This is the optimist in me, thinking I'd be good enough to ride in the ocean but I better ask - plans are in the works for the wife to go there in November for an Ultimate Tourney. I COULD play but it'd seem silly to be there and not hit the water instead. Am I wrong?

Anyway, the tourney is over on the eastern side of the island (Waimanalo) where I've heard kiteboarding is a little frowned upon. Same for the bay just up the coast (Kailua Bay). It's possible my info is wrong but I better ask. Where does one ride in Oahu?

Hi Macboy,

My wife and I just moved from Oahu (she's a Hawaiian local and I lived there for 30 years) and I kited there for the last 8+ years, surfed there for the last 30 years and windsurfed... you get the idea, I know the island.

If you're a noob to the ocean (and it sounds like you are) stick to Kailua and hook up with some of the local kiters to get introduced to the local rules and no-no's. All the launch areas on the island are real tight (narrow beaches) and Kailua can get real crowded. The wind in Kailua can be pretty light, so a bigger kite (like your Lift 16m) is usually the call there. You won't be able to rent a kite there (don't know anywhere that does this anyways) so if you need a kite while you're there you'll either have to buy one or take a lesson.

Unless you're an experienced waterman, I'd stay away from Mokuleia and unless you're local I'd avoid Waimanalo. Most of the kiters at Kailua are pretty cool, but very protective of their launch area (which has been on the chopping block numerous times by the local gov't). You can visit the local kite club website here: http://www.kiteoahu.com/ . Once you get away from the launch area, Kailua Bay is huge and relatively protected by the reef outside. There are big rollers to play in about a mile out or flat / chop on the inside. Most folk just do runs back and forth from the launch area, but if you work your way upwind and go outside the reef you'll have miles of ocean to yourself.

November marks the beginning of Winter weather there, which means more tropical squalls and more zero wind days than during the summer. So be prepared to pick a second sport in case the wind doesn't happen. Don't leave anything on the beach unattended, Kailua is notorious for things "growing legs" and disappearing.

Hope this helps...

When I went to Kailua there were plenty of folks offering up lessons. You can probably talk one of them into something like a 1 hour lesson for $100 ? As mentioned the launch is tricky and crowded. Body drag way out before getting started. If you end up too far downwind you hit a rough beach and Military base but it is a big bay so somewhat safe.

I read on some forum somewhere that the quality of lessons out there is something to be desired - most of the outfits just capitalizing on a captive tourist audience. I wish I could quote the source...might immediately dispell or confirm the rumor. Like, if anyone saw something on this forum I'd be like, "Oh yeah, then that's totally the answer" because you guys are all so great here.

YES , I found the lesson folks to be very hungry. I don't think I was clear on what I meant. I wasn't suggesting you get an actual lesson from them. More like an hour making sure you are set up and safe at that beach. Sort of insurance against causing troubles with the locals. Lessons are more expensive than that.

Smart. Very smart. Kinda like paying dues ; )

Isn't this forum the best? It is really fantastic to be able to get support, advice, and such from others that just do it because they love the sport. I really like how there isn't hardly any squabbling, or flame baiting on here. Just helpful banter and sharing of ideas. It would be nice if the whole of our societies could run this smoothly. Thanks to all of you for making this forum what it is. It isn't just an address on the web but a community of people.

A couple other bits:

I haven't been keeping up with who's teaching on Oahu recently but have heard some negative rumors from friends who frequent Kailua. Hawaii attracts all types, both good and bad, and I would be careful who I did business with. Kitesurfing lessons aren't nearly as well organized or structured as you might find on the mainland, like here on the Outer Banks. It has always been a small operation, partly because it is illegal (I'll explain later) and partly because the local businesses don't make much money at it. As for the legalities, all commercial operations at Kailua beach require a permit, and since no permits are given for kitesurfing instruction, teaching kitesurfing at Kailua is illegal. Having said that, it's done probably every day (this is also one of the issues that threaten kiter's access to this beach, so it's a bit of a sensitive subject). So if you want to take a lesson my advice is to go to the Naish shop and talk to Noel (the manager) or track down Nalani Oda (both frequent the Oahu Kitesurf forum). Noel can hook you up and if Nalani is still teaching I'd highly recommend her, she's an awesome young lady (tell her Paul sent ya). Both have been very active in the kiting community for nearly a decade and can steer you in the right direction.

As for taking a lesson as a ruse to rent a kite, I know people have recommended this but I honestly don't know anyone who has actually done it. I suspect that most instructors of any worth at all will turn you down. Not because they want the money but because they don't want to risk loosing access to the beach if you did something hair brained. Hook up with Noel and he may have some other ideas.

...again. Wow. I LOVE THIS FORUM!

YUP,
The Naish store is worth a visit. The folks hawking lessons from the parking lot are not the ones to go to for FORMAL lessons.

The ONLY lessons I would recommend from experience are Seadoo assisted lessons. Having the person right there is SO HELPFUL !! Radios just don't cut it.

I know the Naish store will rent boards but I have never heard of any store renting kites. I wouldn't go there expecting that.

I DID do the I need a kite, can I have a lesson thing in Australia. On my second day they allowed me to use the kite after the lesson.

P.S. I agree with you Bob, I love this site for it's supportive nature and great bunch of folks.

PLEASE HOOK UP WITH A SHOP AND NOT A PARKING LOT LACKY!!!

WE OFFER A PKF DISCOUNT FOR INSTORE PURCHASES! I THINK ALL SHOPS SHOULD. IT'S ACTUALLY PART OF OUR DISCOUNT MATRIX.

Another place to check is Hawaiian Watersports (http://www.hawaiianwatersports.com/kiteboarding/lessons/). Josh (the owner of the Kailua shop) is a pretty cool guy and has given me some great deals over the years.

If the wind isn't blowing while you're there, rent a couple kayaks and catch waves at Flat Island. There's lots to do in Kailua BTW, no need to head over the mountains to town-side.

I started kitesurfing at Kailua Bay back in 1998 and it was tight and I didn't like the launch there at all.

Scott

Quote:

I started kitesurfing at Kailua Bay back in 1998 and it was tight and I didn't like the launch there at all.

And there are easily 10x as many kiters on Oahu now as back in '98. Yeah, it's very tight, between the sunbathers, palm trees, kayakers and everyone else, it seems like a major accident just waiting to happen. But all the other launches on the island are even less "beginner friendly". I you're a beginner / intermediate kiter and you want to kite on Oahu, Kailua is the place.

But if you want to go someplace that is really conducive to learning how to kite, the place to go IMHO is the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Big beaches, miles of waist deep water, and schools that are equipped and trained to teach kiting the "right" way.

Thanks again for all this. The trip is ON! and I've just reviewed this post (in hindsight....I already restarted it again - sorry.....they say the mind is the first thing to go). I called Hawaiian Watersports today and have checked their website. Looks like the place to go? I hope we get blessed with wind. We're there Wednesday through Wednesday (leaving late Wednesday) and the tourney runs Sat / Sun / Mon and yes, I'm playing although might not play Monday. That leaves me Thursday, Friday, Tuesday and MAYBE Wednesday morning.

.....I'm so pumped I can hardly wait!

Be sure to check in on the forums here:
http://www.kiteoahu.com/
so maybe you can hook up with one of the locals.