Where is the best place for a beginner to start surfing on Oahu? In Oahu, we have an abundance of surf schools and instructors here to teach you how. There are also several breaks that are perfect for beginners with easy rolling swells. The best way to begin is to use a long board and take lessons from a certified surfing instructor. Here are some of the best breaks for beginners to try: Waikiki Beach: One of the most forgiving places to learn. Sometime you will find a lot of surfers in the line up and will appear a bit crowded. You will find, though, plenty of surfing instructors to help you along. Chuns Reef: You will find many beginner surfers on this famous north shore break. It is known for gentle and diminishing waves. Puena Point: Puena Point on the North shore is another great place for beginners to learn how to surf. Gently rolling swells roll into a beautiful bay. You will find several surf schools at Puena Point as well. Cockroach Bay: Perfect for longboarding and learning, Cockroach Bay on the East Shore is just past Sandy Beach and is a perfect learning spot. Leisurely, rolling swells that aren't too large. Back to top
	What is reef rash and what are rash guards used for? Reef rash is a scraping injury most commonly caused by falling on or being dragged over a reef which deposits toxins into the scratched skin. Although it is called a rash, it is an injury, not an inflammation of the skin. This results in itchy welts and burning pain around the scratches. Vinegar or alcohol can relieve the burning, and then you should thoroughly wash the scrape. Antihistamines can reduce the severity of the welts and itching. It can take several weeks for the abrasions to completely heal. The best way to decrease the incidents of reef rash is to wear a full body suit. Consult your physician if you receive any coral abrasions while engaging in water sports. Another common ailment resulting from surfing can be diminished by wearing a rash guard. It is a type of athletic shirt made of spandex and nylon or polyester. Rash guards are used for light coverage in warm to extreme summer temperatures. They are most often worn in surfing when the weather is too warm for a wetsuit, and to prevent wax-based chafing from sliding on and off of the surf board. The board's wax holds sand from the beach that would rub against the surfer's torsos as they paddled out to the break. Rash guards also offer some protection from the sun and slight protection against jelly fish stings and are sometimes worn under wetsuits to prevent chafing. Some rash guards offer Ultraviolet Protection Factor to protect against the rays of the sun. A rash guard helps to prevent irritation caused by rapid impact with surface water, coral, and waves. They can be purchased at most shops that provide surfing gear. Back to top
	Should I throw my board when faced with a large oncoming wave? It depends. For example, if you are at a beach like Sunset, which can break in deep waters far away from the beach, you should wrap your fingers around your rails, pull your chest firm to the deck and let the wave do its job. As you enjoy the ride, the board's buoyancy will bring you back to the surface and will carry you closer to the safety of the shore while helping you avoid breaking your leash and thus being left with no board out in the lineup. Alternately, at the Pipeline where the breaks are hollow and the reef is sharp, it might benefit you to toss your board and swim under the wave. If you stay with your board, it will catch the wave's power and force you down into the reef. You will not like the messy and painful results. Back to top