Spotlight on Hawaii

MAUI SURF

 Maui is the world mecca for a wonderful span of  watersports.  Allow me to elaborate on two local favorites; surfing and windsurfing.

 Ocean lovers from around the globe pursue these naturally powered paastimes energized by Maui's ideal tradewinds, surf, sun, and pure enthusiasm.

 It's estimated that over 17 million people around the globe surf on a regular basis.  Proportionately, most are from the United States and Australia.  Seventeen million shining happy people can't be all wrong.

 Centuries ago, ancient Hawaiians held surf competitions and, much like today, the best athletes were hailed as great warriors, heroes and celebrities.

 It is humbling to know that surfing has been around long before any of us where born, while windsurfing, on the other hand, is a fairly new sport, not having been invented until 1967 by two Californias; Hoyle Schweitzer and Jim Drake.

 As Mr. Drake so eloquently states "Windsurfing is still young and just hasn't grown up yet.  I for one will be pleased with windsurfing the more it attracts women, couples and children.  There is no better way of seeing a sport than through children's eyes."

 Although still in its infancy, windsurfing (or board-sailing as it is less commonly described) has gained rapid popularity in the past three decades.

 Maui ha become the windsurfing hub of the universe and Hookipa Beach Park (just past Paia town on Hana Hwy.) is the main site for numerous world-class competitions.

 The world's top men and women live or train on Maui, including American Super-Star/Wave Champion Robby Naish along with seven-time world cup phenomemon Bjorn Dunkerbeck from Spain, and among top women, Jessica Crisp, from Australia.

 Hawaii's famed Jerry Lopez and David Kalama are two examples of how greatness can be achieved.  Over the years, they have acquired the ultimate skill levels at both surfing and windsurfing.

 Each sport complements the other perfectly.  There is something to be said for the sheer simplicity of surfing.  Just grab your 'stick" and hit the water (less gear to hassle with and fewer time constraints).  Yet, I msus admit, nothing surpasses the sensation of wind and wave power combined.