If you've ever daydreamed about stand up paddle surfing to work, the store, around campus, or on the boardwalk, the Kahuna Big Stick is what you've been waiting for. Land-stand-up-paddling has been made a reality by the boys at Kahuna Creations. Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine’s editor met up with KC rider and surfing legend Buttons Kaluhiokalani and Kahuna Creations founder Steve McBride at Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu to get the real deal on the Kahuna Big Stick and Kahuna Creations skateboards, surfboards, and snowboards. “I have to admit," says Nate, "I had my doubts about the Big Stick. I wondered if it would feel awkward. That idea was squashed when Steve handed me a Big Stick and Buttons showed me how to use it. It's a sweet piece of equipment. There are a lot of good vibes surrounding the company. Everyone who came to the demo on that day was greeted at the KC tent with smiles, stickers, catalogues, posters autographed by Buttons, as well as drinks and energy bars from KC sponsor Pit Bull."

Q: What is Kahuna Creations?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: Kahuna Creations is a company built around board riding in all elements, be it surf, snow, or pavement. According to KC, “The Hawaiian Kings invented board riding thousands of years ago, resulting in the creation of all board sports. Those Hawaiian surfers found a purity and freedom that shaped their world. Kahuna Creations pays tribute to those ancient board riders by fusing the soul of surfing and the Hawaiian spirit into all our products.”

Q: What is the Kahuna Big Stick?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: The Kahuna Big Stick Classic is a solid oval shaped wooded shaft with a rounded T-grip handle and stationary rubber wheels that grip the pavement and deliver the power of the stroke. The latest pricing from KC’s website puts the Original Wood models retailing for $89.00. Models with Hawaiian print fabric inlays and a carbon fiber weave sheathing retail for $149.00. The sticks come in 5’0, 5’6” and 6’0 lengths in both Original Wood and Carbon Fiber Weave models.  Original wood models weigh only 16 ounces.

Q: Does it have wheels?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: The “wheels” are stationary. The rubber is designed with enough grip to grab the pavement with each stroke and yet still allow the rider to lean on the paddle while carving on downhill runs. The wheel shape is used to maximize the life of the rubber. As the rubber wheel wears down on one side, it can be pulled off, rotated, and put back on.

Q: Is the Big Stick used mainly for balance and carving or for propelling yourself forward?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: Both. The Kahuna Big Stick eliminates the need to push with your feet. You pull yourself forward with the strokes the same way you use a paddle on a stand up paddle surfboard. The stick is also used to stabilize yourself while turning and carving.

Q: How does the stroke feel as compared to that used on a stand up paddle surfboard?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: I was honestly surprised how identical the stroke felt compared to a stand up paddle surf stroke. I thought it would be different, however, it wasn’t. Although I was only using the equipment for no more than half an hour, the stroke pattern and the muscle groups used felt the same as those used on a stand up paddle surfboard. The Big Stick seems to be a great way to train and stay in shape for stand up paddle surfing when the waves are down or when you just can’t make it to the ocean.

Q: What is the right length?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: I am about 6’ tall, the company's founder, Steve McBride recommended the 6’ Big Stick for me. In his opinion, you can get a longer, smoother stroke with a longer stick. I personally preferred the shorter 5’6”. I felt like I got more power and more control out of it. I tend to prefer a shorter paddle in the water. For me, with the shorter stick, I could keep my knees bent, carve, and switch the stick from side to side without having to stand upright and without stretching to reach the top of the handle. In the surf my paddle is pretty short, only 4.5”-6” over my head. If you are used to using a shorter paddle on the water, you’ll probably be happiest with a shorter one on the land and vice-versa.

Q: Classic Wood or Carbon Fiber Weave?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: The carbon fiber adds extra weight to the stick but at the same time adds strength and a slick -looking fabric underlay. The carbon fiber will also prevent the stick from wear and tear that will naturally occur from occasionally banging the stick on the side of the skateboard. On the flip-side, if you want a basic lightweight model, the Wood Classic is the one for you. Carbon fiber weave models are guaranteed for a year against breakage, however, according to Steve, they’ve never had one break yet, carbon fiber or classic wood.

Q: What about longboard-skateboards?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: I tried out three models: The Pohaku Surf Rider (which is the same template as the Pohaku Wahine Rider), the Duke Classic, and the Hukilau Classic. Without being a longboard-skateboard expert, all of these boards were smooth and fun. In my earlier days, I was a skate park rat and I still keep my skateboard in the back of the car for those days when I find a smooth parking lot, so I’ve still got my skateboard legs, and I had a lot of fun on all the Kahuna Creations skateboards. I think my personal favorite was the Duke. The board was smooth and fun with minimal flex. However, I’m excited to learn how to use the flex in the Pohaku Surf Rider to add to the forward momentum of the board. Just like surfboards, there’s a different skateboard available for different conditions. The Magma and Hydro performance Longboards are their highest performing downhill boards. I’ll have to get on one of those next time.

Q: How were the surfboards?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: Although KC isn’t producing stand up paddle surfboards, the prone paddle boards at the beach that day, looked real nice. I didn’t paddle any of them out, but shapes looked like a lot of fun and the glass job felt strong. I was most drawn to the Kahuna Hybrid. The outline and slightly turned up nose rocker seem to me that it would be fun in most conditions.

Q: Did you learn anything about the snowboards?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: Being here in Hawaii, we didn’t get into much on the snowboards. However, Steve is from Utah, and in my opinion, they have the best snow on earth. They take their snow toys seriously over there. Contact Kahuna Creations for more info about their snowboard line up.

Q: You’ve had nothing but good things to say about the product. Are you giving biased information because of all the free stuff and smiles at the tent?

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: No way. I’m telling it like it is. Now that I think about it, if there was one thing that I think would be a great addition to the KC lineup, it would be a super lightweight all carbon fiber Kahuna Big Stick. But at the same time, wood is a renewable resource and has so much soul to it.

Kahuha Creations rider Buttons Kaluhiokalani

SUPSURFMAG EDITOR: I’m sold on the Kahuna Big Stick and KC longboards. I was really impressed. During the summer, when the waves are down on the North Shore, guys like me sometimes go into this wave-deprived depression. There are waves on the South Shore, but with gas prices and traffic, it’s too much. We do flat water paddles, but there’s always this deep-seeded desire to lean on the paddle and carve into a turn. The KC skateboard/Big Stick combination filled the void, fired up those core stand up paddle muscle groups, and after the demo day I went home smiling.

For more on Kahuna Creations board riding equipment, visit www.KahunaCreations.com. Now is a great time to get your KC gear. In a time where everyone is trying to nickel and dime you to death, as of the release of this article, and for a limited time, KC is hooking you up with FREE SHIPPING on All ORDERS.  Visit www.KahunaCreations.com.

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