Beginner on Oahu

[Tenzing]

Hi,

Im travelling with my family to Oahu from 17th of february and will be staying for a month. Im keen to do some surfing bur am a total beginner (tried it a couple of days in Sumatra in the off season). I've looked around on the internet and it seems as if Waikiki is the place to start. However, iI'm afraid february isn't the best month for the south coast. So now I'm thinking what about Haleiwa or Puaena Point? It seems kind of big, but is it too big? I'm an athletic person and have been riding snowboard for 20 years. I also do freediveing, so I'm comfortable in the water. But I don't want to try and surf waves that I'll never be able to catch. Do you guys have any suggestions forother beaches with consistent waves/ breaks?

Thanks

[jaffa1949]

Realistically you are trying for a big ask. Sumatra. In the off season is not going to prepare you even for the edges of the north shore, your snowboard skill are not going to help all that much, at least your free diving will help your water comfort. Frankly though, the south shore is your genuine option.
At your level anywhere there is big water moving you will be a risk to yourself and anybody around you!
You will not be treated kindly by local surfers if you transgress.

I'm sorry to be blunt, February can still be a huge month there and even though you've picked the smaller end you'll understand what Hawaiian small means.

If Waimea, pipeline or Sunset are breaking join the throng on the shore traffic will be bumper to bumper but you will have a view of a surf arena you will never forget!

[Aqualife]

Hi,
February is generally still a big month on the North Shore. All the pros have gone by then and it's a month for the locals to surf and also the masses of accomplished surfers from all over the world who want big waves without the pro circus around. It is very busy and it's also big and dangerous. As a beginner, you have no business getting into the water there, as even Haleiwa can be very dangerous, it's also pretty localised, so you will have no joy.
Waikiki is actually breaking during the summer as well, as it's an island and the big swells wrap around. All you need is a big board and a ripple to learn on and that's what you find most days on the South Shore. Maui is also a good place to learn around that time of the year. Lahaina and anyhwere south of it, has good beginner breaks and beautiful clean waves, so may be try there if Waikiki isn't your thing.
People always think they have an advantage if they are fit and come from snowboarding, yes compared to an unfit person who has no balance, but that's all it is. Surfing fitness is a whole different thing. Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Enjoy.