Honolulu, HI

Bodyboarding (also known as “boogie-boarding,” after Morey Boogie, a popular brand of bodyboard) is a form of wave riding where riders use a short foam board to ride waves, usually in a prone position, but also sometimes knee-boarding or even standing up. In Waikiki there is great bodyboarding spot called “Walls,” named after a prominent seawall there with a gazebo on the end of it. This structure is formally known as the Kapahulu Groin. To get there, go to the intersection of Kapahulu and Kalakaua in Waikiki.

First of all, the spot is great for bodyboarding because it consistently gets fun, ridable waves—especially in the summer months. Waikiki in general is flat for surf in the winter, when Oahu’s world famous north shore is pumping, and vice-versa. That doesn’t automatically mean there can be no waves on the south shore during winter though—out of season swells do occasionally happen—so check the surf report. This break is also great because no surfing is allowed here—that is, with regular surfboards. Bodyboards only!

There are two ways to enter the water at Walls: the traditional way (paddle out from the beach), or the Walls Way: jump off the end of the wall! If you do jump off the wall, be careful—the water here is shallow and there are coral heads sticking up from the bottom. No canonballing! Also, watch out for other people in the water before you jump, and make sure no one is about to jump on you after you land.

However you enter the water, once you’re out past the wall it’s time to catch some waves. The more serious riders tend to line up to the right of the wall when you’re facing the water. The waves break most consistently in one place here, but there is also more competition for each wave, especially from the local kids. It is considered bad etiquette to “drop in on” someone, meaning that if they are already riding a wave, you should not take the same wave if it means you will cut them off. That being said, you will see waves with multiple riders on them. It is great fun to ride a wave from the reef all the way inside past the end of the wall, wave at the crowd of people standing there and taking pictures, and then fly through the inside break all the way in to the beach! Then you can walk back out on the wall, jump off, and do it all again.

In general, if you have never bodyboarded before, or if you are a rank beginner, you should stay to the left of the wall when facing the water. The waves here break all over the place, and you are sure to catch a few all to yourself. The water here is also a little deeper, which means your wipeouts will be more forgiving than compared to the other side of the wall.

Tips and info:

-Equipment needed: bodyboard with leash, bodyboarding fins (small fins, e.g. “Churchills”; not diving fins)
-Heads up! Watch out for other boarders when paddling out or while riding.
-Wear sunscreen!
-You may want to wear a rash guard (Lycra top) to prevent chafing on the board and also to help with sun protection
-Do not leave your valuables on the beach while you are out in the water! They may not be there when you get back.