SUP in paradise

Kalapaki Bay, Kauai

We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.

~ John F. Kennedy

What is SUP? SUP is stand up paddle boarding, also known as Hoe he’e nalu due to originating in Hawaii. There you have it! Hawaii is the birthplace of the popular sport known as SUP. Exercising, especially while on vacation, needs to be fun and enjoyable.  If it isn’t, odds are you won’t do it at all or not more than once.

In 2013, SUP was rated the #1 new activity for beginners in the U.S. Our family are not surfers, so we cannot compare it to surfing. However, for non-surfers, we found it to be fairly simple and fun. You don’t have to live near the ocean to SUP. It’s a sport which has gained popularity and is popping up everywhere. SUP can be spotted on lakes, large rivers, canals, and bays. When going on vacation or out of town for a weekend, rent a SUP board. If your friend has a board- ask to try it out! It feels as though you’re walking on water.

Don’t confuse SUP with traditional paddle boarding, which is done by kneeling on a board and paddling with your hands. Although, SUP is often referred to as “paddle boarding” for short.

How did SUP come about? In researching SUP, its is unclear as to exactly when it all began. 2005 seems to be the year that it really took off. Some research states that SUP began in the 1960’s as the “Beach Boys of Waikiki” paddled on long boards.  Others credit Laird Hamilton (American Big-wave/tow-in surfer) for setting the SUP trend in the late 1990s. Some say that Duke Kahanamoku (five-time Hawaiian Olympic medalist in swimming & known for spreading the surfing trend) was the first to “surf ski” in 1939. Surf Ski looks similar to SUP. One thing about SUP that is very clear,  is where it all began – Hawaii.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing is surfing waves with a paddle on a paddle board. Rick Thomas was the first present-day surfer to bring stand up paddle surfing to the Mainland from Hawaii. Stand up paddle surfing is said to offer the surfer a better view of the incoming waves.

On September 13 & 14, 2012 the first SUP world champion races were held at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu. The title of first SUP world champion was won by Kai Lenny.

Why SUP~

It’s all about burning calories while having fun! SUP allows you to have fun in the sun without noticing how hard you’re working. Paddle away!!! Glide around effortlessly, on a non-windy day or use those arms muscles to paddle against the current on a windy day. SUP works all the muscles in your body, concentrating on the core. Paddling is a great way to work the upper body. Most beginners feel it in their arms after the first day. On average men burn 800-1000 calories in one hour of  SUP, while women burn 500-700 calories per hour. I find SUP to be extremely relaxing. Paddling around by yourself, while taking in the beauty. It is also fun to paddle next to a friend and chat away. Our kids have been quite creative finding things to do while they SUP such as looking around for sea turtles and tropical fish, then swimming back out to the area to snorkel.

Kalapaki Bay, Kauai

SUP Tips~

Our family found SUP to be rather easy on a flat day. SUP is all about balance and for some people, that may be a challenge. We have taken many first-time SUP on our board. We tend to prefer the bay on calm day as pictured above. It is rather difficult to learn on a choppy day. On Kauai, the water tends to be calmer in the mornings, as the wind kicks up in the afternoon. Here are some tips: know how to swim. If you cannot swim than you do not belong on a SUP board without a life jacket. When SUP on a lake/ocean always attach the leash. It doesn’t matter how good you may think you are, anyone can fall or get knocked off and you don’t want to lose the board. One of our guests, flew up in the air and landed on the board thinking he may have cracked a rib. While this is rare, you wouldn’t want to be in the water/waves with a broken rib and nothing to hang on to. If you have to choose between your board or paddle, leave your paddle. The paddle will float and someone can go back for it later. Observe the water currents and start off going against the current. It takes a lot more energy to go against the current and you don’t want to paddle way out with ease and then not be able to get back. Experts advise against using the leash in a river due to snags. Use the paddle for balance when needed by pushing the blade forward to back until you feel stable.

