Solo SUP around Maui, I Made it!

Here is small up date, tomorrow more with GoPro video and photos

It was hard but it was beautiful. This morning at 11.00 I came into Kanaha Beach Park, the place were I started 3 days and 2 hours and 40 minutes before (38 hrs and 25min of paddling). Thanks to everyone for your encouraging words.

Arrival in Kanaha
Yesterday I started off in Kaupo, after a long, more than 12 hours, paddle the day before from Launiopoko.

Lonely at sea

That day I just had to use the light or no wind I had. On trade wind days this part can break you.

The Caves between La Perouse and Kaupo

I was lucky and had most of the day a 4 knots from the back until it finally died totally. Just before dark I could make my small camp, basically a 3/4 sleeping mat , a blanket and a small mosquito net.

Very tired after a long 12 hr paddle.

Anyway, back to yesterday, the best and worst day in one. The worst because after it started out with no wind, it turned strong against me. 20 knots head wind is not funny on a stand up board. Luckily it was only really strong for a few miles than it calmed down to 10, still hard work all the way to Hana, where I had some food and lot's to drink. You can see, this was the bad part. The good part came after, when the wind became light from the side and I saw what I call the big four. Turtles, whales, sharks and dolphins.

2 Whales close to Nahiku

All between Hana and Ke'anea where Dagmar and Soleil waited for me. We made camp in Honomanu Bay. Today was the easiest of all days. a five hours paddle from Honomanu to Kanaha with nice trades from the back.

First day North Shore

And yes, Giampaolo, it was choppy and bouncy, but on this trip I had worse and I loved the trade winds, so I could finally glide the board. I used a starboard 12'2, 26 3/4 wide. Which is tippy but has a fast rocker for it's size.

In Kanaha my wife, Dagmar and daughter and Soleil were there together with Dennis and Rob. I got a nice trophy and 2 leis and felt deeply satisfied to accomplish this trip.

So why does one do this.
I take pleasure in doing something hard. It makes you humble and after it, you appreciate the normal things in life so much more, which most of us take for granted.
It is by far the best way to see Maui and you come to places others can not come to.
My way of saying 'Thank you' to Hawaiians who let us live and play here.
The stats:
Total time: 75 hrs and 20 min
Paddle time: 38 hrs 25 min
130 miles / 208 km
Board: starboard 12'2"

Paddle: Powerex, Sean Ordonez. I love this paddle, light stiff and good balance.

Gear: Dakine Lycra leash and camelbag. Perfect outfit. Specially the lycra which I wore for 38 hrs, mostly wet never started the chafe.
Equipment: 3 water bags, drybag, GPS, epirb, emergency kit, flares, lights, sleeping mat, blanket, mosquito net, dry fruit , bars, maps, life vest, GoPro video camera, and photo camera, dry T-shirt and extra short