Basic exercises that can be practiced in flat water on a stand up paddle board. This video covers bracing and steering with the paddle. Both of these skills will come in handy on a downwind run.

Exploring the open ocean water off the coast of Maui’s north shore on a 14′ Bullet from SIC made for downwind surfing. The wind was calm and the swell was just starting to arrive.

Downwind Surfing out of Maliko Gulch

This is a training run we did before the Molokai to Oahu race.

The four of us met the boat captain at Mala Wharf and loaded our stand up paddle boards and a canoe onto the boat racks for a downwind run. The captain took us up to Honolua Bay where we unloaded and started our 27 mile adventure. The wind was gusting up to 45mph and we caught countless glides all the way to Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai.

Maui To Molokai Downwind Run from Paddle With Riggs on Vimeo.

One of Maui’s best downwind runs when conditions are right. The Kihei run is known for it’s very long glides and easy connections. Kihei runs are also known to have unpredictable winds that can change directions during the run making it very dangerous. The wind was blowing 20-25mph and from the right direction for the entire run on this day.

Kealia Beach to Wailea Downwind Run from Paddle With Riggs on Vimeo.