Four of us (Steve, Terry, Roger and I) arrived to a beautiful calm, sunny day at Pōkaʻī Bay for the July 28th paddle. As we ventured out of the bay the wind seemed to be guiding us along and all was well in the world. I noticed rain beginning over the mountains but other than a welcome cloud cover we never got more than a sprinkle on us.
Sandy and Roger in Pōkaʻī Bay – photo by TerryRain in Waiʻanae Valley – photo by Sandy
The wind, however, decided to change direction not far into the paddle, making it more of a challenge but still not too hard. Most of the way was fairly uneventful so we simply enjoyed the iconic Hawaiian scenery. The dolphins failed to escort us, or even show up, but we did see some honu.
Dramatic high level clouds – photo by SandyRoger, Sandy and Steve at Mākaha – photo by Terry
And then my paddle brought up some colorful string, like someone’s rainbow sweater had come unraveled in the ocean (thank you for that image, Roger). I began to pull one part, then the other, and got to the last of it in one direction while the other seemed endless. It seemed to take forever and I was starting to get bored, but I didn’t want to leave it floating in the ocean for any sealife to become entangled in it. Indeed, I heard an exhale behind me and turned to see a large honu checking us out. I like to think she was thanking us for clearing up the mess.
Sandy handlines abandoned fishing lineHeavy braided fishing line that Sandy collected – photo by Sandy
Terry suggested tying the line onto his fishing reel to speed up the process and I welcomed that idea. It filled up his reel to overflowing and there was still more! He eventually arrived at a floating plastic jug far from shore and worked at gathering up the rest of the mess before joining us to finish the trip. Steve had already removed a snarl of line further back. Typical do-gooders, saving the ocean one string at a time.
The total mess that Sandy and Terry collected – photo by Terry
After paddling about 7.5 miles we landed at Mākua Beach, dodging swimmers and smallish waves, feeling pretty good about it all.
On the beach at Mākua. Not sure what Roger’s doing. – photo by Terry
My first real paddle with the club took place this past Sunday, and it was a fantastic experience. Gathering at Waiale‘e Beach Park, eight paddlers on seven kayaks unloaded our boats and got ready for the day’s adventure. After organizing our gear and arranging the 18-mile roundtrip car shuttle to Hale‘iwa Beach Park, we launched at around 9:45 AM.
Kayaks ready to launch at Waiale‘e
Led by our experienced paddle leader, Tim Sawyer, the first stretch was smooth sailing, with a beautiful day on the water and no significant swells to challenge us. Paddling past the famous North Shore surf breaks, including Sunset Beach, was a real treat, though we paddled a bit offshore to avoid the breaking waves at Sunset Point.
Once beyond the surf, the paddle became even more relaxed, allowing us to enjoy the stunning coastline and admire the homes along the beachfront while scoping out beach erosion. One of my favorite parts was Sharks Cove, where we navigated close to the rocks, carefully avoiding snorkelers. I was on my Prowler 13, which I managed with, but it was a bit difficult to keep on track at times without a rudder. However, I am happy to report I managed to keep up with the group.
Oh, what a beautiful day!
Halfway through, we stopped at Waimea Bay for a lunch break. The water was incredibly clear and blue, so we all enjoyed a dip before finding shade against the rocky cliff to refuel for the second half of the paddle. While eating lunch, we took in the sights of the busy Jumping Rock and beach. The camaraderie was fantastic, with everyone sharing stories and snacks, making the break even more enjoyable.
Tim at WaimeaLunch break in the shade at WaimeaBusy day at Jumping Rock – photo by Sandy
As we continued towards Hale‘iwa, a steady easterly wind helped us along the coast. We saw lots of honu (green sea turtles) at various points along the way, adding a bit of magic to our journey. I logged an average speed of 2.8 miles per hour, covering a total distance of 9.94 miles. Approaching Hale‘iwa Beach Park, the sun’s golden glow cast a serene light over the water and the welcome sight of the War Memorial where we parked our cars hours earlier, wrapping up a perfect day on the ocean. This paddle was a fantastic introduction to the club, and I look forward to many more adventures with this great group.
