This what fun looks like from my POV.

Looks like a blast.. nice riding !!

Sweet. How often do you hit reef at kanaha? I was able to stand up in some areas

Nice I like that pov better than the board mount.speaking of hitting the reef I wonder how many turtle strikes happen as anyone that's been to Maui in the last 30 years knows that turtles have made a huge comeback on the north shore. Also the last time I checked Maui Craigslist a lot of the foils had reef damage

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thedoor said..
Sweet. How often do you hit reef at kanaha? I was able to stand up in some areas

Thanks I am glad you liked it. I think it's a more realistic POV despite the "shrinking wave" issue. I figure the camera is 6'4"+2'+1' = 9ft above the water and I am not near the foot of the wave most of the time. Unless I am swimming.

This last trip of 7/8 weeks I hit the reef once during the last week. Only because it was a big day and I lost track of were I was.

I have learnt not to get too greedy and kick out before the last couple turns over the shallow spots on the reef; if the tide is below 1.5ft
When I started riding over the reef I would hit it once a week. I have a 945 that has more bondo than carbon
During my spring visit when the tides don't always line up with the 11 am start time, there are days when you have to launch and foil straight to the outside, through the channel, or go down to Ka'a where there is no real reef.
Like most things experience and local knowledge really helps and the locals are more than willing to help identify the shallow spots.

Oh there are several spots in Kihei or the harbour when there is no reef and a sandy bottom. But no reef means you don't get that famous north swell break.

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Hess said..

thedoor said..
Sweet. How often do you hit reef at kanaha? I was able to stand up in some areas

Thanks I am glad you liked it. I think it's a more realistic POV despite the "shrinking wave" issue. I figure the camera is 6'4"+2'+1' = 9ft above the water and I am not near the foot of the wave most of the time. Unless I am swimming.

This last trip of 7/8 weeks I hit the reef once during the last week. Only because it was a big day and I lost track of were I was.

I have learnt not to get too greedy and kick out before the last couple turns over the shallow spots on the reef; if the tide is below 1.5ft
When I started riding over the reef I would hit it once a week. I have a 945 that has more bondo than carbon
During my spring visit when the tides don't always line up with the 11 am start time, there are days when you have to launch and foil straight to the outside, through the channel, or go down to Ka'a where there is no real reef.
Like most things experience and local knowledge really helps and the locals are more than willing to help identify the shallow spots.

Oh there are several spots in Kihei or the harbour when there is no reef and a sandy bottom. But no reef means you don't get that famous north swell break.

Hess, have you ever foiled on the SW coast, east of Lahina?

Yes Sir, I believe you mean Kihei
Lots of folks (windsurfers, wingers, downwind sup) go out at the north end of Kihei at the Jetty or Church or Ohukia road park (there is a reef there) Also at the south end of Kihei at Kewakapou. Some pros have hit LaPerouse, at the south end of the island, on a big south swell and Kona wind but I am not worthy.

Kihei is the tourist area with mostly side off wind and no reef. The wind is a gustier but the water is smooth at the north and and nice rollers at the south end but it really only happens when the wind is more northerly and can shut off.

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KDog said..
Nice I like that pov better than the board mount.speaking of hitting the reef I wonder how many turtle strikes happen as anyone that's been to Maui in the last 30 years knows that turtles have made a huge comeback on the north shore. Also the last time I checked Maui Craigslist a lot of the foils had reef damage

I think you are spot on about foils with reef damage. I don't know anyone that rides over the reef that does not have some scares on their foil. I have found I am getting better at picking the right location and tide to minimize reef damage.
Maui has so many of our turtle friends there are many days that I have seen more than 10 turtles sunning themselves at kite beach at kanaha. And you can witness too much turtle porn on the water during mating season

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WsurfAustin said..
Looks like a blast.. nice riding !!

Thanks it is a blast.
The Windfoil really shines in light wind and allows me to carve on a swell even before it breaks. Resulting in way longer rides with way more turns in conditions I would not even be able to windsurf wave ride in.

What is your favourite time of year to visit in terms of wind and waves?

John,
Although I am not a local and have not spent any time there in Jan or Feb I prefer to be there in the spring and the fall to get the best combination of wind and waves (North Swell).
If you are more into open ocean down winding and/or stronger winds then I would recommend the summer. If you want the best waves and lighter winds then the winter is the best time.
If you want to ride the ground swell over the reef which breaks about 90 degrees from the wind direction and you are only going for a short period of time, then check the Kahalui Harbour tide charts. You want the tide after, 11 am, to be over 1ft, preferably over 1.5ft to feel safe over most of the Kanaha reef at lowers. There are other spots you can go that are not effected by tide.