Heading out to Oahu for Christmas and this is the first time visit over the winter months. Could anyone give me a few ideas on SUP friendly ish spots for December assuming Pipe and Sunsets are out, way too crowded for me ;-) ha ha
phil
Assuming you're interested in the north shore, it's busy in December but you can still find good waves. I shortboard surfed there for two weeks a few years ago. When the swell was solid, it was a little crowded as everyone congregated around the quality breaks. On the smaller days up to 6ft, it was less crowded with good surf options at more locations. For SUP surfing on the north shore, start at a break like Chun's Reef near Haleiwa. It's a mellow wave and popular with longboards and SUPs. Progress from there to more challenging breaks if desired. By being respectful you'll find the locals to be friendly and will share information. It's a great destination on many levels and you'll have a memorable time.
Select to expand quoteNTAA said..
Assuming you're interested in the north shore, it's busy in December but you can still find good waves. I shortboard surfed there for two weeks a few years ago. When the swell was solid, it was a little crowded as everyone congregated around the quality breaks. On the smaller days up to 6ft, it was less crowded with good surf options at more locations. For SUP surfing on the north shore, start at a break like Chun's Reef near Haleiwa. It's a mellow wave and popular with longboards and SUPs. Progress from there to more challenging breaks if desired. By being respectful you'll find the locals to be friendly and will share information. It's a great destination on many levels and you'll have a memorable time.
Even better East of Chuns, ( Heading toward Sunset and Pipe ) the next section between Leftovers, Right overs and old mans is loads of fun, Heaps of Supers and ideal with heaps of waves.. 
Thanks guys great info, I assume all south coast spots are flat this time of year ? Staying in Waikiki again but have wheels already booked
phil
Select to expand quoteRossall said..
Thanks guys great info, I assume all south coast spots are flat this time of year ? Staying in Waikiki again but have wheels already booked
phil
Have a look at Sandy Beach Park just on the other side of Dimond Head,if your up north have a look at Turtle Bay resort right hander which you can view from the resorts pool.
The south side can have small surf year round. Last winter the surf was monstrous, but this one hasn't been as big yet, which is good because it gives everyone more options. If you have south winds, or no wind at all, the whole coast west of haleiwa can be really good, with plenty of spots that are near empty on weekdays.
Thanks for all the info gents mucho appreciated, only ever been in the summer and surfed outside the Hilton. So was unsure about the north shore spots
phil
There are a lot of good spots on the North Shore depending on the conditions. As a general rule, only go out if you see other SUP's in the lineup or the spot is very uncrowded. Be respectful, watch for a while from the channel and ease your way into the lineup. Don't get in over your head and don't be a wave hog, smile and talk to the locals and you will find that most are friendly and welcoming. A good place to check out first is Puena Point at the end of Haleiwa Bay. It has smaller waves reforming on the inside if the outside breaks are too big and it's somewhat protected from trade winds, so a good place to get warmed up. Like others said, you can get lucky and find good waves on the South Shore year round.
Thanks BP I am Mr.respectful on the water but thanks for the heads up. Oh need a board as well, so I will hit you up on the website
phil
Went last year over December/January.
Mr BP is absolutely correct, If at Waikiki I would probably look at surfing Ala Moana which is next door to Waikiki - bit less crowded.
I stayed at Haleiwa on the river. Swell was 20-25 feet outside. Bit big for me.
I surfed the reforms inside the harbour which was not great but outside was a bit too gnarly for me.
I should have rented BP boards . I rented others at Haleiwa which were pretty crap .
Looking at the BP shop on the way home and was very impressed with their boards. Next time .
Yeah I rented from BP two years ago when I was there in July, great shop, great service so going back for sure.
phil
Hi Phil,
I live in the same neighborhood as Exiled, North Shore, but not really "North Shore" proper... we've been having an amazing run of clean conditions due to the variable winds. Send me a message when you are planning on coming up and I can key you in to some empty-near empty spots. Be aware that the earlier you can surf this side, the better. If it's a standard trade wind day, Puaena Point is a great spot to warm up, there are about 3-4 different sections out there. I can message you some other areas to investigate too. Hope I'm not jinxing you, I told a traveling kiter how good the wind has been and it completely died when he was here, uh oh... At least with surfing it's always offshore somewhere.
JK thanks for the info, flying over Saturday, I will drop you a pm in the morning
many thanks
phil
Get some for me, I hurt my back the dawn patrol after that day your leash broke. Today was going off all over, saw guys out all up and down the entire stretch.
