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PART 2 of 2: Summer on the North Shore of Oahu |
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By: Bill Ward
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Thursday, 31 July 2008 |
Stand up paddling has hit the North Shore and the two are a perfect fit. The coastline offers a plethora of options; variety is the name of the game for summer stand up paddling. Those seeking a mellow cruising session with calm surface waters usually head for the harbor of historic Haleiwa town. Starting there and moving north we will take a look at several of these amazing locations to paddle.
Haleiwa harbor-You enter the water somewhere around the war memorial statue (with engraved names of the local men who gave their lives in WW2. Korea & Vietnam) and start to paddle towards the incredibly beautiful scenic Pua’ena (glowing flower) point and the bay inside that is adjacent to Haleiwa park. As you paddle out a few hundred yards its breathtaking to just stop for a moment to absorb and appreciate the stunning beauty that is surrounding you. Sweeping from north to south you see Pua’ena point, Haleiwa park bay, the war memorial, the outrigger canoes on the beach, the Anahulu stream flowing under Rainbow bridge, the boat harbor itself, Ali’i & Kai’aka beach parks and the Waianae mountain range that slopes down the western most point of Oahu at Kaena point.
Anahulu Stream runs underneath the historic Rainbow bridge and is Oahu’s longest stream at 20 miles. You can only paddle up about a mile or so but it is well worth seeing. There is something about that stream that feels wonderfully serene and peaceful every time you paddle it. This run is great for the frustrated North Shore surfer who needs the combo of exercise and peace of mind. It is also an excellent place for a romantic paddle with the wife or girlfriend or some much needed family time with the keiki’s.
Waimea bay is truly a sight to behold. Just knowing what happens there when the huge winter swells arrive makes the thought of paddling it almost unnerving. However, in the calmness of summer time, the bay is most welcoming. A paddle along the volcanic rocks and out to where the large swells break shows just how big and deep this playground for the big wave aficionados really is to us mere mortals. A closer inspection reveals some boulders that actually get tossed around in huge surf. The paddle itself is wonderful but the bay itself is truly awe inspiring.
Downwind runs have become insanely popular this summer and everyone is doing them. You grab a friend or five, drop a car off at the destination and take another car to the starting point. You get an incredible workout that is honestly more fun than work! The prevailing NE trade winds are perfect along the entire coast. Turtle bay to Waimea, Sunset to Waimea, Waimea to Laniakea or Haleiwa or Lani’s to Haleiwa harbor to name a few. These runs are anywhere from 3 to 8-10 miles and leave the paddlers exhausted but exhilarated with huge smiles and a desire to go again as soon as possible!
The more serious who may also train for the grueling 32 mile Molokai to Oahu race take on the Haleiwa to Mokoleia 8 mile run. However, these downwind runs are also being done by anyone and everyone in addition to surfers; moms, kids, dads, kayakers, grandparent, uncles, aunties, out rigger canoe paddlers and the list goes on. Organizations like Hennessy, C4 Waterman, Quicksilver and Da Hui sponsor competitive downwind races to add to the fun and health factor and virtually every race saw record numbers of new SUP entries this year.
Everyone may be doing SUP this summer, but for the otherwise frustrated North Shore surfer it has been nothing short of miraculous. Stand up paddle surfing has given NS surfers a new breath of life for what was otherwise 4 months of self pity, boredom and even occasional seasonal alcoholism (OSA for short). I have heard more than one person say SUP is helping us evolve into better, more complete waterman. Our senses are heightened and muscles strengthened from the moment we start paddling. Stand up paddling has broadened our horizons and has enabled us to experience the water, reefs and sea life from a whole new perspective. In a natural and seamless manner, stand up paddling encourages us to appreciate our surroundings by slowing down our pace. Many will still continue to prone surf this winter when the surf returns to us, but don’t be surprised if many simply continue the SUP fun they discovered this summer. Until then keep surfing and share with others your newfound stoke of SUP!.......Aloha………….Bill
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