Extreme Sports in Hawaii

In Hawaii, it is pretty much summer all year. No wonder it is the destination most people think of for extreme sports.

If you are one of those that feels your life needs a little more excitement, there are several extreme sports to choose from in Hawaii.

Oahu offers many activities to get your adrenaline rush.

As we wind our way from the North Shore to Kaneohe or Honolulu, we are often witnesses to several paragliders. They look like giant birds soaring close to the cliffs of the Ko'olau Mountains.

Usually, I admire the scenery of Hawaii from the car, but feel like I am missing out on a lot. These hand gliders have a bird's eye view. But, then they are taking risks. I have heard of a few fatalities from hand gliding, but very rarely.

Here are some pictures taken by a paraglider on the North Shore of Oahu:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flykahana/sets/72157624534217618/show/

The weather in Hawaii is highly unpredictable. It can look sunny one minute and be raining the next. Oftentimes it rains and shines at the same time. That is why we get so many rainbows.

Extreme sports are definitely not for wimps. Especially those who glide on the south side of the island in Makapu'u near the cliffs. There are rugged rocks and wild surf so if you happen to land wrong, it can go worse very fast.

But, that does not stop a group of dare devils that belong to the Hawaii Paragliding Association. There are some incredible aerial shots taken by paragliders around the island of Oahu.

Others prefer staying at sea level, but they can get as much of an adrenal rush as they fight the wind and waves.

For those tough enough to brave the wind and waves, Kailua is known as the windsurfing capital (it is actually where windsurfing was developed).

There are steady trade winds and beautiful waters with waves on the outer reef and the cleaner slalom conditions inside. There are three miles of sandy beach at Kailua Beach Park with a mild shore-break.

If you have never wind surfed before, you will want to have a couple of lessons which are offered at Kailua Beach.

With all the extreme sports going on in Hawaii, you would think they would run into each other. Actually there are a few rules that keep things a bit organized. Hopefully everyone keeps the rules.

Because Kailua is the best place for beginners, the launch place can become very busy, especially during peak times.

Everyone must keep in mind that the beach users (children and adults just swimming at the beach) have the right of way over anyone involved in extreme sports (wind surfers, kite surfers, etc.) The beach is for launching and landing only. They must avoid the swimming zones and keep away from the shore break. They must also not jump within 200 feet of the swim zone, beach or people. Otherwise, there could be a disaster.

Whatever you decide to do, be cautious and wise always.