Boogie Boarding & Bodysurfing

Bodysurfing and "sponging" (as boogie boarding is called by the regulars) are great ways to catch some waves without having to master surfing -- and there's no balance or coordination required. A boogie board (or "sponge") is softer than a hard, fiberglass surfboard, which means you can ride safely in the rough-and-tumble surf zone. If you get tossed around (which is half the fun), you don't have a heavy surfboard nearby to bang your head on, but you do have something to hang onto. Serious spongers invest in a single short-clipped fin to help propel them into the wave.

How to Catch a Wave

The technique for catching waves is the same with or without a board. Swim out to where the swell is just beginning to break, and position yourself toward shore. When the next wave comes, lie on your board (if you have one), kick like crazy, and catch it! You'll feel the push of the wave as you glide in front of the gurgling, foamy surf. When bodysurfing, put your arms over your head, bring your index fingers together (so you look like the letter 'A'), and stiffen your body like a board to achieve the same effect. If you don't like to swim too far out, stick with boogie boarding and bodysurfing close to shore. Shorebreak (if it isn't too steep) can be exhilarating to ride. You'll know it's too steep if you hear the sound of slapping when the waves hit the sand. You're looking for waves that curl over and break farther out, then roll, not slap onto the sand. Always watch first to make sure the conditions aren't too strong.

Best Spots

If you don't mind nudity (officially illegal, but practiced nonetheless), Little Beach (On Makena Rd., first entrance to Makena State Beach Park; climb rock wall at north end of beach) is the best break on the island for boogie boarding and bodysurfing. The shape of the sandy shoreline creates waves that break a ways out and tumble on into shore. Because it's sandy, you only risk stubbing a toe on the few submerged rocks, not a reef floor. Don't even think about boogie boarding at neighboring Big Beach -- you'll be slapped like a flapjack onto the steep shore.

Kamaole III (S. Kihei Rd.) is another good spot for bodysurfing and boogie boarding. It has a sandy floor, with 1- to 3-foot waves breaking not too far out. It's often crowded late into the day, especially on weekends when local kids are out of school. Don't let that chase you away; the waves are wide enough for everyone.

On the North Shore, Paia Bay (Just before Paia town, beyond large community building and grass field) has waves suitable for spongers and bodysurfers. Park in the public lot across the street and leave your valuables at home, as this beach is known for break-ins.

Equipment Rental

Most condos and hotels have boogie boards available to guests -- some in better condition than others (but beat-up boogies work just as well for beginners). You can also pick up a boogie board from any discount shop, such as Kmart or Long's Drugs, for upward of $30.

Auntie Snorkel. You can rent decent boogie boards here for $5 a day, or $15 a week. 2439 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei. 808/879-6263.

Honolua Surf. "Waverider" boogie boards with smooth undersides (better than the bumpy kind) can be rented from this surf shop for $8 a day, or $35 a week (with a $100 deposit). 2411 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei. 808/874-0999. 845 Front St., Lahaina. 808/661-8848.