How to SUP~

We are not instructors by any means, but tend to take a lot of first timers out to SUP when they come to Kauai. For beginners, it is all about getting comfortable with the board. Start off sitting on your knees. It is a great way to get a feel for the board. You want to know what your first wave will feel like and how the board will move. Paddle around on your knees and then stand when you feel comfortable. The first time we went out, we spent time on our knees for a good 10 minutes getting familiar with turning and use of the paddle prior to standing up. Most importantly, stand in the middle of the board and bend your knees a little. If your feet are too far forward , the nose of the board will start to go under the water. If they are too far back then the tail will drag.

Surfer’s will ride the SUP board in their typical surfer’s stance (one foot forward) which is best for tackling waves. If you panic at a large wave coming your direction or see something move underneath the board, just sit down on your knees. If all else fails, sit and gain your composure. We SUP in the ocean and often times we will see large eels or sea turtles passing under the board. Sometimes it may cause you to lose balance when you’re looking around to see where it went.

How to Use the Paddle~

The paddle can be awkward if not using properly. They are usually adjustable. Be sure the paddle isn’t way too long for you or vice versa. We have a short paddle for our kids and a longer one for the adults. First off, place your dominant hand on the handle at the top of the paddle to gain control. Do not attempt to hold the paddle in the middle or near the top. Place your other hand about waist high on the paddle. Reach forward as you paddle with the blade angled forward. Don’t lean forward because it will throw off your balance, just simply stroke forward and then stroke back. If you are leaning forward or hunched over, you will feel it in your lower back.

Kalapaki Bay. Kauai

SUP can be done at any age. Our son first started SUP at age 7 and stood up the first time. Safety First!! We set rules with the kids prior to going out. Here are some of our rules: don’t paddle out past the break, keep the leash on at all times, don’t panic, get back on the board if you fall, stay out-of-the-way of surfers, watch the waves, know where you started from and wave the paddle in the air if you need help.

Below is a list of the Travelchannel.com  World’s Best Stand Up Paddleboarding Spots

Hawaii

Santa Barbara, CA

Bahamas

Whistler, Canada

Costa Rica

Key west

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Redondo Beach, CA

Seattle, WA

Black Canyon, NV

Lake Tahoe, CA

Antarctic Peninsula

When visiting Kauai rent a board!!! Our favorite spot is Kalapaki Bay (East Side) and boards are available for rent at Kama’aina Surf and Sport located at 3486 Rice St. It’s a convenient stop located near the entrance to Kalapaki Bay. If you don’t have a truck, just carry the board to the beach. Another great place to SUP on Kauai is at Hanalei Bay (North Shore). Boards are available to rent at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures as you come into the town of Hanalei, located on the right side of the road at 5-5134 Kuhio Highway. They also offer private or group lessons for surfing, SUP, and SUP yoga.

 

The latest trend in stand up paddle board is SUP yoga. Yes, this means doing yoga while on a SUP board on the water (river). I can’t imagine doing it successfully, but more power to the yoga peeps!!!

Money Saving Tips: Most of the SUP rental shops located right on the beach/lake tend to be much more expensive than renting a SUP board off site. The two rental places named in this post are located off-site. Compare prices, especially if you notice several shops within walking distance of each other. Weekly rentals will be your best bet if you have a place to store it and a vehicle to transport.

 5wheelsto5star.com is featured monthly in Destinations Travel Magazine

NaPali Coast Tour ~ Welcome aboard the Adventurer II

The Adventurer

“Eighth Wonder of the World is a term sometimes used to describe phenomena in comparison to the widely known list of seven remarkable constructions of classical antiquity, called the Seven Wonders of the World.”

“Holo Holo”, translates to let’s go. Holo Holo to the NaPali. The NaPali coastline is 16 miles long located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. It is inclusive of Ke’e Beach on Kauai’s North Shore, extending all the way to Polihale State Park on Kauai’s west side.  “Pali” means rigged cliffs, which look much like cathedral mountains cascading down to sea level. These mountains are 4,000 feet high which are part of a 6,175 acre park. Why is the NaPali so fascinating? The NaPali is a place where you will find waterfalls, lava tubes,  sea caves, Humpback whales (Nov.-Apr.), dolphins, turtles, seabirds, cathedral mountains, great snorkeling and sweeping valleys all in one place. The NaPali is not easily accessible due to the absence of roads. The coastline can be viewed from a helicopter, hiking or via boat. Sail along the NaPali for a four hour tour and take in the views of this coastline on Holo Holo Charters ~ The Adventurer II!

