Mixed review; we traveled to Hawaii to celebrate our son's graduation from college and, while there, he had a great surfing lesson with Big Wave Dave staff. I, however, stayed back in their coffee area and overheard their Summer staff being trained; overall message was - tell the customer(s) anything they want to hear. Sad read more

I did a private surfing lesson with Josh and he is great. His technique was pretty good for beginners and he is very good at teaching you how to find the good wave to catch. He even paddled for me to save more energy on surfing. I would give him 5 stars and recommend to anyone. However, I am regret to give the big wave dave 2 stars overall due to the poor location and lack of communication on equipments (water shoes specifically). The place where they teach you surfing are full of rocks and it was not bearable for people to stand especially beginners are often to fell many times. I brought water shoes with me but no one tell me to bring it until I am on the water. Needless to say that I did my research to buy water rash guard at the store. I specifically asked the lady at register do I need anything else she said I'm good to go. At the beginning I did ok was able to catch a couple waves. Soon after a few fall both my feet got scratches badly and bleeding in salt water. Then for the rest of the time I can rarely do anything but suffer in salt water. I do not recommend you to go there as a beginner as I was told on the prime location of Waikiki beach there are much less rocks. But if you do happen to go, do yourself a favor bring a pair of water shoes or buy one at the store, you will thank me later. read more

My husband had a PHENOMENAL time taking surfing lessons with Big Wave Dave Surf Co! My husband took surfing lessons 10 years ago and it took him 2 hours before he caught his first wave on his own and I had never been surfing before taking lessons here. Dave's staff had us catching waves LITERALLY less than 10 minutes of being out in the water. There were also a few young ones in our class and they were catching waves pretty quickly as well. It was amazing. We surfed everyday after then. We couldn't have have had better. And the staff was truly awesome. Dave was great, our instructors Cody & Leah were phenomenal and even the in store staff Kiki & Troy were amazing. We definitely plan to come straight back to Big Wave Dave's Surf Co every time we're back in Honolulu! read more

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Great instruction. Amazing patience. Outstanding experience. Leo and Diana were helpful and worked like crazy to make the experience go well. At the end of the lesson my wife and daughter had gotten up, but I had not. They were undeterred. "How often will you be here in Oahu. We better make it happen today." And they did. My large middle aged frame got and stayed upright due to their persistence. Fun bonding as a family!!! Tips: wear water shoes, but you can rent the rash guard tee shirt. read more

Cool surf shop with amazing acai bowls and very friendly workers! We came back 3 times and loved the Bug Island Bees' honey so much our son wouldn't let us leave without buying a bottle!! read more

These guys are incredible. Totally know the ocean, and they took out our 5 kids and had them surfing in ONE MORNING! we enjoyed it so much, we went back again a few days later. Thoroughly recommend them. Great local guys .... they let you use rash guards, and took care of the kids really well! And, by the way, their coffee is INCREDIBLE! Best cuppa yet in Hawaii read more

Big Wave Dave - Our kids heading out! - Beach Equipment Rentals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is super centrally located directly in the heart of Waikiki. They had a lot of Vegan options ( for myself) and non vegan choices ( for my daughter) as well. They have all of the milk alternatives. I am soooo happy that ignored the Dennys attached to our hotel and took a chance here! Super friendly staff, creative choices and fun seating. I paid $40 for a full breakfast for 2, including smoothies! You can shop while you wait or sit on the patio and do so some great people watching! read more

Don't trust them with your life in the sea. Don't buy the locker which closes at 2pm. read more

BIG WAVE DAVE is hands down the best place to go to for surfing lessons! I regrettably didn't book with them the last time I was here (about a week ago) just to save a little bit more money with Moku, and that was the WORST DECISION EVER! (Read my review for Moku Hawaii) To this day, my surfing experience with Big Wave Dave has to be the most memorable - of the many - memories I have from all my trips to Hawaii. ****Read my previous review for them.**** I PROMISE YOU - you will have a blast with these guys, and they'll take great care of you. I'm going back to Hawaii again next year with the entire family again, and will be sure to book with BIG WAVE DAVE! read more

