At the end of the most successful windsurfing season since I started some nine years ago, some of us managed to pull off a double whammy for the sport of windsurfing. WO2 Steve Myers from the British Dummersee Yacht Club, Germany came up with the idea - quickly supported by eleven volunteers - why not test ourselves in the most demanding, windiest, roughest places on the planet. This was the seed sown, the start of Extreme Surf Maui.
What seemed to be an eternity on planes, trains and automobiles finally ended when we arrived at Maui airport, complete with local band and dancing hoola girls.
On to our accommodation some 40 minutes journey from the airport, a journey that we would get to know well, as the beach was not far away. On arrival at the accommodation we saw all the gear. That got us over any jet lag, loading the vans with as much kit as possible and shooting off to the beach, passing places seen only in windsurfing magazines.
On arrival at the beach we were like kids at Christmas, all trying to get out onto the water as fast as possible. The wind was not the best ever, but it was a result, we sailed on day one in Hawaii and not eaten by sharks.
Day two. We were woken up well too early by a cockerel with a death wish. Went for a PT session on bikes down to the beach, it was fine on the way down, but a hell of a ride back. We all windsurfed for the rest of the day. It was kind of average, but the hot tub felt pretty good with a few beers afterwards.
Day three. Same cockerel, same death wish. With no wind a quick decision made to go surfing at the famous Hoopika Beach. Surfing is part of the wave sailing training that none of us had done much of before. For those who have never surfed before it can be simulated by getting a floaty thing from the swimming pool and then swimming up a fast running river and if you manage to get up about 200m you stand on it and see how long you stay on. Unless you are a native Hawaiian who can use five strokes and glide out and over the waves at about ten times faster than any European, you have no hope. You must also bear in mind the threat in your mind of becoming a McSharkies breakfast meal.
Day four. Seems to be a pattern here - damn cockerel. And still no real wind, worries and frustration were setting in that the trade winds had gone forever.
Day five. We started early with a snorkelling trip out to the reefs. After some time swimming with turtles and fish I returned to have some lunch. I heard the shout of "SHARK!". Quite bizarre, everyone jumped in! I thought it was supposed to be "get out of the water", but apparently only friendly ones live here - really!!!!!!
However that afternoon was the start of the trade winds (BIG WINDS), they were gradually building. Next morning was to be the end of our wait, down to the beach early with lots of small boards and sails. Big waves, loads of jumping and long camera lenses hopefully to tell the tale. Capt Steve Jones RE was the only loon ball trying to loop and a few credible attempts he had.
With two days to go there was just time to see the sun rise from on top of the highest volcano on the Island at 10500ft, and a 37 mile downhill ride to breakfast. On the way down we lasted for about half an hour before Jim King REME realised that he did not have stabilisers on and went straight over the handlebars. For a few seconds afterwards our group looked like the Tour de France, bikes and bodies everywhere.
Anyone thinking of going to Hawaii to party, or anything other than something to do with the sea should think again. Don't bother, go to Spain. It's surf and bed in Hawaii. However some pretty good BBQ's and beers in the hot tub should not be missed.
Thanks should go to our host Josh Stone (windsurfing pro) who took the time out to meet us, come to our BBQ's and give some top tips on our windsurfing. Our sponsors, LANDROVER (Germany) NAAFI VIP, GUL INTERNATIONAL, STONES PLACE .COM. Also funding from ASA, ARMY SPORTS LOTTERY, BERLIN INFANTRY MEMORIAL FUND, REME, RE, INFANTRY, RLC, and OSNABRUCK GARRISON sports funds. And finally to WO2 S Myers for putting it all together.
To all those sports persons out there keep your eyes open. There are exercises happening all over the world, when you get the chance to take part in one do it.
To all those that don't take part in a sport - why not?
WO2 M Brooks
