Here are a few happy snaps of Craig Mann and myself with the Gopro taken over the last few days. We were lucky enough to get a three or four days of North-West swell which is rare for August. Breeze has been pretty moderate by Maui standards - using 5.0 or 4.5 most days, with some race gear on standby in case it's a little lighter in the morning.
Can't wait to get home and back to work of course , but in the meantime - back out to the reef!
Hi Mate,
Managed to snare a brief 10 day trip to Maui from the wife!! leave in a week or so.
Did you take your own kit or hire from a store? If so who would you recommend?
I've sent emails to a couple but had nothing back yet??...
Any other tips for a first timer??
Cheers..
Thanks for the help guys.
It's just frustrating when a few of them offer 20% discounts on pre-paid rentals, but when you can't contact them to pre-pay.....
Is going with one who offers insurance a good idea?
Cheers
Try Hawaiian Island Surf and Sail in Kahului. Book gear from Oz, pay for it and collect on arrival. You can change boards and sails according to the conditions.
They offer the discounts, we got 3 sails, 3 masts, boom, base, ext and board back in 2006 for $600 US for 3 weeks. One of the guys we travelled with scored us a great deal as a repeat booking. Obviously that's a long time ago but if you haggle there are some great deals to be had. Ask some of the guys that have just been, they will be more up to date.
You can negotiate a discount, they're pretty loose when it comes to special deals, and that's not just in the windsurf shops.
last time I was there the Np shop gave me a good discount on the retail rates even extended that to goods in the store.
just tell them you tried to pre book and want the discount or you go elsewhere. In fact I got into the habit of asking for a discount in every shop I visited, and got one in most cases, even the super market. The Americans have all sorts of promos, coupons and discount programs - just ask.
i wouldn't worry about gear insurance, unless you break a board in half ( unlikely) the repairs are reasonable. Take a stick of ding repair for minor bruises.
its handy if you have a premium credit card which covers your collision damage waiver for car rental as this can amount to 25 % of your car rental cost
Gday Hooda,
I just got back from Maui. I rented off Hi Tech. The gear available and the service was great.
You can swap gear from day to day probably even throughout the day if your keen depending on conditions. And if there isn't any wind for a day drop your gear in before 12 and you won't get charged for the day.
They didn't offer insurance but replacement gear for damage would be at wholesale prices and a fair chance your travel insurance would cover any damage.
I am sure most of the other hire shops would be the same.
Go and have some fun.
Cheers PK
Were you guys at the Sydney airport Thursday night? saw someone with windsurfing gear trying to catch a plane back to Perth before it left.
Thanks guys,
Really appreciate the advice, I can't wait.
Only wish I booked for more than 2 weeks.
I can't believe you didn't even take a T shirt AUS111, you must be in good shape!
Got a great rental deal through Kanaha Kai (Starboard & Hot Sails Maui) full carbon 2014 kit with 3 sails was cheaper than all but one other store for regular kit with 2 sails. They have insurance for $8 a day if you want that to.
They got back to me really quick and were really helpful. I'll post feed back when I get back.
Anymore advice or tips....keep it coming
hooda
Go to Charlies in Paia for brekky. Try the eggs benedict and the pancakes, sweet!!
Don't leave anything valuable in your car and get a key cut so you can take it on the water with you.
Sometimes if there is no wind on the North Shore its honking in Kihei. try Maui sunset and Pavillions on Sth Kihei Rd.
Buy lots of windsurf gear.
Try all the different beers.
I'm soooo jealous hooda.
I've got to wait until October before I get to go back.
As for packing, I take a day pack only.
But here are some serious tips.
Wear gloves.
Put new-skin on your hands before you go out. You can buy it there.
Get lessons. It's well worth it. Maui has the best coaches.