Lee is a rock star instructor! I am not sure what happened to the nice married couple, but 15 minutes in I had a private lesson. The first try, I buried the nose of the board. After that, with Lee's advice and a little push, I was able to get up 5 or 6 times. By staying low, I was able to go faster and ride the wave longer. It was a perfect day on the water and I am exhausted. But it was all worthwhile. The best experience in Hawaii so far! read more

Big Wave Dave - Beach Equipment Rentals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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My daughter took a surfing lesson for 90 minutes with Alike and loved it so much. He was excellent with her, patient, helpful and fun!!! I highly recommend. read more

Big Wave Dave - Beach Equipment Rentals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I was very taken aback by the rudeness of the older man that was working there... I came in to check out some boards and see what they might have so I could catch a few waves before I leave town. I usually rent from another tinier shop that allows full day renting, however I happened just so happened to be staying on the opposite side of town this time. This review gets at least one star due to the nice man initially talking to me when we first came in, in which the middle of the discussion we were rudely interrupted by the older man who worked there. All I wanted to do was check out the boards and see what they had to rent hoping to find a nice ride for a few hours instead I was completely rushed into renting something before even being listened to. Worst customer service for a high trafficked area. I come to Hawai'i very frequently but I will definitely not be returning to this shop for anything. I hope this review does not bring business down but this was very upsetting to me on a special trip of mine. read more

We were worried about surfing over coral but our fears were not warranted. Diane and Josh took us out and we had the time of our life! I got up five times and my husband who struggled to get up, got up on his last push out and rode that wave for such a long time. Diane and Josh gave us such a peace of mind we'd totally do it again! The surf shop was awesome as well. Dave's wife is a go getter and always pushing to get people through as quick as she can and her heart is so sweet, I enjoyed talking with her and getting our things. We rented two chairs and an umbrella, along with some snorkel gear (fins, mask, snorkel, and bag) as well as the surfing lesson Dylan was in the shop with Diane when we first came to check it out and we're so kind and inviting and are the whole reason we came back to the shop! Dylan has remembered us and created us every time he sees us asking how we are doing on our trip and what we have planned next. (That my friends is customer service and makes you feel like family/friends) Diane was so encouraging while out in the water and I loved her personality! We laughed a lot and they were like we didn't have to see you Britt we could hear you having fun! (When I'd be like did you see me get up? Did ya? Did ya?) It was such a good time! The prices were great I mean come on $15/day for the snorkel gear that's awesome! Then $45/day for two chairs and an umbrella. This place really made us feel welcomed, so thank you to all who we came in contact with at Big Wave Dave's! Also side note the coffee shop was pretty great too! read more

They move pretty chill here (island time)?? So make sure you're not stopping by for a quick rent before catching a shuttle or something! I came in for a snorkeling set and a life vest. The snorkeling set came with flippers (not perfect fit, it's a range ex size 5-7) but I think you can get it separately. I wanted a life vest because the Oahu shores are a little aggressive so I didn't want to be swept away and the fishes are all by the corrals which requires really good swim skills to get to. They will make you sign a quick form, and ask for a credit card in case you don't return their gears. From the main strip of hotels - we stayed at outriggers by Moana hotel, it took about 10 minutes to walk here. They also have an espresso machine in case you need a kick before your water activities. read more

Took the outrigger surf canoeing with Dave and his brother Mikey! So much fun! We highly recommend them! Thank you, The Queen

Outstanding! My 8 year old daughter and I took a private surfing lesson today. I have always wanted to surf but never had the courage to try and thought there was no way I would be able to catch a wave, let alone stand up doing it, but I did!! Thanks to our two instructors, Pauli and Lee, both of us surfed, learned a few things and had a blast! We even had a sea turtle poke her head up out of the water to say hi. Cannot say enough good things about our experience and our instructors. Everyone working at this place is nice and helpful. You MUST give it a try and use these experts ... you won't regret it! read more

I took a surf lesson here with my boyfriend. It was a fantastic experience! We paid $99 each and the session lasted approx 2 hrs with 1 hr in the water. We had a total of 3 students and 1 instructor. Our instructor Paul was incredible - he was encouraging and patient with the 3 of us. He also cracked jokes at time which lightened the mood especially since I was so anxious my first time getting into the water with a surfboard. Once Paul ran down the basics and had us practice on the boards in the shop, we went out to the waters. It was a little difficulty trying to catch a wave given that there wasn't much wind that morning but Paul gave us each ~4-5 times to surf. Highly recommend! This place was great for first timers. read more

