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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, January 3, 2003

School is in session

The Honolulu Advertiser is featuring a series of “start-up” articles for readers who are interested in learning the rudiments of popular Island outdoor activities.

The Advertiser has featured, or will feature, instructional stories on swimming, surfing, hunting and sailing.

Also in the coming weeks, The Advertiser will begin a series of “sign-up” articles for those interested in joining a social or recreational activity. Stories will include hiking, biking and running/walking.

If you want to suggest an article, call Brandon Masuoka at 535-2458 or e-mail bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Even if the only surfing you've done is channel surfing, instructors say the sport is not too difficult to learn.

Surfers go through the motions of paddling and standing on a surfboard by practicing on the beach.

Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

John Pregil, a Honolulu firefighter and one of the founders of the award-winning surf school Hawaiian Fire Inc., said he's taught surfing to all types of people.

"We've taken basic couch potatoes and got them up surfing," said Pregil, whose company won an award from the Hawai'i Visitors & Convention Bureau this year. "Just about anyone can learn to surf. If you lay on the floor and can get up to your feet in five seconds or less you can surf."

Each year in Hawai'i, thousands of visitors learn surfing in Waikiki, and during peak periods, a single surf school can teach more than 100 people a day.

Not just for tourists

Mixed with those beginners are local residents who want a taste of the surfing experience. Pregil said it's sometimes better to learn surfing from instructors rather than family or friends.

IF YOU GO

• Who to call: Aloha School of Surf, 778-6227

Aloha Spirit Hawai'i, 921-0110

Hans Hedemann Surf Hawai'i (hhsurf.com), 923-7779

Hawaiian Fire Inc. (hawaiianfire.com), 384-8855

Hawaiian Watersports.com, 255-4352

Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks Inc., 262-2555

Kitehigh (kitesurfing instruction), 637-0025

North Shore Eco-Surf Tours, 638-9503

TEC Surf.net, 232-0900

• Cost: Most lessons are less than $100. Some lessons come with a tour and lunch and cost a little extra. Companies supply the equipment.

• Ability: Participants should be able to swim, but it's not required.

• Purchasing equipment: A used surfboard costs about $200. New boards cost about $700. Additional equipment: rash guard ($25 to $40), leash ($20), surf wax ($1) and a board bag ($30 to $40).

"A lot of local people have learned from uncle or big brother," Pregil said. "But big brother sometimes has no patience. He takes you out there and you fend for yourself. You probably walk away frustrated and vow never to try again."

That's not the case with surf lessons. Under the watchful eye of instructors, beginners will be fitted with proper equipment and will be taken to surf spots with manageable waves.

Former professional surfer Hans Hedemann, who runs Hans Hedemann Surf Hawai'i, said there's no shame for a local resident to take surf lessons.

"If you want to go surfing, you should definitely not be embarrassed to take a lesson," Hedemann said. "You're going to learn that much faster."

Hedemann said he teaches mostly visitors, but occasionally teaches local residents. Beginners are taught ocean safety, surfing techniques, such as jockeying and catching a wave, and the finer points on equipment.

"If they are looking to learn how to surf, I would recommend them to get a larger board, a 10- to 11-foot board," Hedemann said. "A longboard that is wide and thick makes it really stable."

Hedemann said beginners should look for a small wave, about waist high to knee high, that rolls pretty far.

"That gives you enough time to stand up and enjoy the ride," Hedemann said. "You can balance and feel comfortable on your feet. You can feel the power of the surf."

Pregil said the majority of his beginners are able to stand up on a surfboard and ride a wave in one lesson. Some energetic children can be up surfing in minutes, he said.

"I'd say 99 percent of the people we actually teach are successful in standing," Pregil said.

Pregil said his company uses soft foam surfboards, booties, rash guards and employs more than a dozen Honolulu firefighters who are trained in life-saving techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Pregil said he takes beginners to a secluded spot off of Barbers Point because it is more comfortable for them.

"When it's crowded it's very intimidating for the first-timers," Pregil said. "Especially if there's a lot of fiberglass boards flying around and people yelling at you."

Don't forget to paddle

Olivia Le Grand, 10, finds her footing as firefighter Matt Sojot looks on at Kalaeloa Beach.

Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

For beginners, paddling is the hardest part because it requires a lot of effort, Pregil said.

"They get very fatigued, very quickly," Pregil said. "They don't realize how taxing paddling is."

Pregil said surfing, with all that paddling, is great exercise.

"It's a good cardiovascular workout," Pregil said. "You're definitely burning a lot of calories, especially if there's a lot of waves and you're catching a lot of waves. There's also a lot of mental benefits. Just being in the water and being free."

Surf lessons vary in cost. Some lessons, such as Pregil's, come with a tour and range from $75 to $139. Hedemann offers one-, two- and 10-hour lessons for about $40, $65 and $250, respectively.

Pregil said a used surfboard costs about $200. New boards cost about $700. Additional costs are: rash guard ($25 to $40), leash ($20), surf wax ($1) and a board bag ($30 to $40).