Maui, Hawaii as a Big Air kite location

[TimG]

I am curious why Maui is not recognized as a big air kite location.
Everyone goes to Brazil, Cape Town, or Tarifa. But Maui seems to me like it gets the same kind of winds as Brazil, right? Yet not many of the BAKL guys go there to train.
I was just wondering why people think that might be.

[fernmanus]

Maui has stronger and more consistent winds in the summer, but there is not much flat water available to ride. Most locations are chop in the summer. Maui gets good waves in the spring, fall and winter, so there is the possibility of launching off waves, but the wind does not always cooperate in a strong way. So, yes, it is possible to jump high in Maui, but it is not a place one would necessarily go to train. Add to it the high living expenses and there are a whole lot of other places that are more appealing.

[Eduardo]

Maui was the original big air spot. [Roll the clip of Robby Naish on a 2 line kite boosting huge...]

I think the reasons are that it's too choppy in summer and boosting in the waves in wave season is more of a kook/tourist thing to do in Maui.

I think it's also that locals are innovative, always experimenting with new things, and big air is a bit 'been there, done that...'

[Toby's reply goes here about how many new tricks are still coming ]

[fernmanus]

. I think it's also that locals are innovative, always experimenting with new things, and big air is a bit 'been there, done that...'

That is true. Every new wind sport iteration seems to start on Maui. I wonder if they are already bored with winging and on to the next thing (whatever that is).