Big Island/Kona SUP surfing

[odfx]

Hi All!

I may be heading to Kona this winter and was wondering what the SUP surfing climate is over there? I think I'd be walking distance to Kahalu'u bay. I'm an experienced SUP surfer familiar with reefs and etiquette and am really just looking to jump in the water as the sun rises to get some exercise and enjoy the warm water and view. Wave quality is less important then a good vibe and nice time.

Does anyone have experience SUP'ing over in this area or perhaps suggestions? I've seen the surf school has surfers out there quite often on the inside section and the outside seems to be more surfers. I read the surf report and it suggested that locals can be a bit intolerant but I have no direct experience with that.

Any suggestions or feedback would be much appreciated!

Thanks

[Dusk Patrol]

Hey odfx - welcome...

I was watching your post in hopes that someone would have some input.  But as I think about it I have not (in the last few years) seen much if any conversation about the Big Island.

But try this:   Select "Forum" from the menu above, then select the "Travel, Trips & Destinations" category, THEN, when you are on that category's page, go to the top right corner and enter "Kona" in the search field.

I got quite a few hits. Maybe there's something interesting in there, even if a little old.       

[odfx]

Hi Dusk Patrol,

Thanks so much, I'll give that a try now!

odfx

[OkiWild]

I read the surf report and it suggested that locals can be a bit intolerant but I have no direct experience with that.

Any suggestions or feedback would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Stay away from the locals. Everywhere has some little crap break that's empty. If you're out alone and a local paddles out to the peak you're on, say good morning, and ask if it's OK to SUP here? If they say no, move to another peak. Most likely they'll tell you that it's OK until it gets crowded, or tell you where to go.

Mostly arrogance gets met with arrogance. If you're humble, and show respect, they'll almost never be mean.

If you're there long enough, and stay away from the main peaks, and they can see that you surf OK, eventually they get curious and will talk to you in the parking lot. The lone guy out who stays away from the pack, surfs ok, and never causes trouble. That's the guy to be.

I started surfing on Oahu from age 6-10, then moved to Okinawa. I have very good friends in Makaha, surfers, shapers... Still not allowed to SUP surf in Makaha, and can only take scraps if prone surfing...LOL  Hawaii is rough ;-)

[odfx]

Hi OkiWild,

Great feedback and advice. I appreciate it and we're on the same page RE let the locals surf their peaks/breaks. I spent quite a bit of time Hilo side back in the late 80s surfing short boards and had a few good friends from the Islands and it was still rough at times but eventually a few of the locals warmed up...not all though. I get it, scarce resources and people coming into your lineups from other places feeling entitled to get 'theirs'. Without good etiquette problems are inevitable.

Anyway, thanks again for feedback.

odfx

[gladwell4]

Aloha odfx,

We have gone to Hahalu'u several times and always found it to be a friendly, beautiful spot. Be courteous, and humble Give aloha, you will get aloha.

[gladwell4]

Kahalu'u

[odfx]

Hi gladwell4,

That's great to hear! I'm looking forward to my stay!

Thanks,

odfx