WEST MAUI - Maui: Including Molokai and Lanai - page 91

• If you are paddling where there are waves, make sure that your board is pointing
either into the waves or away from them. When waves hit the side of your board,
there is a good chance you'll end up falling.
• When you fall off your board (don't worry, it happens to the best of paddlers),
the best thing to do is just let it happen. Most paddleboarding injuries occur when
people try to save themselves from falling and end up going down awkwardly.
Accept your fate and fall gracefully into the water below.
• Only competent surfers should ever try to surf on their paddleboards. Large,
heavy boards can become dangerous in a surf lineup if they go crashing through a
crowd, and a spate of injuries related to stand-up paddlers and their large boards
have created a rift in the island surfing community. Common surf etiquette is to
share the waves with surfers and stay out of the way. In the event you do fall
down, make sure that your board doesn't hit someone.
• Most important, enjoy the feeling of the sun on your shoulders, the warm water
beneath you, and the views of the island you get from offshore. Bask in the mo-
ment of floating across the water, and you'll see why this has become one of the
island's hottest activities.
For more personalized service in an area that isn't as crowded, Maria Souza Stand
Up Paddle School (808/579-9231, www.standuppaddlesurfschool.com ) and Hawaiian
Paddle Sports (808/660-4228, www.hawaiianpaddlesports.com ) both offer lessons on
beaches south of Lahaina. These operations are run by instructors who have a deep-rooted
respect for the island, the environment, and Hawaiian cultural history. While they're more
expensive, these tours will leave you with a deeper appreciation for all things surrounding
the ocean. Lessons with Maria Souza's are $159/person and are offered Monday to Friday
at 9 and 11am, and lessons with Hawaiian Paddle Sports are $159 for a private lesson or
$109/person for private groups of five or more.
SOUTH OF LAHAINA
Rental Shops
For a laid-back rental experience in a unique location, Kayak Olowalu (808/661-0606,
www.kayakolowalu.com ) has stand-up boards available from a campground location for
either $20/hr or $30 for a three-hour session. To reach the campground, turn toward the