I strongly recommend you to take lesson with Josh, group or private. It was a rainly and windy morning. There's no one else coming, so Josh gave me private lesson with a group price(versus other places would only offer private lesson if no one is attending). The advantage of private lesson is that you get all the attention you need. We were against the wind so it's really hard to paddle to the wavery area. He was willing to "drag" me all the way to the spot. I was able to catch a lot more waves than if I go there myself. After the lesson you get board rental with discount, where no other place can beat, and you can use it later. It was a great experience as my first surf lesson with Josh. read more

I decided to purchase a private lesson for my husbands birthday and they did not disappoint. He absolutely loved it. The guide went above and beyond for him! My husband called everyone to tell them how much fun he had. He thanked me plenty for the experience. It's absolutely worth it. Great staff read more

My wife got a nearly new paddle board. *****. But mine was this super water logged brick, which was already heavy from the get go, but after the session required me and my wife to lug it together. **. Hence, the ***. read more

This the first time trying to side for myself and daughter. We couldn't have picked a better company for this experience. The instructor was great. Due to another couple not showing up we had lots of attention from Alika Waves were just the right size and water was warm. Overall a wonderful experience. My daughter went back a couple of days later for a private lesson with Alika. Everyone one involved with Big Dave was warm and friendly. I don't think can go wrong with any of their instructors. read more

Great for beginners! Instructors are awesome. One literally is out in the water, wave watching to assure you paddle out to the best location before you start. They guarantee you catch waves during your class and literally push you onto the so you get the best possible experience there. Only complaint would be they taught a bit more so my kid could have learned a bit more about surfing. read more

I would like to give this business a zero rating. my four grandchildren were so excited to take surfing les sons so we decided on this company. Big mistake! they took out 5 people for the lesson, and came in with only four! They left the 10 yr. old out in the ocean with 5-6 ft. waves and about 150 ft. into the ocean and zero life jacket. as everyone was running about frantic looking for her, she had enough bravery to figure out how to paddle to another group about 20 ft. from her and ask for help. Their instructor brought her in to shore safely. The instructor took zero responsibility for leaving her out there. What was a perfect family vacation could have been the worst nightmare. read more

My boyfriend and I were in Hawaii for a week once the state instituted a negative covid test to bypass the 14-day quarantine. I've been wanting to learn to surf for as long as I can remember and BWD was right across the street from our hotel. Booking was as easy as possible. We were able to book a very reasonably priced same-day semi-private lesson for 2. I am sure if there were more tourists, we wouldn't have been able to book same day so we were probably lucky in that aspect. Our instructor, Lee, took time in the shop to show us how to pop up And assured to us that there's really no one right way to surf as long as you're having fun. Once we got into the water, lee was really helpful. My boyfriend is more athletic than I am and he was able to stand on his first wave whereas it took me a couple tries but lee was very encouraging! If and when we return to Waikiki, I'd definitely return to BWD for another lesson. read more

Seems like people have good experiences when everything goes right, but beware of the customer service should something go wrong. I paid for a 1.5 hour lesson and my instructor showed up late and brought us in early, resulting in my lesson lasting less than 1 hour. I spoke to the owner, Dave, who got angry and defensive and hung up on me. I had him on speakerphone and my friend was shocked with how aggressive and emotional he was. Then he texted that he'd refund me but never did. When I followed up about it, he ghosted me (see text screenshots). Later, I spoke to Dave's wife, who said she'd look into it, and then like her husband, ghosted me when I followed up (see text screenshots). If you read the negative reviews on this business, Dave often tells people that he'll do a better job when they come back to Hawaii, but says nothing about refunding them to make it right. This isn't fooling anyone. If you bought a defective Apple computer, it would be messed up if they said, "We won't give you a refund, but don't worry, the next one you buy will be better" Lol, what a joke. This weak customer service doesn't even make them money since most people know to file credit card disputes when they get ripped off. There are plenty of amazing surf lesson companies here so if you care about customer service, steer clear of Big Wave Dave's. read more

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It has been a year to the date that I stopped in to BWD Surf Shop. Now in an expanded space, so much more of the local offerings. Saw Dave, who thanked me for being a loyal customer. The best selection of boards, apparel, and accessories. The staff are so helpful and accommodating to your every needs. 1/2 a block from the beach. You need to go no further! read more

