Double Rise Session At Hookipa, Maui w/ Richard Tamplin and Kevin Collins

Riders: Richard Tamplin/ Kevin Collins Photo: Jon Malmberg

Over the past couple months I have been meeting up and riding with Kevin Collins, a long-time Maui local and regular kiter at Lanes. As a well-accomplished wave rider, Kevin knows the in and outs of this narly spot very well.


For those whom don’t know, Lanes is the downwind break connected to the “point” at Hookipa. Due to space, kiters are not allowed to launch at Hookipa so Lanes is our reefy, gusty home launch!!! Hookipa is world renowned for windsurfing and surfing. Plagued by rouge, powerful sets and nasty off shore currents, Hookipa is the source of many humbling wave stories.


Many times when others just say its “closed out” and no good at Lanes (in other words: too big), Kevin is game. I became well aware of this the day after my birthday. (Yikes) Here’s a picture to describe what some may call “closed out”. That little speck up in the corner is my kite.

"Close-out" Rider: Richard Tamplin Photo: Jon Malmberg

Working with photographer, Jon Malmberg, Kevin and I wanted to get some shots with two of us on the same wave. In doing this I feel like I was able to learn a lot about the local wave and the positioning from Jon and Kevin. In waveriding, each person has his or her own style, strengths and weaknesses. This experience allowed me to gain more potential out of this very tempermental wave.

"Happy Birthday!" Rider: Richard Tamplin Photo: Jon Malmberg

On this big day, the waves were too closed out and we didn’t really get any shots, other than white walls. A couple of days later we were able to get some shots on some smaller, more manageable waves.

Riders: Richard Tamplin/Kevin Collins Photo: Jon Malmberg

Riders: Richard Tamplin/Kevin Collins Photo: Jon Malmberg

Rider: Kevin Collins Photo: Jon Malmberg

Riders: Richard Tamplin/Kevin Collins Photo: Jon Malmberg

Kites are such efficient tools; however, some may argue that they are too efficient with wave kiting. They allow kiters, some with no surf experience, to get in and out of some very advanced surf. When I started wave kiting, I had no idea what these waves were capable of. Like an excited kid with way too much candy, I would eco-tow myself into waves without any idea of what this giant or not-so giant wave could do to me. I did some good humbling on my own to knock this innocence out of me. My advice would be to surf, swim, observe, listen, and most importantly ride. (Even if the wave is not over head, it can still swallow you!!!)

I would like to thank both Jon and Kevin for the invaluable knowledge they both taught me and Ocean Rodeo for supporting my wave & wind addiction.

Aloha,
Richard.