I've been wave sailing for a couple of years now. Slowly getting the hang of it.
This year seemed to be the year to try Hookipa.
The day started with a Matt Prichard picking me up at the airport and taking me straight to North Shore Maui for a two hour lesson.
After lunch, I felt like I was dialled in. Matt suggested we should spend the afternoon at Hookipa. Lesson over, now time to have fun. He knew I wanted it badly. But honestly I was very intimidated.
We sat on the beach for half an hour watching 12 awesome wave sailors. 10 of whom are on the world tour. He introduced me to Robby swift in the car park. Lovely guy.
The launch spot is a key hole between the rocks with a nasty little shore break. You have to time it perfectly.
As soon as you jump on, you get sucked toward the rocks in a wind shadow. You are slogging very slowly hoping a big set doesn't smash you.
Once getting past the point, the wind picks up and you are safe.
Out the back the pros are lining up to get the best waves. Luckily Robby recognised me and gave me a few of the smaller rides. What a guy!
My first wave was a moment in life I won't forget. I picked up the swell on the outside, positioned myself at the peak and the BAM I popped my cherry and flew down the line.
I wasn't game to ride the section in front of the rocks. No room for error there.
At the end of the session I was so stuffed I became uncoordinated. Getting in was easy. Aim for the key hole, jump off and run before you get smacked.
A few days later, Matt sent me this video. Unbeknown to both of us, his brother Kevin Pritchard was hidden in the rocks filming. I'm super pumped to share it with you all.
Btw. I'm the learner in the red helmet. The guy who knows what he is doing is Matt Pritchard.
Can't wait for my next clinic in April
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/Maui-Clinic-April-11th-to-14th-2017/
