Boogie Boarding & Bodysurfing in Big Island

Boogie Boarding & Bodysurfing

According to the movies, in the Old West there was always friction between cattle ranchers and sheep ranchers. Some will say the same situation exists between surfers and boogie boarders. Sure, there's some good-natured trash-talking between the groups, but nothing more. The truth is, boogie boarding is a blast. The only surfers who don't do it are hardcore surfing purists, and almost none of that type live on this island.

Novice boogie boarders should use smooth-bottom boards, wear protective clothing (or at least T-shirts), and catch shore waves only. You'll need a pair of short fins to get out to the bigger waves offshore (not recommended for newbies). As for bodysurfing, just catch a wave and make like Superman going faster than a speeding bullet.

Best Spots

When conditions are right, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area (Hwy. 19, near mile marker 69) is fabulous. The water is very calm in summer, with just enough rolling waves for bodysurfing or boogie boarding. But this beach north of Kailua-Kona isn't known as the "broken-neck capital" for nothing. Ask the lifeguards about conditions before heading into the water. Remember that if almost no one is in the water, there's a good reason for it.

Much of the sand at White Sands, Magic Sands, or Disappearing Sands Beach Park (Alii Dr., 4 1/2 mi south of Kailua-Kona) washes out to sea and forms a sandbar just offshore. This causes the waves to break in a way that's great for intermediate or advanced boogie boarding. No wonder the Magic Sands Bodysurfing Contest, which brings out hardcore bodysurfers each winter, is held here. This small beach can get pretty crowded. There can be nasty rip currents at high tide. If you're not using fins, wear reef shoes because of the rocks.

North of Hilo, Honolii Cove (Access road off Hwy. 19, just past mile marker 4) is the best boogie boarding-surfing spot on the east side of the island. Keep in mind that it is also one of the few good boarding spots in east Hawaii, so boogie boarders and surfers need to share the space.

Equipment Rentals

Equipment rental shacks are located at many beaches and boat harbors, along the highway, and at most resorts. Boogie board rental rates are $10 to $12 per day and $50 to $60 per week. Ask the vendor if he'll throw in a pair of fins -- some will for no extra charge.

Honolua Surf Company [. 75-5744 Alii Dr., Kona Shopping Village, Kailua-Kona. 808/329-1001

Orchid Land Surf Shop [. 262 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo. 808/935-1533. www.orchidlandsurf.com

Pacific Vibrations [. 75-5702 Likana La., at Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona. 808/329-4140