For us who live here in Maui and the many more who have traveled here to kite, we all know what an amazing place this is to kite. Its consistently strong trade winds, warm water, spectacular views and winter swell make it some of the best kiteboarding on the planet. What many don’t know, possibly even some locals, is just how tenuous a relationship kiteboarding has with Maui’s North Shore. Under normal circumstances, none of us would be able to kitesurf on the north coast due to the presence of the airport. FAA regulations prohibit flying kites within 5 miles of an airport.
It is only allowed here due to the great efforts of some people who got involved in the sport from the very beginning. They helped create what’s known as “The Waiver,” the FAA waiver that allows kitesurfing off Maui’s north shore. Without it, we are all left without a great spot to kitesurf. What even fewer people know is that a person, not the county or some organization, has this exemption! It is currently in the hands of Joel Richman, father of Shawn and Jesse Richman, before him were Dylan Grafmyer and Martin Kirk. This is a considerable responsibility for one person and our thanks must go to Joel, Dylan and Martin. What all of us owe to these people is also our support and our continued effort to follow the rules! This means kitesurfing within permitted limits and especially staying away from the NO FLY ZONE in front of the airport runway. When a Kiteboarder decides to break the rules, he puts our entire sport at risk of being kicked off a great playing field! If you live here and don’t know the boundaries or are planning a trip here, I urge you to go here for the RULES and MAPS! http://www.mauikitesurfing.org/ See the rules and limits. Please, for everyone’s sake abide by the rules. Don’t let Joel be held accountable for the mistakes of others!
Keep Kitesurfing Alive on Maui’s North Shore!
Mahalo for your efforts, NEVER STOP KITEBOARDING! Hi Erik Hamel
