| Easy Gliders |  |
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| These paddles introduce first-time paddlers to sit-on-top kayaking in Hawaii - although everyone is encouraged to paddle - children (always accompanied by an adult), grandparents, old-pros, and fisherpersons! | ||
| Duration - 1-2 hours | Distance - 3 miles (or so) | Generally, flat water in bays, rivers, streams and lakes that are protected from surf and significant wind. |
| Recommended kayak type - Any kayak, including inflatables | ||
| Intermediate Paddles |  |
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| These paddles are great fun, but require paddlers to have more strength and kayaking skills than the E-Z Gliders. | ||
| Duration - 2-4 hours | Distance - 3 to 10 miles | Generally, launching and landing is from protected bays and beaches; however, surf launches and landings are possible given the day's conditions. The paddle may go outside the reef in open ocean, where 2- to 5-foot ocean swells can be encountered. |
| Recommended kayak type - Any kayak over 11 feet. | ||
| + Blue Plus - This is an Advanced Intermediate Paddle in which wind and surf are more likely than not and/or paddling time is 3 to 4 hours. Must be able to get back in your boat with little or no assistance. Larger swells than "Intermediate" are expected. | ||
| Advanced Paddles |  |
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These paddles are the most challenging on Oahu. Paddlers should be in good physical condition and able to exit and re-enter their kayak easily without assistance in open ocean. Must be comfortable in open ocean swells of 2 - 8 feet |
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| Duration - 4 hours plus | Distance - 10 miles plus | Launches and landings are often through challenging surf. Paddles are outside the reef, in open ocean swells and around points where water is very choppy and unstable. |
| Recommended kayak type - Any kayak over 11 feet, and kayaks that are at least 14' long with rudder systems are highly recommended. | ||
| + Red Plus - This is an Advanced Advanced Paddle in which wind, surf, and unstable conditions are typical and self-reliance becomes highly important. | ||
Expedition |
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| These paddles are multi-day excursions, requiring advance planning, provisioning and logistics. All recommended safety and survival gear must be carried on board. | ||
| Duration - two days or more | Distance - 5 to 20 miles per day | Can involve landing and launching fully-loaded kayaks in moderate to high surf on unforgiving beaches. Third-party rescue and/or medical aid may be a day or more away. Self-reliance and familiarity with Hawaiian waters are high requirements. |
| Recommended kayak type - Any kayak over 14', with hatch straps and other deck modifications to allow on-deck stowage, gear securement, and self rescue. Rudder system is highly recommended. Fiberglass boats are discouraged, due to the probability of rock-beach surf landings. | ||
Off-Island Day-paddle Trips - these are given a modified 4 rating, as they are, indeed, multi-day off-island paddles that require a certain amount of logistical planning, but usually involve "camping" in a centrally-located hotel or hostel and daily transport to launch areas.
Kayak Clinics - These are classes, camps, clinics led by club members who have significant experience and/or ACA certified training in the area of expertise:
© 2009 Hui Wa'a Kaukahi, Inc.
© 2012 Hui Wa'a Kaukahi, Inc.