San Diego has just too many distractions to hike every moment of my spare time.  The beaches of San Diego are too close, and too wonderful not to give them the attention they deserve.  The boardwalks that skirt the edges of the beaches and bays are like mini highways for the terminally relaxed and beg to be cruised to soak in the sights and sounds of San Diego.  Biking, walking, and rollerblading are a couple of the more common mode of transport down these sandy superhighways, but I have found my new favorite;  Land Paddling.

One of the most exciting water sports to hit the coast in the last few years has been stand-up paddle boarding.  This unique hybrid of surfing and paddling has proven itself a legitimate watersport, and paddle boarders are becoming a common sight along the coastal waters.  Now for all of you potential paddle boarders who do not have ready access to the waves of the coast, or who just want to get that stand-up paddle workout on your way to the pub down the boardwalk, Kahuna Creations has come up with a land paddling system that is made just for you.

Comprised of a Kahuna Creations Longboard (Skate), and unique Push stick called the “Kahuna Big Stick” one is able to simulate the motions and feel of Stand up Paddling on the land.  While the skateboard is a typical well made longboard,  the real beauty of the sport comes from the “Kahuna Big Stick”.  The stick I have been trying out is about 6-feet long, made of bamboo, with a short t-handle on the top, and a set of two urethane wheels on the bottom which do not spin, but provide gripping power for propelling yourself forward, as well as maintaining control when gliding down hills or cornering.  I was initially skeptical about how well this “land paddle” would work but a few minutes of propelling myself down the boardwalk and I was sold.  The combination of a smooth longboard,  the Big Stick, and an endless boardwalk makes for an ideal afternoon.  I cannot really comment on the similarity to stand up paddling on the water,  but it take a surprisingly similar amount of effort to push the skateboard, as it does to paddle my kayak.  I expected a much more jerky rhythm with the Big Stick,  and was happy with how smoothly you can push.

After a few minute of paddling,  I was feeling the effort in my upper body,  and could appreciate the workout I was getting.  Beyond the the fun I was having,  paddling down the boardwalk garnered some attention,  as people admired the unique form of transportation, and several asked about the setup with interest.

The Kauhuna Big Stick,  and the Kahuna Longboard that I have had the pleasure to ride these last couple of months have been a joy to use.  Kahuna Creations products have a lot of thought invested in the design and manufacture, and this thought shines through in a unique well made pairing of stand-up paddling and skateboarding, that has provided me with hours of fun through the spring, and a perfect excuse to cruise the boardwalk through the summer.

UPDATE:

For those of you looking to get your own Land Paddle Gear,   stop by Bob’s Mission Surf Shop for a great selection.