We are all about the family adventures on this blog site!!! Kids ages 6 and up are welcome on the Adventurer II, a top speed, modern, rigid-hull inflatable boat, which differs from that of a Zodiac or rubber raft. Made of fiberglass hull, which enables the boat to maneuver well through the waves, The Adventurer holds up to 25 passengers. If you are looking for a thrill along with your adventure, than this boat is perfect for your family!

Dinghy

Holo Holo’s Adventurer sets sail from the North Shore at Hanalei Bay, where they have been running tours since 1998. Very convenient, as opposed to leaving from Port Allen on the west side where most of the NaPali tours depart from and return to. The tour begins at Hanalei Bay, voted one of the top 25 beaches in the U.S., where you will be shuttled by a dinghy (pictured above) to the Adventurer inflatable raft. Next, you will hop onto the raft, without getting wet, kick your shoes off as this is a barefoot boat, store your belongings, pick a seat and plop down along the rim of the raft, tuck your feet under the rope (feet belt) and get ready to take off on an adventure! One of the highlights of departing from the North Shore, is that you will reach the coastline in minutes! Sit back while the Captain shares stories and history of the Hawaiian culture and life.

Snorkel Time!!!

It’s snorkel time!!! Grab a noodle, fins and a snorkel mask (corrective lens available) to start your adventure under the sea! Our kids loved the variety of fish with vibrant colors of yellow, purple, black, gray and blue. Observe as schools of fish swim by. Be on the lookout for the “honu” green sea turtle. Our kids saw several turtles during the tour. Don’t be fooled by the rugged appearance of a raft, the Adventurer is equipped with dive ladders, restroom and a fresh water shower. The staff provides snorkel masks (with corrective lenses if needed), fins and flotation aids on the Napali Snorkel Adventure. Water temperatures vary throughout the year with an average of 70 degrees. If jumping in just isn’t for you, that’s fine~ hang out and observe the others snorkeling from the convenience of the raft. Sit back, eat lunch and take amazing photographs to share with your friends and family back home!

Interesting Fact~ Holo Holo Charters is the only company on the dock whose entire fleet of vessels were built in Hawaii by the owner.

After working up an appetite in the ocean, it is time for lunch~

Lunch time!

Holo Holo puts on a great spread, offering gourmet sandwiches, veggie wraps, chips (Baked Lays & Baked Cheetos- gotta love the healthier options) and a variety of Hawaiian juices, water and soda. It’s a great time to sit around, chat with the staff and tourists while floating on the ocean in a gorgeous setting, which looks like a backdrop.

 

Heading in to sea caves

How many people can say that they’ve been inside a sea cave? Listen to the ocean swish back and forth as the waves hit lava walls, echoing inside the cave. Are you ready for those Sea Caves? The ability to zip in and out of the sea caves on the NaPali is what truly sets apart the rafts/zodiacs from the catamarans. Not only are the rafts fast moving, but they also can zip right in the sea save and through waterfalls which come down as you enter the caves. Be prepared to get wet! Have fun, be adventurous and hold on!

Tips: I highly recommend investing in a LifeProof or other waterproof cell phone case and testing it out prior to the boat tour! You don’t want to miss out on taking pictures of the NaPali Coast.

Our family takes Bonine (over the counter, anti-sea sickness tablet) one hour prior to sailing. Even if you don’t think you will get nauseous, I recommend taking an anti-sea sickness tablet. Nausea can absolutely ruin your entire trip and don’t expect the boat to turn around and take you back. You will be stuck with that nausea for 4 hours! If you don’t get sea sick but you do become nauseous when others get sick around you – take a tablet! Be sure to read all instructions before taking. There is also a natural form of anti sea sickness pills made of ginger, which I have not tried. Weather conditions change rapidly and therefore, it is nearly impossible to predict how rough the seas will be. If the rocking effects you – take a tablet.

Bring a wind breaker or light waterproof, jacket. Weather changes quickly and can get cool when the boat is at full speed. Sun block up before you go on the tour and leave your oil at home! Who wants to be slipping and sliding all over the boat.

5wheelsto5star is featured monthly in Destinations Travel Magazine