does. In Waikiki, there are several surf breaks and each has it’s own local customs. If you are new to stand up paddling in Waikiki, you want to stick to Canoes. It is widely known that this is a surf spot with lots of beginners and newbie mistakes are forgiven a little more easily. If you paddle over to Queens and the locals don’t chase you off, you better have some skills and not get in the way.

When you take SUP lessons in Waikiki with us, we will go over the general rules and local customs of surfing in Honolulu as well as show you the best breaks for your skill level.

The number one rule of stand up paddling in Waikiki is to not endanger any other paddlers, swimmers, surfers, or anyone else using the beach. The most effective way to do that is to stay away from them if they are already using that particular area. In Waikiki, you will find it very difficult to avoid other people in the water, so think of these more as guideline and do the best you can. Find an area that is not being used by anyone else or as few as possible so that you do not pose a danger to other ocean water users or yourself. Not all short boarders or long boarders like being around stand up paddlers because of the size of their board and the danger of their equipment when being stuck by it. I highly recommend you go to your own peak or to the outside of the breaks where there are fewer users and you do not pose a danger to anyone else in the water or yourself. If you are brand new and still having trouble balancing on the board, you really shouldn’t be in the lineup. You should paddle past the lineup and get your see legs and practice paddling and maneuvering the SUP board.
Now, if you are feeling a little confident and you do have to share a peak, please be respectful and do not hog the waves. One of the best ways for stand up paddlers to get kicked out of any particular area is by nor respecting local customs, local surfers or the local rules. Please be familiar will all of these before you go into any surf break with any surfers. If you do that, you will have a much better time out there and have fun. That is what stand up paddling in Waikiki is all about.

~Aloha!