Awesome time, thank you so much Josh and Dave! We started out with an outrigger paddle. So much fun! Dave is very nice and really into it. He gave us instructions and guided us the whole time. We even got an extra ride. After doing the outrigger my husband and I got surfing lessons from Josh. First of all, Josh is a great guy! He's super sweet and was very patient with us in the water. His instructions were very detailed and very clear. Even though my husband and I have surfed before, it's been about 30 years so Josh made sure we were fully comfortable before heading out into the water. What a blast. We both stood up on our first try. We did also wipe out a couple of times, which oddly enough was also fun. The staff is the BEST! I regret not getting the names of everyone at the shop. The girls were so great to us. We were starving after our day in the water and they gave us part of their lunch. Where else does that happen?? Also, much to our surprise they have a coffee bar where we had excellent Americanos. Finally, they offer a picture and video package. They have a photographer on the beach that captures all your greatest (and worst) moments. After reviewing the day's photos and video we decided it was totally worth $100 for all pictures and video on a flash drive. We HIGHLY recommend, if you are visiting Waikiki, to do the outrigger and surfing lessons and really anything else they have to offer. MAHALO to the team at Big Wave Dave's. You really made our vacation much more special! read more

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Rented paddle boards for a day last week. It was an unplanned event and staff was extremely helpful in answering my questions while I decided. Once the decision was made they took their time getting me and my step daughter out on boards we were happy with based on our experience level and we talked about water conditions and they gave us a few tips. I would have done a few day rental had I known sooner that they provided storage lockers to keep the boards in overnight. Very happy I found this location and if I'm ever in the area again will not hesitate to visit! read more

i booked this experience through airbnb for a group of 3, we had about 8 ppl in our party and 2 instructors. instructors were great and very patient with my dad who tends to be bad at listening lol. My brother and i were able to get on our boards and stand a few times which was AMAZING! We had a great time overall. Also, the waters seem a bit intimidating at first, but once you are out there you adapt very quickly and it's not so bad. read more

When you live in Hawaii, your family and friends like to ask "so, do you surf now?" After hearing this questions so many times, I decided I needed to learn. I signed up for my first lesson here! I was pretty nervous, since I'm a horrible swimmer. I was honest with my instructor and he gave me a life vest, just in a case. They promised they will get you to stand at least once, and indeed they did! I went on a lucky day since the waves weren't too huge, but still enough to ride. I learned that surfing is a lot like how you need to live life....you gotta be patience and just wait and enjoy the moment and when the wave comes, you gotta take a shot and ride it and if you fall, just get up and try again. Hmmm...maybe that's why surfers have such a chill outlook on life . Anywho it was awesome, I did fall off the board and yes it was terrifying, even with my life vest but my instructor was there each step of the way! Definitely recommend this activity for everyone...don't worry if you aren't a great swimmer, just be honest and get out there and enjoy the ride. read more

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My son and I had a semi-private surf lesson with Madison. She was extremely attentive, assured our safety, and made sure we each were successful in catching waves. She was the best cheerleader as well. We had a great experience and would highly recommend Madison and Big Wave Dave! read more

This review is way overdue, but totally deserved! We were part of a small class of four people. It was my first time surfboarding, so I was pretty nervous, but getting the push from the instructor really helped. All four of us got up a couple of times during the class. It was really great to get the photos after-- I recommend bringing your own USB drive so you don't have to get your photos on a CD. Also definitely bring your own rashguard or rent one for $5. We got the surfing bug and woke up at 7am before our late morning flight just to rent a surfboard and try it out on our own! read more

Big Wave Dave - First time surfing! - Beach Equipment Rentals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Great young instructor. He gave great pointers and helped us catch our waves by giving us a push. I would def go back and try to advance to a shorter board with these guys read more

This review is for the gear rental. I rented the snorkel gear and when we got to use it, the snorkel did not work properly underwater. The water was seeping through the tube slowly and I was swallowing salty water. After a few minutes I gave up! They offered to let us use another day but today is our last day. read more

