Kayaking is good for heart & soul
Paddling in pristine Maui waters while riding atop your own kayak is one of life’s simple pleasures. You launch when and where you want, set your own course and pace, and choose activities that interest you — such as snorkeling, fishing, diving, riding waves and/or whale watching.
As captain of your own self-propelled craft, you may choose to set a small anchor offshore and enjoy these activities while splashing about both in and on the water. Kayaking keeps you cool, refreshed and exhilarated while you burn calories and get fit.
“The ocean smells, the fresh breezes caressing your face, the expectation of seeing amazing marine life, such as our friends the humpback whales, are all part of Maui’s special kayaking experiences,” says Mark Tracy, owner of Valley Isle Marine Center in Wailuku.
Located on the corner of Market and Main streets, Hawaii’s oldest boat dealership makes it easy for water enthusiasts to own a personal kayak. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, VIMC features the largest selection of Ocean Kayaks on Maui.
“Kayaking is an accessible, affordable way to experience the ocean, and it has many rewards,” Tracy continues. “Common sights are green sea turtles popping their heads out of the water to look at you and spinner dolphins flying through the air in amazing acrobatics. Having a kayak is like having a bicycle. You may not use it every day, but you are sure glad you have one at hand.”
Explore your favorite Maui coastline on an Ocean Kayak “paddle model” that you propel with arm power, or choose the “pedal model” using leg muscles in addition to your arms. Ocean Kayak is the company that invented the sit-on-top concept — and VIMC offers a full line of models for every skill level.
“The Predator has an advanced fishing platform with a long features list, including a propeller powered by bicycle-like pedals and/or a lithium battery,” Tracy explains. “You choose. By back pedaling, you can easily reverse the boat and land more fish.”
Want to kayak out to Turtle Town in tandem with your ocean soulmate? Discover the North Shore? The Malibu 2 is the world’s most popular compact, lightweight tandem sit-on-top kayak and the No. 1 choice for Maui tour guides. It was designed for affordable family adventures. Stable and versatile, Malibu 2 can accommodate two adults, gear and a small child or pet to go along for the ride. Pull up on a beach and picnic where you’d like.
Now through Jan. 31, VIMC is having its annual “Whale of a Sale” on all Ocean Kayaks and accessories.
“If you prefer a larger vessel with outboard power and greater range, then consider buying an inflatable Zodiac boat or an aluminum skiff,”
Tracy adds. “Deep vee fiberglass boats great for fishing and other pursuits begin at 16 feet and are available up to 30 feet in length. We carry Bayliner, Arima and Defiance boats, all great for Neighbor Island exploring.”
VIMC is also having a promotion on Honda Marine motors — as well as discounts on Mercury outboard repowers — now through March 31.
Last October, Tracy was awarded Honda Marine Premier Dealer status in Las Vegas in recognition of the top performing dealerships in the United States in the areas of sales, service and training.