The Beginning, Again

January 3, 2009
Landed on the Port of Kahului, Maui with my car. A short 2-day trip to Maui was solely for shopping. The Molokai Channel and Maui Channel in winter time were rough. Sailing into the blasting trade wind, the Hawaii Superferry swayed and pitched in roaring waves. Poor kids were screaming of seasickness as soon as the boat hit the Molokai Channel. I was imagining riding through those waves on a racing board.
The first destination, Neil Pryde windsurfing store. I was disappointed to find out that parts were missing from the used set of the Olympic-Class racing board, RS-X, despite my reminder via an e-mail to the store manager before departure that I needed a full original set. Several hours of price check for obtaining the missing parts and considering alternatives, I have decided to take the board anyway and as many original parts as available and a few substitute parts for immediate training. A Japanese salesperson, who was a racer himself, was sympathetic and gave me as much discounts as he could. After all, it was fair that I, who spent nearly $400 just to get to his store, was not completely screwed by the store manager’s laziness.
A nice addition to the short shopping trip was that I was able to join my old friend’s family for a dinner. Their Japanese-style house was built by the husband himself in a forest of Haiku, northeast Maui. Several Japanese former windsurfers live there and enjoy rural Mauian life. The visit had to be short given the rural children’s early bed time, but was very enjoyable thanks to the couple’s hospitality.
To be able to attend official competitions, I need to obtain a new complete set. Right now, my budget is totally stretched due to the unexpected cost for obtaining the missing parts. In addition, I must save up for the travel costs to attend those international competitions. It is a concern, but I must humbly consider myself lucky to be concerned about my hobby, rather than my living, at the time of global economic downturn. I cannot wait to try out the new equipment in Kailua.