Windsurfing
Maui is the quintessential windsurf and kitesurf island. With strong trades, Kanaha Beach Park, Ho'okipa and Kihei offer windsurfers conditions ranging from beginner to expert.
Almost every week visitors get into life threatening conditions as they are lulled by the warm water into going to far out or taking on waves they can't handle. Usually the wind or kite surfer will stubbornly assert that they are not in trouble when experienced people come by to help them.
For this reason we cannot stress how strongly we recommend that even experienced sailors take a class so that they are clued into the hidden dangers of Maui's offshore waters.
And if someone in a Hawaiian outrigger canoe comes by and offers you a ride to shore, telling you that you are in danger, listen to them.
Many times the wind or kite surfer refuses attempts to save them, because they don't want to lose their expensive equipment. This odd priority (losing one's life to save a thousand dollars) indicates their lack of understanding of the danger the sea presents.
As one canoe paddler put it to an exhausted windsurfer drifting out to sea as night came on. " You can come with us and lose your equipment or you can stay here and lose both your equipment and your life." Be aware that ocean rescue will not bring in your equipment.
Canoe paddlers will endanger themselves trying to save you...don't further endanger them by refusing their help and making them come out twice.
And knowing that canoe paddlers are your lifeline when the lifeguard shift ends, here are a few rules that the kiters, windsurfers and canoe paddlers have worked out between them to make for harmonious interaction and cut down on injuries.
Kiters stay 200 feet from any canoe. Be especially mindful of this when you are upwind of the canoe. If your line drops across the paddlers' necks, the heavy canoe will hold them immobile while the line slices through their necks. Kite lines and canoes are a very dangerous mix. By International Maritime Rules, paddlers have right of way over those under sail.
Kiters stay away from the FAA area east of the Lae'ula O Kai Canoe Hale. If you see that kiters are not in an area, most likely it is because the FAA exclusion area is in effect. Kiters have been granted an exemption to be in specific areas on the north shore. Violating the boundaries of that area can lead to all kiters being banned from most of the North Shore.
Kiters, kayakers and windsurfers stay out of Kahului Harbor. There are complicated rules concerning the harbor and you will most likely violate them which can lead to $20,000 in fines and also bring grief for the outrigger canoe paddlers. It's a result of the government's police state mentality and it's wrong but it is what it is.
Windsurfers stay 100 feet from all paddlers and swimmers. Be sure you look around. Often beginners don't look around and sail right into the side of a canoe. Drop into the water immediately if you are going to hit a canoe. Maritime rules mean you will be held responsible for any damage. Common sense says that a half ton canoe will be unable to stop or turn to get out of your way.
With consideration and by giving canoe paddlers and surfers wide berth, we can all co-exist peacefully. Remember - the 6-man canoes are your lifeline if your equipment breaks, you get stranded or you get injured. Treat them with the kindness that you hope they will show you if you ever get in trouble.