Big Wave Dave Surf School

My first time surfing and I had SO.MUCH.FUN!!!
The lady who took our reservation was super aweet and nice, while Alika was the surf instructor for me and my husband. Alika was so cool and knowledgeable, and he was very concise with his explanations. He took his time finding us great waves and didn’t push us, while in between, we chatted about each other’s lives and relaxed. He gave us pointers for our form and helped push my board because I’m not a very strong paddler. He also helped us get back to the surf spot so we didn’t tire ourselves out right away. They also had a photographer there for us, and we purchased the pictures and video.
There is a reason why this place is consistently 5 star-​rated. You can tell that everyone loves what they do and are super friendly. Will be back for lessons for the kids!

We had an awesome time with our surf instructor, Alika. He is a great teacher and we all got up on our boards. Super fun and we were exhausted afterwards (in a good way!). The guys went back to Waikiki the next day to rent boards and surf. They give you the option to buy your photos on a CD afterwards. It’s not that expensive and SO worth the memories.

I took a private lesson from Alika. I surf poorly and regularly in Nor Cal so it was great to have a lesson with him and know where a tourist like me should be paddling out. He helped me with my wave identification, paddling, form and turning. I had a lot of fun with him and learned a lot. Nice guy, super fun and an awesome surfer. The next day I rented a board from the shop and saw Aleka giving someone else a lesson and he was hollering pointers to me too.
That sounds more like a review for Alika who was amazing! The shop was equally amazing. Great boards, they don’t stick you with a foamie. Every single person in the place was nice, accommodating and beyond helpful. Prices were very reasonable for lessons and board rental. Next time I am in HI I for sure will be renting my board from them and likely will be booking a touch up lesson.

Big Wave Dave is an awesome place for anyone who’s looking to learn to surf (or in my case re-​learn since it had been a decade…)! I first encountered Big Wave Dave Surf School on Groupon but was hesitant to to buy the voucher just because I was having some issues finding reviews — I swear Unilocal was not cooperating with me! However, the day before our lesson we went parasailing and our shuttle driver/​boat captain gave a rousing recommendation of Big Wave Dave, AND provided us with names of instructors and a coupon code.
After much discussion with my boyfriend, we decided to buy the Groupon and reserve time for semi-​private classes for the two of us. The girl at the counter was so helpful and understanding in getting us set up. Plus, she definitely helped by recommending that he rent the rash guard for $ 5 — he was undecided and I already had one. The next day we wandered in about 45 minutes early to our lesson, and our instructor, Troy was willing to start us off early! He got us all set up and went through the basics of surfing on land for us. Once he was comfortable with our understanding of how to stand up on the board it was off to the water with us. Now, one thing to be aware of — the school is a couple of blocks away from the beach so be prepared to walk! Oh, and if you worried about all your stuff, they have lockers for you to keep things safe so no worries there!
We hit the water and swam out to deeper water, and once we got a safe distance out from shore, it was time to try to surf! My boyfriend went first and we lost him on that first wave. He wasn’t expecting the wave to move his as fast and by the time he realized what had happened he was almost to shore. However, the 2^nd attempt for him went beautifully. He was able to stand up and surf! Impressive for someone who I couldn’t get into the water for the previous 3 days we’d already been in Hawaii — something about a fear of sharks! On the other hand, I was having an off day. I’ve surfed before, sure 10 years ago, but that wasn’t the issue (we went surfing again the next day on the North Shore, and I had no problems). My issue is that I’m a switch — I’m pretty comfortable using either foot to lead, and for some reason that day my southpaw stance just wasn’t comfortable. I definitely had some hilarious wipeouts — which were, of course, captured on film. *sigh* Troy did reassure me that sometimes the waves are shorter for one person and not the other; which was what happened with us. I was only able to ride the wave for a few seconds before it died away whereas my boyfriend could go for a long time. Troy was an awesome instructor and was so patient with us. He made sure that he gave little corrections that would make the process easier.
This was by far best lesson that I had surfing on Waikiki over the last several years that I’ve visited. Sure, the Groupon made the lesson steal, but now knowing how experienced and patient the instructors are — it’s totally worth the cost!

Great patient teachers! Got up my first time. They are way underpriced! Drink plenty of water before you go! It’s a blast!

