Before we retire for the day, I get a preview of the next step in my kiteboarding journey. From the safety of the beach, Kristin simulates a water start. I sit, strap myself to the board, and grab the control bar connected to the kite lines. As I lean back, Kristin mimics the wind’s power by tugging in the opposite direction, and I use that tension to propel myself into a standing position. I know that replicating this in the ocean will be infinitely more challenging, but I choose to believe that I’m this close to actually kiteboarding.
Thinking of kiteboarding as an extreme sport had heightened my initial fears. Sure, top athletes like Kristin are pushing the limits, but for the average person like me, the best way to take the “extreme” out of kiteboarding is to start with a lesson. And while the learning curve is steep, catching thrills is easy.
GO FLY A KITE!
Maui Kitesurf Community is a nonprofit organization formed to preserve access and promote safe practices. Visit MauiKiteSurf.org for information about where to legally kiteboard, safety tips, live webcams, and more. Learning to kiteboard is not a do-it-yourself endeavor, so taking instructions from a certified instructor is crucial. Here’s where to start:
Second Wind Maui
lessons & rental gear
808-877-7467
SecondWindMaui.com
Aqua Sports Maui
808-242-8015
MauiKiteboardingLessons.com
Hawaiian Sailboarding Techniques
808-871-5423
HSTWindsurfing.com
Kiteboarding School of Maui
808-873-0015
KSMaui.com
