HAWAII KAI, Hawaii -- Bananas — high in potassium and great with ice cream and chocolate syrup — but what good are they when combined with a boat and a rope? At one Oahu shop, watersports enthusiasts can get a taste of what it’s like to ride atop a 12 1/2-foot, plastic version of a fruit grown right here on the island.
Hawaii Water Sports in the Koko Marina Shopping Center soaks visitors in sun, water, and opportunities to wakeboard, ski, surf, Jet Ski and, of course, take a ride on a giant inflated banana.
“This is the perfect location,” said Hawaii Water Sports Boat Captain Robert Pacini. “There’s diving, parasailing, skiing and much more— all in one place. And, we’re the only ones on the island that still do wakeboarding.”
According to Pacini, who has worked at Hawaii Water Sports for six months, the Banana Boat is the shop’s most popular ride. Up to six people can ride at one time, which is great for families and groups of friends who want to experience the ride together. At first glance the ride doesn’t look very intimidating; after all, it says right on the boat not to tow faster than 15 mph. But, once the boat creates some wake, the Banana becomes one slippery, bouncy ride.
“When you get six friends together on it, it can get to be complete mayhem. They have tons of fun falling on each other,” said Pacini.
For a truly Hawaiian experience, Hawaii Water Sports has recently added a surf tour to its list of activities. The 1 1/2-hour tour takes surfers-to-be, by boat, right to where the waves are breaking. Visitors disembark onto a larger boat at a secret Hawaii Kai location to get their lesson.
“It’s a good way to learn,” said August Van Biene, a surf instructor at Hawaii Water Sports. “It’s a secluded area, and there’s not much paddling to do since the waves are right there.”
If it’s speed visitors are after, wakeboarding is just the activity for an adrenaline rush. Boarders are given a quick lesson from a Hawaii Water Sports instructor and, after zipping up their life vests they are in the water in no time.
Once in the water, boarders crouch with their knees together and arms out straight. The instructor then moves the boat forward, slowly, and the tension lifts the board to the top of the water. Once boarders are gliding on the water, they are instructed to stand up, turn their body to the side in one smooth motion, but before they have time to think they’re most likely back in the water. After an attempt or two, novices are feeling the wind through their hair and discovering muscles they never even knew they had as they cruise around Koko Marina.
The most important thing to remember about wakeboarding is to just relax, said Pacini, adding that it’s easy to learn.
“People like it because it’s similar to surfing, and there are a lot of trick opportunities. You can do multiple combos and catch a lot of air. And, it’s not too dangerous since you’re only hitting water.”
Another high-intensity activity is the bumper tube ride. Riders are whipped across the water, catching air and flying off the tube around nearly every turn.
“It’s fun — a lot harder than it looks,” admitted Clifford Doctolero, an Oahu resident who also tried parasailing and Jet Skiing.
Whether visitors are out for a relaxing glass-bottom boat ride or a high-intensity wakeboarding session, Hawaii Water Sports can easily accommodate. They offer combination specials as well as single-ride options. Service members and kamaaina receive $5 off single-ride prices. To book your outing with them, call (808) 395-3773.
Several other water sports centers offer similar activities throughout the island, many of which are in Koko Marina Shopping Center. To check out all Koko Marina has to offer, visit www.kokomarina center.com. Waikiki, Kailua and the North Shore also boast water sports outfitters.