Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaliko Kahoonei.
So, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Hawaii so the ocean is naturally my playground/school/church and sometimes feels like home. When I moved to San Diego I was amazed at all the different beaches – surf spots and activities you could do in the water. My main focus is to ride the biggest and best waves California has to offer but in my spare time, I take families- workgroups or tourists out in many different ways.
At first, I would just let someone borrow aboard and I could give some pointers but now I have all types of equipment. Bodyboards- SUP- GIant five man sup – paddleboards- surfboards you name it me and my team could get you started. We take it for granted being so close to the ocean but you can learn and do soooo many more things than just ride a surfboard at your local beach.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
People are negative and partially stubborn so getting them to try new things is a little challenging but with a calm attitude and persistence you can always get past it. What is the most trouble is the surf world has a problem with newcomers and inexperience so when you are showing a group of newbies how to position themselves in the water 9/10 times some local has a problem…but that’s just how it is.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
What I do mainly is help people get better at SUP (stand up paddling). It was my first love as far as water sports But I have been exposed to so many water sports that now I go to different beaches and events and just show others standard practices/techniques. I have a partner Rob Salazar who is also a passionate water person and he is experienced in multiple crafts.
Together we are able to help just about anyone from any walk of life experience a wave or beach workout. What really sets us apart is that we operate with the most respect and safety in the industry. We hold safety above money or any other thing. Also, we don’t just operate on water we also show you workouts on land that correlate to ocean and show you risk management when you are dealing with less then perfect conditions.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
For me, the best thing I have done so far is work with The Best Day Foundation and Surfers Healing. These to Non Profits have a solid group of Water people who truly love to help the community and get special needs people out and riding waves. It’s the most genuine thing to see a kid smile and laugh while riding a big wave.
Pricing:
- 1 hour training session on water. 50$
- 1 hour training session on land/water (30 min each). 80$
- 5 person wave riding (SUPsquatch) Giant Inflatable. 3 waves 100$
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2532171122
- Email: Kalikokahoonei@gmail.com
- Instagram: westsidebeachboyz
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