Hawaiian surfer and instructor
Tony Moniz riding a big wave.
Q: How did you begin surfing? Who taught you?
A: My family surfed it must be in the blood. I was self-taught.
Q: What’s your most memorable wave?
A: At Waimea Bay on the North Shore, on a 60-foot wave a few years ago.
Q: How old is the Faith Riding Company Surf School?
A: The company is 12 years old, but the school is six. We’ve been at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa for 4½ years, and we’ve taught more than 200,000 students.
Q: What’s the best part about teaching?
A: Seeing the big smile on people’s faces and hearing them say it has been the highlight of their trip.
Q: Why is Waikiki a great place for beginners to surf their first waves?
A: It’s the best place in the world to surf because the conditions are always nice, the surf is gentle but has enough power to make it challenging and the rides are very long. It allows people to take their time going through the steps, understanding how to get up on their feet. It’s a user-friendly wave.
Q: What’s your most important tip for beginners?
A: Safety, safety, safety. Take a surf lesson at the right school. Do your research. Take two surf lessons, you’ll learn a lot faster.