The surf was up at Makaha, but that didn’t deter 16 paddlers from venturing out into the beautiful blue at our second Meet & Greet event of the year. Nine of the paddlers were on their first club paddle. I nervously watched the forecast as advisory level winds blew across the state in the preceding days. Good karma came through, however, and the advisory expired just before our event. A second threat came from an advisory level south shore swell that had potential for some wraparound on the west. I put my faith in Surfline’s prediction of 3 to 4 foot surf at Makaha and trusted that the wide channel in the bay would give us plenty of leeway to paddle out safely even with beginners.
Terry says, “We’re going that way!” – photo by Ruby
Bill, Steve and the Kennedys provided loaner kayaks. They gave the beginners brief instructions and got them fitted into their PFDs and kayaks. I told the group that our route was down the center of the bay, staying well clear of the breaking surf on each side, and then turning south. Our goal was Lahilahi Point, being aware that there could be large swells and not to venture too close to shore. Right after launch we would practice kayak reentry with experienced members helping the beginners.
Ready to launch – photo by Katrena
As we lined up our kayaks at the water’s edge a life guard zoomed up on an ATV. He just wanted to know where we were headed and to warn us about the big swells outside. We thanked him for his diligence and began the paddle with Stan expertly demonstrating a huli and recovery.
Stan demonstrates kayak reentry – photo by RubyCarolyn shows that she can do it too! – photo by Ruby
We got everyone off the beach without incident although I did have to chase down one first-timer as she began drifting toward the surf break. We gathered in the bay for the group photo at the top of this post before heading out. Katrena took a photo of us as we began to paddle out with what looks like a very large breaking wave going across the bay. I don’t recall a breaking wave spanning the bay (otherwise I would have had second thoughts about leading the group out that way) so it must have just been the angle that she took the shot at along with telephoto compression that created this dramatic perspective. In any case, we didn’t have to plow through any breaking waves and we safely began our journey.
Surf was up as we headed out (not really)! – photo by Katrena
Occasional large swells rolled by as we headed toward Lahilahi giving the beginners the thrill of bobbing up and over these gentle moving liquid hills. Sandy and I escorted most of the group with Bill and Stan staying close to a couple of the slower paddlers. I had a slight scare when a large swell passed us by and I noticed Bill and his paddler well inside of us, possibly in too close. I breathed a sigh of relief after watching them disappear behind a wall of water and then nonchalantly reappear. Regardless, I quickly radioed Bill to move further outside. “10-4!”, came a prompt reply.
Susan enjoying her first SOT ride – photo by TerryThe Philpott family three – photo by TerryChristine enjoying the paddle – photo by TerryNew member Ben Burgess – photo by Terry
We turned around at Lahilahi with most of the group heading straight back to shore. A few people wanted to snorkel so I tethered their kayaks to mine while they jumped in. Mark Philpott and one of his daughters snorkeled while the other stayed in the kayak. She was a little nervous as our little flotilla drifted outside of the surf break. Her nervousness stemmed from an kayaking incident they had a week earlier resulting in their rescue near Kahana Bay. They made the news! Mark looked us up soon after. He wants to learn how to paddle safely and to be able to paddle with a group.
Amy and Adam return and Randy and Bill lend a hand – photo by Katrena
An additional twelve non-paddlers, members and guests, held down the picnic site. Norm and Alan Matsuo grilled goodies while Ruby and Eileen setup the potluck spread. We enjoyed an opu-filling lunch and got to know the first-time paddlers. Ben Burgess and Mark Philpott joined the club on the spot and the seed was planted in the others. Mahalo to all who contributed to another successful Meet & Greet!
Story and Photos by Carolyn Corley (except as noted)
July 6, 2024
The morning dawned clear and bright with a slight, steady breeze from the east. I was excited for my first full-length paddle with the club since joining at the Cinco de Coptic Easter Meet and Greet at Kualoa Beach Park. Upon arriving on the beach at Kahana, we chanced to meet some folks from the nonprofit, Mai Uka Ku‘u Wa‘a, getting ready to launch their child-sized, handmade canoes for the first time. Among other Polynesian/Hawaiian cultural education programs, this group cuts down invasive trees and teaches kids how to carve their own canoe hulls with a traditional adze, or hand axe. I’ve included some footage of the maiden voyage of a Hawaiian style outrigger canoe complete with a sail.
