Windsurfing

Something about Maui's wind and water stirs the spirit of innovation. Windsurfing, invented in the 1950s, found its true home at Hookipa in 1980. Seemingly overnight, windsurfing pros from around the world flooded Maui's North Shore. Equipment evolved, amazing film footage was captured, and a new sport was born.

If you're new to the action, you can get lessons from the experts island-wide. For a beginner, the best thing about windsurfing is (unlike surfing) you don't have to paddle. Instead, you have to hold on like heck to a flapping sail, as it whisks you into the wind. Needless to say, you're going to need a little coordination and balance to pull this off. Instructors start you out on a beach at Kanaha, where the big boys go. Lessons range from two-hour introductory classes to five-day advanced "flight school." If you're an old salt, pick up tips and equipment from the companies below.

Paddle Surfing

Stand-up paddle surfing, where you stand on a longboard and paddle out with a canoe oar, is the new "comeback kid" of surf sports. Traced back to some of the first surfers on Waikiki, paddle surfing made its revival in recent years thanks to feats by Archie Kalepa, who crossed between Molokai and Oahu; and Laird Hamilton, who conquered Jaws on a stand-up paddleboard. Paddleboarding requires even more balance and coordination than regular surfing. But these days you can almost always see at least one lone paddler amid the pack -- watch for them.

Best Spots

After Hookipa Bay (2 mi past Paia on Hana Hwy.) was discovered by windsurfers three decades ago, this windy beach 10 mi east of Kahului gained an international reputation. The spot is blessed with optimal wave-sailing wind and sea conditions, and can offer the ultimate aerial experience.

In summer the windsurfing crowd heads south to Kalepolepo Beach (S. Kihei Rd. near Ohukai St.). Trade winds build in strength and by afternoon a swarm of dragonfly sails can be seen skimming the whitecaps, with the West Maui Mountains as a backdrop.

A great site for speed, Kanaha Beach Park (Behind Kahului Airport) is dedicated to beginners in the morning hours, before the waves and wind really get roaring. After 11 AM, the professionals choose from their quiver of sails the size and shape best suited for the day's demands. This beach tends to have smaller waves and forceful winds -- sometimes sending sailors flying at 40 knots. If you aren't ready to go pro, this is a great place for a picnic while you watch from the beach.

Equipment Rental & Lessons

Action Sports Maui. The quirky, friendly professionals here will meet you at Kanaha, outfit you with your sail and board, and guide you through your first "jibe" or turn. They promise your learning time will be cut in half. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Lessons are held at 9 AM every morning except Sunday at Kanaha, and start at $79 for a 2 1/2-hour class. 6 E. Waipuilani Rd., Kihei. 808/871-5857. www.actionsportsmaui.com.

Hi Tech Maui. Known locally as Maui's finest windsurfing school, Hawaiian Sailboarding Techniques (HST, located in Hi Tech) brings you quality instruction by skilled sailors. Founded by Alan Cadiz, an accomplished World Cup Pro, the school sets high standards for a safe, quality windsurfing experience. Hi Tech itself offers excellent equipment rentals; $50 gets you a board, two sails, a mast, and roof racks for 24 hours. 425 Koloa St., Kahului. 808/877-2111. www.htmaui.com.

Second Wind. Located in Kahului, this company rents boards with two sails for $44 per day. Boards with three sails go for $49 per day. 11 Hana Hwy., Kahului. 808/877-7467.

On the Sidelines

Few places lay claim to as many windsurfing tournaments as Maui. In March the PWA Hawaiian Pro-Am Windsurfing competition gets under way at Hookipa Beach. In June the Da Kine Windsurfing Classic lures top windsurfers to Kanaha Beach, and in November the Aloha Classic World Wave Sailing Championships takes place at Hookipa. For competitions featuring amateurs as well as professionals, check out the Maui Race Series (808/877-2111), six events held at Kanaha Beach in Kahului in summer.