2013 JP Aloha Classic Maui, Hawaii

Photo: Graham Ezzy by Berthuot Visuals

Many consider Ho’okipa Beach Park on Maui’s north shore to be the home of modern windsurfing. They are probably right. More research and development has taken place on Maui than one can imagine and Ho’okipa provides almost perfect conditions throughout the winter - side shore trade winds combined with clean, uninterrupted north swells.

The annual Aloha Classic event at Ho’okipa is to windsurfing what the Pipe Masters is to surfing. Much more than being one of the last stops on the professional circuit, it’s the one event that every rider wants to win. It’s right here in Hawaii, it’s in front of the world’s media, and it’s the one place where everyone comes together - professional or amateur, experienced or new talent.

Photo: Jason Polakow by Kevin Pritchard

We recall many prior Aloha Classics as defining moments in windsurfing history: the Robby Naish, Bjorn Dunkerbeck and Anders Bringdal clashes; the rise to fame Jason Polakow, Nick Baker and the Quatro crew, to name but a few. Throughout the years, the Aloha Classic has been epic to watch and a great showcase for the sport of windsurfing.

Well, despite a six year hiatus, and thanks to in no small part to Sam Bittner’s American Windsurfing Tour (AWT) and JP Australia, the professional circuit is back here in Maui for the first time since 2006.

The 2013 JP Aloha Classic is a combined event run by the AWT and the Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA). The AWT part is running now and acts as a qualifier for the professional event next week.

You can follow the live action here.

In fact, you should. Conditions could be great this week. If wind and big waves collide – which we think will happen – we will get a show like no other. Keep checking back.

Last year we were excited to see our friend Jason Polakow styled out in our Men’s Journal Approved Spartan board shorts. This year, Jason’s off-island due to a calendar clash but we are equally excited to have the incredibly talented Graham Ezzy representing Bluesmiths and testing our gear. More on Graham very shortly.

Photo: Graham Ezzy by Berthuot Visuals

As a start-up brand based in ocean sports in Maui, we really feel privileged to be involved in JP Aloha Classic. Thanks to the AWT, The PWA, JP Australia, Giovanni Jubert and the rest of the sponsors and volunteers for making it happen. This is good for windsurfing. Enjoy the action.

Aloha,

Bluesmiths

Learn more about: The American Windsurfing Tour here. The Professional Windsurfers Association here. JP Australia here. Kevin Pritchard here. Berthuot Visuals here