Mai Uka Ku‘u Wa‘a canoes on the beachMaiden voyage of a Mai Uka Ku‘u Wa‘a canoe
Once we set out on the water ourselves, we enjoyed a smooth paddle with spectacular views of the lush green Ko‘olaus. Terry and I stayed within the reef, thankfully, as the white caps beyond looked daunting. The ever-intrepid Steve took off with his fishing poles and was soon lost to sight, if not to radio signal. Bill and Sandy opted to put in further along the coast — and dear reader, I admit now that I probably should have joined them for a shorter paddle… more on that in a bit. Meanwhile, I reveled in the salty air tinged with the fragrance of plumerias with my pre-workout drink vibing through my veins. I was ready for adventure! Gliding along the coast, the water was an otherworldly shade of clear azure. We saw pristine, secluded beaches, heard many manu singing their songs, and even spied a couple honu surfacing for breath.
The author leaving Kahana Bay on a Scrambler XT – photo by TerryLooking down the coast from Kahana Bay
As we approached Lāi‘e Point, the views and conditions became decidedly less serene. The wind picked up significantly and the waves responded in kind. While I never felt in any danger of tipping my rented Scrambler XT, the wide, rudderless boat was ponderously slow and difficult to steer amongst the swells. The thought that kept me going was, “I will not be rescued off the water today. I WILL NOT be rescued off the water today!” A mantra of determination and hubris. I paddled furiously to keep up with Terry, who had the patience of saint throughout my ordeal. Despite the challenges, I was nevertheless thrilled to see the dramatically rugged coastline, not to mention the puka — a testament to the ocean’s relentless power. I’m ever in awe of the combined natural forces that shaped our island home.
Punalu‘u beach housesThe big surf at Lāi‘e Point gave us a thrilling ride! – photo by TerryLooking through the Kukuiho‘olua Islet Arch – photo by Terry
Once we arrived at Māleakahana, the waters calmed once more, but my poor arms were noodles from the workout. I had precious little left in the tank when I finally huli’d ashore, losing my cap and sunglasses to waves, alas. But I popped right back up and was grateful to Bill and Steve for hauling my boat up the beach. Exhausted as I was, I beamed with pride when Terry said that having made my way through the gauntlet of Lāi‘e officially qualified me for any paddle around the island.
As with many challenges I’ve faced in this life, I survived this excursion with about half as much grace as I wish I had yet double the amount of strength and endurance I ever imagined I had. And lesson learned: rudders rule! Once more unto the breach, dear friends! (Gotta add some Shakespeare in there, couldn’t help myself 😁)
As we rendezvoused at the Hale‘iwa War Memorial the beach park was already bustling as early birds began to arrive for the 25th Hale‘iwa Arts Festival. While I’m sure the festival offered lots of nice things to see, three other paddlers and I opted to enjoy the beauty of the ocean instead.
The wind and ocean were calm leaving Hale‘iwa. Stan Dalbec, Bill Murphy and Harry Chiu decided to take a route inside the reef. I stayed outside the breakers as I was dragging a lure and hoped that the predicted uptick in wind would be strong enough for sailing.
Harry Chiu passing Hale‘iwaNorth Shore O‘ahu from Waialua to Kaena
The forecast was accurate as a steady breeze came up just after eleven. I opened my Wind Paddle and began a slow sail. Initially, I moved just a little faster than the paddlers, but the wind picked up and, as Bill told me later, I “shot ahead”. The wind got so strong that I dropped the sail for the last quarter mile because the cross swells were getting large and I had to weave my way through several groups of free divers.
As we approached the Dillingham Airfield a group of about six skydivers floated down from the clouds.
Sailing with a Wind PaddleSkydivers over Mokuleia
I waited outside of Runway Beach for the rest of the group to catch up, but only Bill appeared. The inside passage had closed out before our landing spot and while Bill was able to punch his way out Harry, who was on just his second club paddle, was not as fortunate and had his first huli. Bill said that while he learned about bracing into a wave when he was a beginner this was the first time he had to put it into practice. That tells you something about the conditions.
Harry’s happy to reach Runway Beach
Stan came to Harry’s aid and they regrouped on shore. From shore they spotted a path through the surf and decided to paddle on. While this paddle was more challenging than Harry expected he was smiling at the end and looks forward to more adventures with the hui.
