Shop Local: Blue Planet Surf

Located in Honolulu Hawaii, Blue Planet Surf has been at the forefront of Standup Paddleboarding since the sport crawled out of the water, and stood with a paddle. Over the years, they have produced amazing gear and technique videos and interviews, some of which are personal favorites of The Mullet.

Blue Planet Surf

540 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814 (808) 596-7755

What board companies do you carry?

Blue Planet, Starboards, Kazuma, SIC, Riviera

What paddles do you carry?

Blue Planet, Kai Zen, Kialoa, Ke Nalu, Werner, Quickblade

Do you offer rentals and lessons?

Yes, both

What other services do you provide?

Downwind coaching, free SUP Clinics, Weekly training group, board repairs, try before you buy program, Stand Up Paddle camps

What kind of paddling settings and conditions are near your shop?

Ala Moana beach park is a short 5 minute drive from our shop and it is arguably the best place in the world to learn how to SUP and for flat water cruising. There are also nice waves outside the protected inside lagoon. The south shore of Oahu had hundreds of great surf breaks and excellent downwind runs. Hawaii is the birthplace of the sport, and we are located in the center of the Stand Up Paddle universe.

What is it about paddling that gets you up in the morning?

Gliding on a wave or bump is the best feeling, it’s a healthy addiction.

Describe your local paddle community. When do you get together and what are they like?

We have a weekly training group that meets every Wednesday.  Anyone is welcome to join, it’s a great, supportive crew.  For details: http://zenwaterman.blogspot.com/2012/10/weekly-time-trials-in-hawaii-kai-video.html

What local events do you have and what are their dates and locations?

Our free SUP Clinics for customers interested in buying boards, about every 6 weeks: http://blueplanetsurf.com/pages/free-demo-clinic, Our WPA summer race series, May 21st and June 18th, 2016: http://blueplanetsurf.com/pages/2016-wet-feet-blue-planet-wpa-races-posted, Our North Shore SUP camp April 30- May 5th, 2016: http://blueplanetsurf.com/products/stand-up-paddle-camp-may-15-24

How healthy is the sport?

10/10

How likely will the sport continue to grow in this next year?

8/10

Where will we see the growth if any?

The growth has somewhat leveled off in Hawaii but we still see a lot of people getting into the sport and we have many customers buying more boards for their quiver. Downwind paddling will continue to grow.

Do you have any advice for manufacturers?

Cover a wide range of users from beginner to pro level and give opportunities to demo the boards before buying

Best piece of SUP advice you give to paddlers?

Try before you buy

What are your must-have accessories for every paddler?

A good paddle and always use a good leash.

Find, Follow and Like Blue Planet Surf Online:

http://blueplanetsurf.com
http://www.facebook.com/bpsurf/
http://twitter.com/blueplanetsurf 
http://www.instagram.com/blueplanetsurf/