For all my girly girls: *Disclaimer: no eyelash extensions were harmed in the making of this review (from surfing)*
Dude. I like, totally break the LA surfer stereotype, as I was born and raised in LA and still have never planted my feet on a surfboard! To make matters worse, I learned how to swim when I was young but have become afraid of the water as an adult. Submerge my face in water? Take in a deep breath and blow air under water? You know, swim!!! Uhm, ruin my eyelash extensions? All this to learn to surf in Hawaii? Like, totally!!! Now which bikini should I wear?
Ok first things first. Saving the moola you worked darn hard to make. They have two listings on Unilocal.Same business, same location. The first one has a Unilocal deal — $ 69 for $ 99. The website advertises lessons for $ 99 so you’re getting a $ 30 discount. Even better though is the second Unilocal listing that gives a deal of $ 135 for a private lesson for two people.
After the bf and I confirmed our reservations (we got the private lesson for 2) and made our way to the shop, I reluctantly asked for the loser life vest because I wanted to learn to surf but didn’t really know how to swim. However, I also went through the painful explanation that I «forgot» how to swim and became afraid of the water as an adult. They recommended I went without it because it would be restrictive during surfing. They said if I knew how to get back to the surface of the water, or float, I’d be okay and just to tell the instructor Cody that I didn’t swim.
Cody said we’d be in pretty shallow water and that he would watch me carefully the entire time. He said he would be there if he saw I was in trouble. He instructed us on a surf board on dry land before he took us out to sea.
As soon as I got in the water, my petite body was like a rag doll in the ocean, being tossed and turned from every wave that hit. Thinking I was hot stuff, I wore a bikini that tied at the hip on both sides. I didn’t think I was so hot when the waves KNOCKED MY BIKINI BOTTOM OFF!!! Lesson learned and great advice to the girly girls, wear a very snug bottom with no ties! Being beat by the waves at shore beat my confidence in surfing as well.
As soon as we got on the board, I panicked. Cody told me not to panic when I fell off. Yea Cody, easy for you to say you swimming, seasoned surfer, you! Then he held on to my board and told me to let go to simulate what it felt like to be off of the board. Instincts set in and I came to the top and grabbed the board. Know that the board is strapped to your leg so you will never be far from a floaty!!! Confidence rebooted.
He tells you when to position yourself and when to stand. I actually made it on my feet on every run, although I fell shortly after getting my feet on the board during my first run. Each run gave me more confidence and I was standing on the board longer each time. I had a blast and Cody even took me farther out to experience even better waves. Cody was very encouraging. High fives all over! He did keep a close watch on me, when someone nearly ran me over, he was right there helping me out.
No need to bring the camera or the gopro (learning to surf is difficult enough by itself let alone trying to capture it) and besides they have an awesome photographer capturing your surfer moves (or lack thereof) but just be mindful that they capture the first few runs, so make them good! The CD was $ 60 for all the pictures.
Cody said the tide is very high in the afternoon. At 4pm we were at the peak! He recommended beginners go in the morning when the tide is low. Oh wells, next time! Cody had built my confidence and makes me excited to continue to learn to surf!

I’ve been here before a few times in 2011 to rent boards but I never left a review. Back then it would have been 5 stars. Great place, nice people, good value.
I thought I’d give it another go this time and see how it went. I will update this review after I finish all my business here this trip.
So far we rented 2 boards (the other 2 people in my party) and that went well.
As far as the management goes… It looks like they are the great people I remember. Easy process, thoughtful people.

I was very impressed with the customer service that was given us after we had a difficult lesson. They reached out to make our experience more positive. The owner sent a very kind message and the manager was reassuring. Their kindness was greatly appreciated. Thanks for showing us aloha

My wife, daughter (11), sister and I all signed up for our first surf lessons with BWD. They were amazing. All of us got up on the first try and surfed for the whole hour! The coaching was effortless for them. They love to teach and encouraged us in our efforts. The 4 step process they teach was simple and easy to learn. Not only that but we had a great time as a family. The lesson is well worth the price and time. The way they took care of ensuring that we were safe and made accommodations for my daughters’ age were amazing. Hats off to our instructors Chad and Troy!!! Chris you had great customer service. Also, this crew takes unbelievable photos and video of the lesson. Mahalo to your team.

Great times with a fun and energetic instructor. He got us on a lot of good waves and made it an enjoyable experience. They took some amazing pictures that we will have to remember the event.

My husband and I booked this as part of our honeymoon in Waikiki. Neither of us swims well, and this was our first surf lesson. Our instructor was Eric. I can’t speak for the business as a whole, as I guess it depends on who you have as an instructor, but Eric was really good with us. He really tried to get us to catch waves and gave us instruction and feedback the whole time. He was specific enough that by the end of the lesson, I felt we both got the hang of it and want to learn more. Eric has a lot of energy and didn’t disappoint.
We did pay the $ 120 for pics and video (which is expensive, but we’ll probably never have that again), and that’s my only criticism. I read other reviewers say they didn’t get refunded for their cancelled canoe trip, but Dave offered that to us.
On another note, it’s the same spot all the other places do their surf lessons, so it does get crowded. YOu have to jump off the board so as not to run over people. Most everyone out there is inexperienced.

