Maui kite trip for a novice

[Johnny Maw]

I'll be in Maui this Saturday for 10 days. Can anyone recommend what to do? I'd like to do a lesson so I can learn about how things work there-so does anyone have a suggestion of who to use? Also, I'll be staying in Waileah, so how far to the nearest kite beach, what do I need to know?

Thanks in advance-John

[Jacob Buzianis]

Hey Johnnay,

Get a hold this guy at:

Maui Sports Unlimited
http://www.mauisportsunlimited.com
kite@mauisportsunlimited.com
Phone: 808-280-7060
City: Kihei
Type: Kiteboarding School

He's right by Wailea 5 mins drive

[Johnny Maw]

Experience with them, personal connection? Location seems perfect. I appreciate it.

[Kenny]

Johnny,

Kite beach in Kanaha is the best place for lessons. The wind is more consistent there. It is about a 35 minute drive from Wailea. You can learn in Kihei, but the wind tends to be much more gusty there.

There are several companies that teach right on the beach. I like the approach used by Action Sports, they start you on kite with shorter lines and lengthen the lines as you improve. This approach works well in Maui's strong winds.

Kenny

[MikE mAy]

i had a lesson with kitesurf maui. from what i can tell, action sports is a bit more about the tourist lessons. ks maui had some good packages and good solid 5 hour lesson. the guy teaching me catered the lesson to what i wanted to learn and how much i had already known. we were body dragging and board starting the first lesson. the key to getting the most out of a lesson is flying your trainer as much as possible- one handed, try to do it with your eyes closed, and work on your power strokes as well as figure 8's in each side of the window. i was able to convince my instructor that i knew how to fly the trainer and we bypassed much of that part of the lesson.

the other part i liked about my lesson was that he had me hang on to his harness while he body dragged and showed me what to expect with different kite moves. it was nice to be out in the water under a kite for hte first time with someone to hold onto telling me what was happening and why.


bottom line is- fly your trainer and do what they tell you in the video and stay away from the tourist trap lesson places.

as far as wailea versus ktie beach, kite beach will have much more traffic, but probably better winds. the lagoon also feels nice and safe....

[Jacob Buzianis]

This time of the year, a lot of people will go kite in Kihei because the nice steady Kona wind (south wind) and the waves aren't big on that side of the island.

Kitebeach is a good place to kite and learn during the Trade wind season which it's start in May. Right now, the waves will be too big and the wind will flunky and switchy.

Contact the kite schools there they will point you the way where and when to teach you.

[Johnny Maw]

I don't know if I can afford a socond kite for this trip (I desperately need a 9-11m), but maybe it will be so kind out there, and my family will slip into a mild coma for a few days, then maybe I can pull $750 outta my butt and spend a few more days on the water there. I know that I will be leaving my 16m at home. Thanks, I'll share some pictures when I get home. I wish you all huge snow and bigger airtime.

[Kenny]

Johnny,

If you plan on taking lessons negotiate upfront to use their equipment the entire time you are on the island. If you do a 3-day lesson, most will just let you use their gear all day long. Call in advance to see how flexible they are with their gear. You may also be able to negotiate a better deal. Summer is the busy season, there is no reason to pay the rack rate this time of year. Be willing to barter and call around until you find the best deal.

Kenny