There are no roller coasters in Maui, so on my recent trip I decided to try something completely different.
Stand-up paddleboarding.
It was my first time ever doing it, and I quickly learned it’s a lot more of a workout than it looks.
Getting Ready
Before heading out into the water, there are a few important things to prepare.
First, the board leash attaches to your ankle so the board doesn’t drift away if you fall off.
Then there’s sunscreen — lots of it.
Being out on the water means you’re getting sun from above and reflected off the water.
I also brought a waterproof pouch with my:
- Hotel key
Credit card
Phone
That way everything stayed safe and dry.
Adjusting the Paddle
Another important step is adjusting the paddle height.
You want it long enough that you can comfortably reach the water while standing, but not so long that it becomes awkward to control.
Once everything was set up, it was time to head out.
The Trick to Balance
The biggest lesson I learned?
Keep your knees slightly bent.
When the waves or bumps come through, that bend helps you stay balanced instead of getting thrown off the board.
The Best Moment
After a while of paddling, I finally started to get the hang of it.
And on my way back to shore, I even managed to ride a small wave.
Standing on water like that is an incredible feeling.
Post-Workout Reward
By the time I made it back to land, I was exhausted — but in the best way.
The perfect reward was grabbing a drink at Leilani's on the Beach and relaxing after the workout.
Watch the Reel
Final Thoughts
Stand-up paddleboarding ended up being a bucket-list experience for me.
It was challenging, fun, and surprisingly peaceful once I got the hang of it.
And now?
I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to do it again. Have you tried it?