Can’t say enough good things about Big Wave Daves, and our instructor, Alika. We did a private stand up paddle (SUP) board lesson the day after we arrived in Waikiki. My husband and I tried, quite unsuccessfully, to SUP at a resort we stayed at the year before. Inflatable boards + no instruction = frustrating waste of time and energy. So we were a bit weary, but determined, to redeem ourselves this trip. Alika was amazing… Funny, personable, patient, encouraging, and most importantly, a really easy-​to-​follow instructor. We got right up, and were on our way! He even shot some footage of us with our Go Pro, and the video is great! No worries if you don’t have a Go Pro or camera… There is a photographer shooting from the shore. And those were so good, we bought them, too!

This place is great. Took my 13 year old son for surfing lessons. The trainer was awesome great with him. He was supposed to be an hour and a half lesson and turned into a 2 ½ hourdidn’t charge any extra trainer was super nice. Probably the best part of our trip up there.

If you only have one thing to do in Waikiki, do Big Dave’s Wave. My friend is deaf and luck would have it… we got paired with a professional interpreter. Some higher power planned this. The waves were pretty rough today and our little excursion almost swamped the canoe, but oh wow what a ride. Dave provided transportation to and from our hotel. This was an awesome experience.. Don’t miss it.

Dave’s staff were exceptional from the phone call to make the reservation to check in to actually surfing. No one in our family ever surfed and we all did exceptionally well. they made us all so comfortable! There was so much attention paid to our family. .plenty of help in the water and an unbelievably great staff… from check in (thank you chris for making me go) to Devin the photographer. .we can’t say enough great things. Not the biggest.. not the most publisized… but definitely the greatest staff in Waikiki

I was skeptical about whether or not my nine-​year old son and I would be able to get up and actually surf. I was also very nervous about possible injuries. Cody told me to leave my worries behind and just enjoy the ride; literally. He was right! I was able to get up on my first try and my son was able to do «the switch» and turn 180 degrees on the board– multiple times– by the end of our lesson. Cody was incredibly patient and kind, giving high fives often along with gentle reminders of what to do to keep ourselves– and others– safe. I can’t speak highly enough of Cody. He was great with the young and the young-​at-​heart. We were able to ride at least 8 waves each (probably more).
We went at 8:00am on Waikiki, which was perfect because it was much busier out there by the time we left. Immediately after our lesson, my son asked to rent a board to keep going. It was so much fun! It’s just a shame we didn’t take the lesson earlier in our trip. That would definitely be my advice; don’t wait!!!
Even Bryce, who booked us in for our lesson, was incredibly kind. It was an incredible experience that I am thankful for having shared with my son. Mahalo, guys!
(my only criticism is the cost of the photo package @ $ 70 + taxes. but you’ve got to get it. Great memories and fun keepsake.)

Had a GREAT time here. The staff was super helpful for a new 11 yr old surfer and an old surfer that has been surfing in years. Everyone was fun, the class was small at 4 ppl and they paid attention to all of us, instead of just phoning in the class.
The price from the Unilocal ad was automatically applied so there was zero problems with a discount.
All around it was an awesome time ! Also board rentals after the class are only $ 5 an hour !! Couple more hours of surfing for only $ 15 is a GREAT deal, especially on Waikiki !

These guys are amazing. Group lesson, with a ³⁄₁ ratio. We all stood up within the first 20 minutes of a great hour long lesson. And now we get deals on rentals, since we paid for the lessons. Mahalo to everyone at Big Wave Dave.

I have to say they have expert instructors; My man Troy was very cool and ultra patient. And even newbie like me got to ride a few all the way back to the beach after an hour of training. (I ran out of gas in the end, so didn’t get full enjoyment; should NOT have hiked Diamond head the day before…)
But in the end, I strongly recommend give this place a try. Although the added photo package may not for everyone ($ 75+). But I would put that in your budget as well because you get to take home some awesome professional grade photos; yeah, taking home the memory part also well worth it.
PS. they rent board also — and you pick them up at the beach instead of carry it out like some other places.

Gave big wave Dave 5 stars for the surf lesson. See previous review.
Only 4 stars for canoe ride. BWD is great service and friendly but my family of four joined another family of four. Waves were small (not in their control) so I was hoping we would ride three waves instead of just two small waves. We also planned to buy the photos and did buy them but since we were in the back of the boat, we weren’t as visible on the photos.
We might go back for more surfing or paddle boarding.