| By Crystal
Concessions is perfect for those ambidextrous days
– the wave opens up both left and right - the
right often connecting with the left of First Holes
and the left of Concessions joining up with the right
of Big Rights. The wave is a fickle one, dependent upon
a variety of factors, namely the tide, wind direction,
wave height, etc. But no matter the size of the day,
you’ll never be bored at Concessions, you’ll
always have interesting conversation to listen in on,
a stunning view of Diamond Head, dolphins [and oftentimes
fishies, turtles and sharks] frolicking in the none-too-distant
waters, and boats, canoes and barges trudging by.
The regulars there are an interesting group of people
- warm and friendly if you respect them, angry and loud
if you don’t. If you’ve wronged someone at
Concessions [dropped in, snaked, or just plain got in
the way of their wave] they’re not afraid to let
you know. Concessions is a love-it-or-leave-it break and
the people there don’t care one way or another if
you leave it. For specific surf spot location check out
our Oahu surf
maps.
Crowd factor: At Concessions at 10-15
person crowd is a small day so you can imagine how crazy
[not to mention dangerous] it gets when a south shore
swell is in the forecast.
Bottom: Reef - and it has been known
to bite [and kick and scratch]. Vana [sea urchins] and
a variety of other none-too-pleasant creatures and fiends
call the reef home and how would you like it if someone
squished you and your house?
Ability level: Beginner to advanced
depending on the size. This break gets a little tricky
when it starts coming in over 3 ft [head high face]
so you definitely want to check the surf report and
talk to the regulars on shore before heading out.
Access: If you’re a total Concessions
newbie – and you don’t want to find yourself
walking barefoot over dry reef – the best advice
would be to again, to talk it up with the regulars and
even more preferable, to follow one out. The regulars
know where to go, how to find one of a number of sandy
[sandy meaning only sandier than hard, jagged reef]
paths out to the breaks. There are two narrow paths
that start out right in front of Concessions [slightly
to the right of the lifeguard stand] that will take
you out to Concessions, First Holes, Second Holes and
Big Rights.
What board to bring: Short or long
it doesn’t matter so long as you got the skill.
The break at Concessions is ideal for boards of all
lengths and sizes but [as common sense would tell you]
longboards are ideal for small days and shortboards
for larger ones.
Places to stay: The Ala Moana Hotel
is an ideal choice for travelers due in large part to
its central location. Conveniently located right next
to the Ala Moana Shopping Center, across the street
from Ala Moana Beach Park and on the outskirts of Waikiki,
the Ala Moana Hotel also offers a variety of amenities,
meeting and banquet rooms as well as business services.
The Ala Moana Hotel is a perfect choice for families
since it offers such a wide range of diversions –
as well as a variety of south shore spots for the avid
surfer. This hotel offers special rates during the summer
months, with prices as low as $149 a night, all the
way up to $189 a night for an ocean view. (Ph) 808-955-4811
Places to eat: Kaka’ako Kitchen
serves up a variety of local fare, cooking up everything
from plate lunches to delicious salads, sandwiches,
and fish dishes. If you’re here on vacation and
lack real transportation this restaurant is within easy
walking distance of Ala Moana Beach Park [a 5 –
10 minute walk from Concessions, depending on how quickly
or slowly you move]. Kaka’ako Kitchen is well-known
for its trademark styrofoam containers as well as its
laid-back ambiance. (Ph) 808-596-7488
Surf shops in the area: If you have
kids or left some back home, Quiksilver Youth, also
located in Ward Center, is where you can go to find
surf gear for those who are physically and literally
young-at-heart. Quiksilver Youth offers everything for
the young ripper, from miniature boards, to boardshorts,
swim suits, tees, slippers and other trendy surf apparel.
Now the kids can get the stuff they want and stay quiet
long enough for Mom/Dad/Uncle/Aunty/Grandma/Grandpa/Sister/Brother
to get into the water. (Ph) 808-596-7699
Back to Oahu Surf Spots
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