I have to say that Ricardo was a standout during my time on Maui and also one of the guys that clocked the most hours on the water, the sponsorship change seemed like it was putting an extra spring in his step. Levi Siver is also on deck early today along with his film buddy Jace Panabianco hoping to score some footage for their latest movie projects. Every sailor that hits the water at Ho’okipa has to enter the water through one tiny strip of sand marking a small gap in the reef. For the first timer this makes the launch, all the more daunting. First up you have to head out through a shallow choppy zone and then head out alongside the rocks where the wind is extremely gusty and fickle. Many sailors have come to blows with the rocks before even making it out the back where even more intimidating challenges lie ahead. It may be the most famous windsurfing break on the planet but be warned, Ho’okipa certainly isn’t a kindergarten playground and once you are out into the gladiator pit, only the toughest and most skilled return as heroes to the beach.