What is this place?! Coffee and surf! Such a great place to just chill and relax while my son went for his lesson. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with aloha by the people at the coffee shop. We came here to sign my son (13 yrs old) up for private surf lesson for the next morning. I can't seem to remember the surf instructors name but he got my son surfing for the first time! My son was nervous but the instructor made him feel comfortable in the water. They also have a photographer taking photos which you can purchase. We paid $75 for a usb which included pictures and videos of his lesson. Don't forget to stop at the coffee shop! Friendly staff and their Coffee and Açaí bowls are delish!! Will be definitely making this one of our stops when we visit Oahu. Mahalo Dave for all the aloha your staff gives! They rock!!! read more

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I needed to rent a boogie board and fins for a couple of days while in Waikiki. In the past I would rent a board and fins on Queen's Beach, that place is gone. Too bad, since it was conveniently located. I was greeted quickly and told them what I needed. They grabbed a board for me, then had me try on a few fins. Completed the paperwork and was on my way. It's too bad the waves died down for the two days I rented, but I enjoyed my time in the water. Returning the board and fins was really quick and easy. Pulled my paperwork and check the equipment and I was on my way. The service is great and you don't have to go far to get your equipment! read more

We have really great experience with Big Wave Dave. Amazing staff ! Everybody so nice and friendly. We got very detailed explanation about all the options: surfing lessons, surfing tours , rentals.One more huge advantage: you can leave your stuff in free locker and rent a small locker for phone , purse etc just for 3$ per hour. Huge compliment to our surf instructors Brent and Alika!!!! Just a wizard can make a child who doesn't know how to swim to stand and surf on very first lesson!!!! read more

Big Wave Dave - Beach Equipment Rentals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

LOOK MA! NO HANDS! I had such a delightful experience with Big Wave Dave. The staff was pleasant, knowledgeable, patient, and professional from beginning to end. As I have never surfed in my life, it's a given that I would called the company with a long list of questions. All my questions were answered, my anxiety level dropped, and my surf lessons confirmed. Never once did I feel like I was a nuisance. My BF and I opted to do a semi-private lesson with Jimmy as our surf instructor. As excited as I was to go surfing for the first time, I was also extremely nervous. I am not the strongest swimmer and I hurt my leg pretty bad sometime during the trip. I was afraid of 1) death 2) failure 3) injury 4) humiliation. Somehow Jimmy sensed my fears and gave me extra reassurance. Our lesson included a quick practice of the 4 basic movements. I was shocked when Jimmy said, "Alright, let's go surfing" after practicing the movements only ONCE. OMG I was in severe panic mode at this point. For some reason, Jimmy's nonchalant attitude soothed me .....just noticed that my complete review was not posted, connection problems. I couldn't be bothered trying to re-type my review. Bottom line, I was able to stand up and catch not one but many waves! Mahalo Jimmy! read more

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I called at 4pm and was told last group lesson was at 3pm. But Krystal told me she talked to an instructor and he offered to stay late to teach my buddy and I a 1.5 hour private lesson for the two of us for $100 total. My buddy had to go find a bathing suit first and we walked down there by 4:30. Cody, our instructor was waiting outside. Krystal gave us free shirts so we wouldn't chafe our bodies on the board. Cody taught us the proper way to stand on the board and had us practice. Then we walked to the beach and got in the water. Cold!!! But we got used to it and paddled out. Cody took us one by one and would give us a push so we could catch the waves. I stood up on the first try and rode it in for about 10-15 seconds before wiping out. I was hooked. Cody was awesome and taught us about board safety as well as how to do it right. I watched the sunset from a surfboard at Waikiki before heading in and looked at the photographs. $25 per photo or $65 for both of us to get a DVD. For $10 more, I got the USB stick as well. Everyone was super friendly and it was worth every penny. I'll definately be back here to rent boards and perhaps take more lessons as well. read more

Big Wave Dave - First time and was able to stand for about 15 seconds! - Beach Equipment Rentals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I contacted Big Wave Dave Surf Co because my 5 year old wanted to learn how to surf. I was able to work out a 4 lesson plan and although I don't think my son is quite big enough to surf on his own he did enjoy his lessons. I have to give a huge shout out to Maui! My son went with a few instructors but he still talks about Maui to this day. His patience with a 5 year old was amazing and we are so grateful that he has left a positive impression on Joshua. Thank you for everything! read more

Big Wave Dave - Surfing Lessons with Big Wave Dave! - Beach Equipment Rentals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii