Oahu Surfing Sessions & Lessons for Beginners to Experts - The Wai Kai Wave Pool

Prepare for an unforgettable Hawaiian surfing experience at The LineUp at Wai Kai, the latest sensation on Oahu's west shore. Located a short distance from Ko Olina resorts, The LineUp offers a variety of surfing lessons and sessions suitable for every level of expertise, so whether you are trying out surfing for the very first time or you are a seasoned wave riding expert, Wai Kai promises an experience like no other. Depending on your package, you will have access to all of the necessary equipment and expert instructors to ensure a safe, fun, and exhilarating time surfing. Book now, gather your friends and family, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime at The LineUp at Wai Kai!

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

The Wai Kai wave pool caters to surfers of all skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone, and with multiple channels and sessions available, guests can select the option that aligns perfectly with their abilities, guaranteeing a customized and unforgettable ride.

Since safety is the number one priority at Wai Kai guests can focus on having fun while riding the perfect waves at The LineUp. For first-time and novice surfers, a comprehensive safety briefing and provided helmets ensure optimal safety so that participants to embrace the excitement of the experience without worry.

The LineUp wave pool at Wai Kai offers the quickest route to mastering surfing while eliminating the need for learning to paddle and ducking under waves. Riders can skip straight to the exhilarating part of surfing, an open face wave without having to deal with rough ocean whitewater, reefs, sea creatures, hazardous currents, or crowds.

Experienced surfers will find the wave pool to be very fun since it allows them to effortlessly ride a continuous wave without the need to constantly drop in or contend with other surfers. By eliminating the usual wait time between waves and the potential for interference from fellow surfers, experienced riders can focus solely on perfecting their techniques and enjoying the uninterrupted flow of the wave.

At Wai Kai, there's something for everyone, even there are people in your group not planning on surfing. While some may be catching waves, others can unwind on the beach, indulge in delicious meals and drinks at one of the on location restaurants, or choose some aquatic fun at the lagoon with activities like kayaking and more.

How does this work?

Using citywave®'s patented technology, The LineUp mimics the thrill of river and rapid wave surfing, and instead of paddling to catch a wave, riders slide into it from the side, and can immediately start riding a wave.

For first time and novice surfers, the expert and experienced staff will provide a thorough orientation before your surfing session and will assist in selecting the right board to prepare you for your time in the wave pool. Under their guidance, steady yourself on the wave, and with a helping hand, you will quickly start surfing. As you gain confidence, learn to navigate across the face of the wave without any assistance!

During each session, approximately 10 surfers will occupy each lane, while taking turns riding the wave. After a surfer finishes their ride, the next one drops in, alternating between each side of the lane, and once you have mastered the takeoff and drop-in, you can choose your preferred side to enter the wave.

What is the difference between the packages?

Each session comes with different wave heights, and guests will want to make sure to book the correct package for their surfing skill level.

• Novice Surfer (30 ft Waves): For guests who have taken previous surfing lessons or already know the basics of surfing, this package will allow you the freedom to hone your skills or try out new maneuvers in a controlled and smaller wave environment.
• Beginner Surf Lesson (30 ft Waves): If you have never been surfing before or feel like you need a refresher, this package is for you. An expert instructor will be available at all times to help you balance on the board if needed, and will even accompany you on the wave to lend a helping hand.
• Intermediate Surfer (65 ft Waves): Tailored for experienced surfers, the waves have been calibrated to optimize progression for surfers who have mastered the fundamentals and are proficient in executing solid front-side and back-side turns, as well as rail-to-rail surfing techniques.

As an experienced surfer, what should I expect?

Surfing a standing wave initially feels different from an ocean wave due to the strong water flow along the wave's face. Some adjust by putting more weight on their back foot to prevent rail catching, and although your first few waves may feel awkward, most quickly adapt and progress. The key is to sit on the side of the surf lane, place your board in position, stand up, and push off. With practice, dropping in becomes fluid, similar to skateboarding off the pool deck onto the wave face.

What type of waves can I expect?

While barrel riding isn't possible on a standing wave, surfers of all levels, from intermediate to expert, can focus on various aspects of their progression. This includes practicing air sections, hard carving turns, laybacks, tail releases, and board spins, all essential maneuvers for enhancing surfing performance. Experienced surfers can expect waves with faces ranging from 5 to 6 feet, providing ample opportunities to improve their surfing skills.

Local expert tips

• Although the surf lessons are tailored for beginners, all participants must know how to swim and be comfortable with holding their breath underwater for at least 10 seconds.
• If you have friends or family that would like to watch, there are plenty of spots around the wave pool for them to sit, take photographs and videos, and enjoy the views.
• While it may not be the most stylish looking piece of headwear, for your protection and safety, all first time riders are required to wear a helmet and use a provided soft top board for their first three waves.
• Wai Kai features multiple dining and drinking options that range from a coffee bar by the lagoon to a full service restaurant featuring some of the tastiest dishes in Ewa Beach. The LookOut restaurant even offers live music every night before sunset for a great way to end your day at The LineUp.
• Experienced surfers are welcome to bring their own surfboard, especially their best small wave boards, to fully enjoy the wave. For first-timers, it is recommended that you start with the provided soft-top boards, and once you've got the hang of surfing the wave pool, you can switch to your board or use alternate provided boards. It is important to note that sll surfers must use a leash, ideally between seven to eight feet in length.
• Booking Tip: Enhance your skill development by scheduling two sessions in a day with a break in between for rest. Advanced surfers commonly book consecutive 45-minute sessions to maximize their practice time.
• Required Attire: It is very important that all surfers where secure bathing suits, swim trunks, or board shorts that will not come undone in rough waters. String bikinis or any other kind of swimming attire that could potentially come off in the wave pool should not be worn.

How to get there?

From Ko Olina resorts, it is approximately a 20 minute drive to Wai Kai on Farrington Hwy. For guests coming from Honolulu and Waikiki, it is approximately a 40 minute drive outside of rush hour on the H1. There is also ample free parking for guests who are driving. It should be noted that drive times will go up considerably once you depart from Honolulu to Wai Kai between 3:00PM and 6:00PM.

Roundtrip transportation services are also available for an additional fee from both Ko Olina and Waikiki, and with three departure times throughout the day, you will arrive and depart with ample time.

Although rideshare and taxi services can be utilized, it should be noted that finding a return rideshare or taxi could be difficult.