Best Steak Ruth’s Chris Steak House First (front) Row from L to R: King Lanwe, Jessie Bautista, Sonny Lopez, Lisa Bantiles, Melissa McHone, Jaydene Kanekoa, Thomas Barrett, Mike Uyeda Second (Back) Row from L to R: Tino Kios, Kapono Pieper, Jon Rafol, Kris Pattison, Curtis Sylva, Ron Davidson, Rance Rapozo and Doug Pritchett. 1 NORTH HAWAII NEWS JUNE 23, 2011
Jun Balanga grew up on the beach in Lanikai on Oahu, and his love for the ocean runs deep. He found his perfect profession as owner and surf board designer for Hulakai and when he’s not shaping boards, he can be found in the line up doing, “research and development.” “We go out and we really put these boards to work,” said Balanga, who is thrilled when he spends months on a design that performs just the way he wants it to when the right Best Surf Shop Hulakai swell finally rolls in. Balanga’s vast water knowledge stems from decades of surfing, paddling, sailing, canoe surfing, stand-up paddling and running water safety patrols. All these experiences have given him insight while shaping cutting edge boards designed specifically for <strong>Hawaii</strong>’s conditions. Hulakai sells made-toorder surf boards that are engineered for each rider’s preferred style and breaks. Balanga started offering stand-up paddleboards in 2001, and this equipment now makes up roughly 90 percent of his business. <strong>The</strong>se board designs range from surfing, endurance training, padding, all around cruising boards and equipment suited for beginners to advanced paddlers. Balanga believes the stand-up paddle board craze stems from a desire for an effective, low impact workout that strengthens core muscles and provides cross training for athletes of other sports. But once folks try SUP, they can’t get enough time in the water. “A lot of people get into surfing because of stand up paddling,” he said. Seven authorized dealers carry Hulakai products on the Big Island, and dealers can also be found on Oahu, and in nine mainland states. Hulakai’s retail store at Shops at Mauna Lani sells boards, paddles, safety equipment, board bags, leashes, epoxy repair kits and soft racks, in addition to logo shirts, rash guards and hats. This surf shop stocks real gear for real surfers, and everyone who works in the store shares a passion and knowledge for the ocean. “We are all in the water,” said Balanga. “Local knowledge is what we offer.” Perhaps this led to Hulakai being named the best surf shop in North <strong>Hawaii</strong> by residents who read North <strong>Hawaii</strong> News. Hulakai also sponsors riders and the stand up paddleboard world tour. <strong>The</strong> company offers surf and stand up paddleboard lessons and canoe rides. Customers are thrilled to experience the ocean through the eyes locals who have spent their whole lives on the water. Balanga said they may not realize that he is having even more fun than they are. “Every day is a good day at the beach,” he said. “It’s a fun job. Somebody has got to do it.” NORTH HAWAII NEWS JUNE 23, 2011 1
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