Like riding a bucking bronco,
By Kimberly Fu
only wetter, the Nautilus Ocean
Rider is a thrill a minute
Special to the Star-BulletinPEELING around the Pacific on a 325-foot ripe banana may not be your ideal way to spend a "lazy Sunday," but it sure is fun.
With the right temperature (mildly hot), weather (clear skies), view (an awesome vista spanning from downtown Honolulu to Diamond Head to a misty Molokai) and ocean conditions (small waves), it's possible for anyone to rock and roll on the ocean's surface without getting sick in the process.
The newest addition to Nautilus Subsea Adventures' fleet of entertainment vehicles is the Moki Mary Ocean Rider. A bright yellow raftlike Ocean Rider uses twin 225-horsepower motors to jet across the water at speeds approaching 40 mph.
Believe this speed junkie when I say that skimming roads at that speed can't compare to cresting the waves in a sea littered with parasailers, windsurfers and an assortment of surfers, swimmers, boaters and other watersport nuts.
Guess I'm not the only one who thinks Sunday is the perfect day for water sport experimentation.
As the craft departed from Kewalo Basin to begin our exhilarating journey to the sea, all 11 riders (plus boat captain and a shipmate) plunked on goggles to protect against the ocean spray, grabbed ahold of the heavy-gauge cotton reins anchored securely to the air-filled pontoons on which we sat astride and zipped off to the loud, bopping strains of music designed to "get us going."
The ride started almost sedately as we made our way past the obstacle course of moored ocean craft. We were offered views of John Dominis restaurant patrons a few paces to the west, and birds diving gracefully a few paces to the east.
But as we passed the tall floater signaling open waters, giving us free reign to do as we pleased, tunes such as "I Got the Power," "La Bamba" and the classic "Great Balls of Fire" got our juices pumping for several impromptu pop-a-wheelies that left us feeling just a tad breathless at times.
Tilting starboard (right) or portside (left) and rounding turns at high speeds was a hoot, as was jamming through the waves while huge sprays of water drenched us from both sides. We hooted with excitement as we bounced up and down, gripping our seats like there would be no tomorrow as the craft ripped streaks in the water and sent wet sprays back out into the liquid terrain.
Wild moments as the fury of the sea clashed with our fast-moving banana craft were interspersed with quiet time for picture-taking and to soak in the sun dappled scenery put before us. Molokai in all its hazy glory, the downtown skyline glittering gold against a backdrop of periwinkle blue.
Thankfully we took only three rest stops -- too much tranquility restrains creativity, I say.
But there is a measure of freedom in being out on an ocean stretching from here to eternity with nothing more pressing on your mind except where you'll spot the next dolphin or turtle. On our tour we saw one shiny turtle doing a slow-stroke, and I swear there was a glint of mischief in its eyes.
There was mischief in mine, as well. To be able to get out on the ocean -- in an oversized raft, no less -- without the requirement of being able to swim, was a grand thing. In fact, there were three in my party who were swim-deficient, yet all attested to having a good time and feeling safe. Life vests were readily available, but no one felt the need to wear them during our hour at sea.
Our trip back to the harbor was uneventful, save for one last starboard wheelie thrown in for good measure. If only there were 15 to 30 minutes more to this ride!
Take a chance on your next free lazy day and head out to Kewalo Basin for this thrill ride. Come prepared with sunscreen, a towel, clothes that won't suffer from a soak and money for the parking meter. Oh, and don't forget your camera.
Tours are available daily at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. with check-in and ticket purchases at the Kewalo General Store. NAUTILUS OCEAN RIDER
Cost is $39 for adults and $34 for children ages 5 to 11; $12 for kamaainas if purchased by May 31 or $25 thereafter.
READ
Books and periodicals for the active mind
AUTHOR and photographer John P. Hoover has followed his pictorial guide to "Hawai'i's Fishes" with "Hawai'i's Sea Creatures: A Guide to Hawai'i's Marine Invertebrates." Hawai'i's Sea Creatures
By John P. Hoover
Mutual Publishing
396 pages
Softcover $23.95, Hardcover $29.95Bursting with stunning undersea photographs, the book identifies the crustaceans, corals, anemones and sponges found in Hawaiian waters.
It is comprehensive and well-organized, including indexes of common, Hawaiian and scientific names for the critters identified.
Hoover also documents at least 10 species never before seen by researchers.
"Hawai'i's Sea Creatures" is sure to delight curious divers, fishermen and tide pool explorers.
For more information, call 732-1709.
Click for online
calendars and events.
