Easy Rider: A kiter makes it look too easy (John Bilderback)
Of course kitesurfers know that Hawaii is where you'll find the sport's leaders, especially on Maui. Waipulani Beach in Kihei is a great place to start. There you'll find tropical water and consistent winds, as well as Action Sports Maui, an outfitter that offers one- to ten-day courses (808-871-5857, www.actionsportsmaui.com), running $240 for the starter course to a cool $1,795 for the ten-day "fast-track" to kiteboarding supremacy.