Giving Hawaiian stand-up paddle boarding a try

Napili is a perfect, crescent shaped bay just beyond Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui. There one blustery morning, I met with Nate Cloud, the Director of Aloha or KUMU of Tiki Man SUP, (Stand Up Paddle Boarding). He’s lived in the islands for decades and as an instructor in SUP technique, has found the exercise great fun and an easy core workout.

We stood on the beach just outside the Napili Kai Resort for a quick lesson before getting into the water. Nate warned me that a ‘Kona Wind’ was whipping the water in the wrong direction, which would make my practice nearly impossible, but I wasn’t to be deterred. A jet was returning me to California later that day, so this was my best chance to try the sport in warm water.

Kona winds are unusual in that area but have sprung from steam clouds being generated by lava flow into the ocean on the big island of Hawaii, miles away. It’s a reminder of how isolated and yet connected this archipelago is. The Hawaiian Islands are the most remote land masses in the world, but visitors flock here year round for the gentle tropical climate, culture and prized vacations.

I was stopping in Hawaii briefly to help manage a bad case of jet lag while between Japan and the mainland, and couldn’t wait to get in the water, wind or not. SUP is relatively easy and certainly more so than surfing, which I suck at and have a chin scar to prove it. So the sport has always appealed, with its promise of a memorable ocean experience, strength and balance building plus a great core workout.  Who wouldn’t like more trim and solid abs?

SUP is one of the most rapidly growing sports around the world as a combination of surfing and paddling or hoe he’e nalu (in the Hawaiian language.) Decades ago Waikiki beach boys learned to stand on their wide longboards while maneuvering with outrigger paddles. The better to take pictures of tourists during their surfing lessons and an early form of SUP was born.

In the 1990s, two Maui-based master surfers, Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama, wanted an alternative way to train when the surf was down. Other surfers enjoyed it as well and the sport took off.

How’d my lesson go? Well, Nate was very patient and encouraging. Within a half hour I had pushed and paddled my way out into the little bay, determined to if not master, at least get a sense of the sport. He assured me that muscle memory would kick in the next time I tried it, so there was a lot at stake.

I worked the simple techniques and did stand – for about five seconds – several times before the white caps won and the waves pushed me back to the sand. It was still a great experience and next time I get to Napili Bay, I look forward to not only standing longer but giving SUP Yoga a try!

Pictures courtesy of Dave Rudie