Q:  Hi!  I am 55 years old and have always wanted to surf.  I will be in Waikiki this April.  BUT I am old, fat, and have bad knees.  I've had work done on the knees but still I can't do things like knee bends or squattting.  So I am worried that I won't be able to "pop up."

Is it hopeless?  If surfing is out, what about boogie/bodyboarding?  Do you teach that?  If not, do you know people that do?

A:  Try this:  Lay on the ground on your stomach.  Place your hands on the ground beside your hips.  Push up, high.  Leave one leg right where it is, pull one leg forward, placing your foot on the ground between your arms, or as close as you can get, between your arms.  And get to standing position?  That’s the stand up for surfing.  

We have students of all ages and sizes.  I had a heavier woman recently – she had trouble pulling herself onto the board once she was in the water…but she got better at it through the lesson (it’s not easy for anyone).  She didn’t really stand up.  She got to her knees on one of the waves, the other ones she basically boogey boarded.  She had a good time and she tried it. 

We have boogey board instructors and would be happy to set that up for you.  

If you’d like to go out on a surfboard, I’d recommend that. We love introducing people to surf and would love to take you out this time you’re in Hawaii.  

Q:  Seeking surf lessons for my kids 6 and 5, they are not great swimmers but have the basics, any thoughts?

A:  We provide surfing lessons, in many locations.  If you are in Waikiki, we recommend Waikiki beach and a one hour lesson.  If the kids can swim and want to try, we take them and prepare them for going into the water with us.  The young children learn very quickly, but like the adults who surf, they need some desire and courage to be out in the ocean waters.  We can work with them if they have this.  If they think surfing is cool, I think they can have a good time.  If they are on the edge or at all wary about it, maybe it’s better to wait a few more years.  I guess a great tell-tale is:  do they like going to the pool?  

Our base rates are $75 for one hour for one person.  For three people, the rate is $35 each.  With our best services, we provide transportation and gifts. 

Adults can watch, but we will ask you to hand the children over to us during their lesson time. Speaking from experience, most children are more brave and apt to try new things when you are not accessible.  

Q:  How can you sign up? 

A:  Call THE GIRLS at 808-371-8917 or Submit an online registration request

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