Big Wave Dave

Single rider waitlist via text, you can only book online if you meet a minimum of 2-4 people per party, minimum 4 for the whole canoe. Big Wave Dave and sister company Pacific Island Beach Boys operate this Outrigger Canoe experience. I was able to text message them to get on the waitlist for a single rider on a Wednesday, and got a slot on Friday afternoon that worked for my schedule. Payment info provided over the phone, confirmation via e-mail.Note this is not located at the Big Dave Coffee and rental surf shop on Lewers, just go straight to the boat.Look for the check-in spot at the Outrigger Canoe at the scheduled time....you can find the boat (it's tan & white) on the water's edge. An easy landmark, it sits behind the famous Duke Statue on Waikiki Beach (across the street from the Hyatt Regency Hotel). The captain will meet you at the Canoe. There were two other groups of 2 people, so 5 of us plus 2 co-captains. There was an umbrella attendant on the beach, storage for personal belongings at the location is at your own risk.I walked in since it was super close to my accommodations, but set aside extra time to park and walk if you're driving in. Parking suggestions provided by Big Dave: Valet at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki, International Marketplace, Waikiki Shell, Honolulu Zoo, metered street parking.The two guides demonstrated how to best paddle, enter/exit the boat, and assigned role crew seating in the canoe based on size and strength. We all worked together to push out the canoe into the water, hopped into our spots, and listened to the captains! We paddled as a team through the shallows and other swimmers/surfers to the surf break, and the captains would observe/read the waves and set us up in the best position to catch them. I'd say, within the half hour 2:45-3:15PM, we attempted 5 waves, and succeeded at riding 4 of them! Dig in as fast as you could, then paddles up (even standing up if you wanted) to ride the wave in back toward the shore. No life vests required. Paddle hard! Matching boat speed with the speed of the wave is key, and it's essential not to lose momentum. The more these speeds match, the more the wave will propel your boat, and you want to milk the wave as long as possible. The feeling is exhilarating! I guarantee you'll want to do it again and again just to get that same rush from this one-of-a-kind adventure.This was very fun. I've never surfed or paddleboarded before, although I have done sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, parasail, jetski, snorkel, and scuba. We even saw a sea turtle! No photos or videos provided. Not sure if bringing your phone in a waterproof pouch would be helpful as you do have your hands full focusing on paddling.

This 3-star rating has nothing to do with the outrigger canoe experience. As a matter of fact, the Beach Boys (our guides) were great and definitely made the whole canoeing, riding the waves, an experience we will never forget. However, we were promised, and even called to confirm prior to booking, that all 8 of us in our party can go together on one boat. When we got to the beach, we were told that wasn't the case. We had to split the group in half which wasn't bad but not what we were promised. Even the website indicated that the canoe was available up to 8. What's not indicated was 8 passengers included the 2 guides. Again, even when we confirmed, we were promised something different.Also, my advice for those who have booked the outrigger adventure, make sure you check-in at the coffee shop location 20 minutes before your appointment time. It takes about 10 to 15 mins to walk to the beach.

Mostly good experience ruined by inattentive instructorThe good:We did a group class, which split everyone into smaller groups. Our instructor,Isaac was excellent, extremely attentive, incredibly kind, receptive to comments about being nervous (first time trying surfing) and did everything to ensure we were very comfortable and felt safe.Isaac was very concerned about our safety. He had us lined up so the chance of us knocking into each other or getting injured was lessened. If he noticed we looked tired, he would help us paddle. Very communicative and attentive.He went above and beyond and I would feel very comfortable doing another class with him.Isaac 10/10The context and accident:One member of our group started feeling very seasick. We alerted Isaac and he immediately brought her to shore and ensured she was okay. He signaled to another instructor (name started with "Sh", can't recall it, not wearing a wet suit, only swim trunks and sunglasses) with only two students (note: Isaac was very attentively looking after 5 of us) to look after us while he took our sea-sick friend back to shore.This guy wasn't very attentive. He didn't communicate with us. He didn't line us up like Isaac, he kind of just left us on our own. As first timers, this gave me a lot of anxiety.A huge wave came and because he didn't line us up or communicate with us, someones board smashed me in the back of the head, I went under the water got smashed again and my lip was bleeding and my jaw was bruised. "Sh" instructor didn't seem to notice. After recovering from the shock, I paddled over and asked him to bring me to the shore as I was hurt and bleeding. He said I wasn't bleeding too much and started paddling me back. But after a while of shoving my surf board a bit, I noticed he was gone and he just yelled for me to paddle on my own. I was in shock from the hit and starting to get a terrible headache worried I had a concussion.I then spotted Isaac, he had finished bringing my friend to shore and was paddling like hell to get back to our group. I called out to him and he immediately came to me, asked if I was okay and held onto my board and paddled me all the way back to shore. He was very kind and sympathetic, sat with me, made sure I was okay, asked if I wanted to go back to the shop to get my stuff. He even walked us all the way back to the shop and monitored if we were okay.Again Isaac was amazing and if he was out there with us at that time, I don't think the accident would have happened.Instructors are hit or miss. Isaac was truly excellent and that other "Sh" instructor was inattentive and uncaring.Now nursing a bruised lip and jaw, and major headache.

I bought a "Big Dave's favorite" acai bowl big chunks of ice in it paid extra dollar for extra granola I didn't get it. I also bought a pina colada smoothie it had no flavor of coconut more of a stale taste. We also got a bagel sandwich called the beach boy bagel and it sucked. Girl behind the counter had zero personality. Stick to surfing Dave!!

This place is off the hook amazing!!!!Great people with amazing attitudes. They taught my Sons to surf 11 years apart. Mahalo Alika for teach my little one and my middle son in 2013. Mahalo !!!!! Book your lessons today!!!

Big Wave Dave personally assisted me in getting the board I wanted, and helping me with a locker to store my stuff, as I was not with anyone who could hold my stuff. He even let me swap out my first choice board when I saw the waves wouldn't be right for my first choice. He and his team were incredibly nice and helpful. Spectacular and incredibly affordable! Best place to rent a board!

My son went out this morning. Had an incredible time. 1 on 1 lesson. Very easy booking, check-in, and appointment. His instructor was thorough. Professional and knowledgeable. Will definitely use them again.

cute. delicious. has oat milk!although our service was a little bit slow, the food and coffee was spot on. i'll be back tomorrow!!!

Excellent for cafe food and surfing lessons!m were great! Everyone got up on the board!

Store literally has everything needed and the staff are amazing. I lost my phone at the shop and the manager came out to help me find it.