Chasing the Breeze: Best Downwinding Routes for the Summer

If youโ€™ve never heard of downwinding, it is a type of surfing where one uses the wind generated swells (whitecaps) to surf on a stand-up paddle board, outrigger canoe, or surf-ski (ocean kayak). Similar to a downhill ride on a mountain bike or a mogul run on skis, downwinding paddling often presents a difficult terrain that creates a challenging but exciting ride requiring the surfer to read and react to an ever changing oceanscape.

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Downwind kayaking is a fun and exciting activity for summerโ€“anticipating the oceanโ€™s every move to catch wind swells, stay upright, and get to your destination. Not to mention thereโ€™s lots of summer downwind routes and off-the-beaten-path downwinding destinations with incredible coastal views.

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From best downwind kitesurfing routes for summer to tips on downwinding in different climates during summer, if youโ€™re ready to try your hand (or board) at downwind windsurfing, hereโ€™s our crash course on all things catching waves and chasing the breeze.

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Chasing the Breeze: Best Downwinding Routes for the Summer

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What are the best downwinding routes?

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Maliko Run, Maui

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Located off the north shore of the island of Maui, Hawaii, Maliko Run is 9.6 miles, stretching from the Maliko Gulch to the end of Kahului Harbor. This is one of the most popular summer downwind routes, with peak times from June to October. Made easily accessible by shuttle service, downwinders are allowed multiple runs a dayโ€“which youโ€™ll more than likely want to take advantage of, given the consistent nature of the waves, beautiful views, and warm sea water to greet you at every run.

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Maui to Molokai Run

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We recommend this for the solo traveler's guide to summer downwinder routes, as it is a 23-mile odysseyโ€“but one you donโ€™t want to miss. Starting at Flemings Beach on Maui and ending at Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai, some call this the best run you can take. Make sure to plan a ride back to Maui after the run, and be prepared for 23 epic miles of gorgeous island views, catching wind swells, and pure downward bliss.

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Columbia Gorge Run, Oregon

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Canโ€™t make it to Hawaiโ€™i this summer? You can still try out downwind kiteboarding at the Columbia Gorge run, also known as "The Gorge.โ€ Located on the border between Oregon and Washington states near Hood River, the Gorge is home to one of the largest stand up paddling races of the year, the Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. As Oregon is quite cold in the winter, summer months are the best time to visit and a more affordable, family-friendly downwind route for summer vacations.

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Chasing the Breeze: Best Downwinding Routes for the Summer

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Tools, Tips and Equipment for Safe Downwinding

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It is important to learn some basic safety tips for windsurfing, especially if youโ€™re a beginner. For possible emergencies, keep a whistle and attach to your wrist with a string or leash. Another important tool is the signal mirror, a shiny plastic 3x5โ€ณ rectangle that reflects bright light to signal to boats, even on cloudy days.

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Check on the water temperature before you go outโ€“if itโ€™s chilly, youโ€™ll want to wear a wetsuit. Youโ€™ll be in the water quite a lot!

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You donโ€™t necessarily need to own a board to take a downwind adventure! Check out SUP rentals wherever youโ€™re headedโ€“thereโ€™s likely a local rental place with all the boards, paddles, life jackets, and other necessities youโ€™ll need for riding downwind waves.

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Wind down from downwind adventures with these extra comfy OluKai styles. For Men we recommend the Ulele, โ€˜Ohana, Kuฬ„kulu, Maha, or Maha โ€˜Olu. For Women we recommend the Hila, Puawe, โ€˜Ohana, or Hoโ€˜ลpio.

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Chasing the Breeze: Best Downwinding Routes for the Summer

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