LIHU‘E — Whether or not some animosity exists between stand-up paddleboarders, surfers and swimmers, it’s evident that the popular sport is helping to boost the local economy. There has been a definite increase in sales, rentals and interest, said Patrick
LIHU‘E — Whether or not some animosity exists between stand-up paddleboarders, surfers and swimmers, it’s evident that the popular sport is helping to boost the local economy.
There has been a definite increase in sales, rentals and interest, said Patrick Coan of Hanalei Surf Company, Thursday.
“Tourists are coming in and flipping out about it,” he said.
The local surf shop is reportedly selling at least twice as many paddleboards as it did last year and visitors are even having them shipped over to the Mainland for use in their own local waterways.
“It’s an amazing wave craft,” Coan said. “A good thing is it’s not just for waves, it’s for flat water too.”
Which is likely the reason not only island residents have caught on to the new trend, but Mainland and global visitors have as well, he added.
Christine French, owner and manger of Nukumoi Surf Co. in Po‘ipu and Waimea, agreed, without hesitation, that paddleboard sales have recently gone through the roof.
“We had six people asking about it this morning already,” she said Thursday.
Even though the economy has supposedly been tanking, French said paddleboards and the accouterments — which are not exactly inexpensive — are being sold at a rate much faster than conventional surf boards.
“It’s a good business to get into as the sport is growing,” said Randall Francisco, president of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, who is no stranger to enterprise success. “From the business standpoint, an opportunity like this adds to a visitor’s experience, as they are always looking for something new and also it’s a chance for residents to get out in the water and enjoy themselves.”
“It’s new, up and coming, and everyone knows about it,” French said. “It’s good exercise and it’s fun, you can cruise around and look at the reefs and fish, you can take it in the rivers, or you can ride the waves.”
Coan agrees that the sport covers a wide range of uses, which is why so many are jumping on the paddleboarding bandwagon.
Not only does it work different muscle groups and is a great form of exercise, it is a way to experience the ocean from a new vantage point, he said.
“Stand-up boarders sometimes have an advantage,” Coan added. “You can see out to sea much further when you’re standing and waiting. Sometimes boarders will call out waves for other surfers.”
But things are not always cordial in the water, and as more stand-up boarders emerge, tension is bound to arise. In Honolulu, officials have designated areas specifically for stand-up paddle boarders at some locations.
All it takes is a little aloha and respect to fellow surfers and swimmers, Coan said.
“People should still have complete surf etiquette; a good water man all around,” Coan said.
“Everyone should be competent and good at it if they’re around other people,” he added, expressing that individuals should know what they are doing and practice the skill before leaping into the mix.
“I think that there’s plenty of ocean out there,” French said. “We’re fortunate that we have so many accessible beaches and breaks on Kaua‘i. If it’s too crowded, go to another and just have fun.”
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will be hosting an informational public discussion regarding the use of stand-up paddleboards in Kaua‘i waters from 7 to 8 p.m., June 10, at the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria in Lihu‘e.
For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor.
•Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
