Na Pali Riders - CAPTAINS LOG

Photo courtesy of Bill Crane - Napali Riders

MAY 1, 2010 - 8:00am

Na Pali Riders has the wonderful opportunity to shoot high quality photos and video almost every day of the year and people often ask our crew (Captain Chris Turner, Bill Crane and Danney Brinks) the same question. How does it differ during the summer and winter periods?

The Na Pali Coast consistently changes throughout the year due to several factors. The east end of Na Pali receives approximately 150 inches of rain a year which creates lush forests and breathtaking waterfalls along the cliffs (Kauai, with Mt. Waialeale, has the distinction of having the wettest spot, i.e., most rain, in the world!). The moisture brings with it the scent of fermenting guavas with its noticeable aroma as one passes by the valleys on the raft.

The west end of Na Pali Coast is more desert-like. It receives only about 20 inches of rain in comparison. The west side is dominated by bright, orange-colored rocky cliffs that are rich with red iron ore. These cliffs serve as a wonderful backdrop and show a strong contrast against the white sands of Polihale Beach. The scent changes here to more of what could best be described as something akin to a desert sage smell.

During the winter months the Na Pali Cliffs seem mysterious and dark when viewed in the early morning sun, which lays lower on the horizon during this time. The large winter swells and crashing waves bring with them a sea mist that appears like fog in the peaks and valleys. The powerful winter ocean at this time can appear gray and opaque with it large waves and white water.

As winter turns to spring, then summer (yes, Hawaii does experience some seasonal changes), the former winter gray of the ocean’s surface changes to wonderful blues of all hues. The colors are truly amazing and are simply stunning!  The water maintains a clear, turquoise blue in shallow, sandy areas – which could be described as being similar to color of the well-known blue glass cleaner.

In deeper waters, the sea becomes a cobalt blue in appearance and in some areas purple hues are also infused. While the lower lying winter sun creates dark shadows along the cliffs, the bright summer sun lights them up with every color of green on the color chart. The rock terraces in the valleys, created by bygone Hawaiian farmers, are so green with plant life that they appear as if cultivation continues.

Another summer treat occurs when the explosive power of the pounding winter surf subsides; the door opens to the many mystical sea caves of Na Pali Coast. During this period, the ocean temperature reaches around 80 degrees, and the warm water is calm and inviting for snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and diving.

Na Pali Riders believes the Na Pali Coast is here to change us all through its beauty and wonder. Just one experience is all it takes – so come on board! As the ocean conditions of the Na Pali Coast are unpredictable, be sure to play it safe and aalways use a regulated tour company.

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MAY 1, 2010 - 9:00am

The crew looks forward to seeing dolphins every day as we head towards the magnificent Na Pali Coast of the island of Kauai. If we do not see our “friends” there is a sense of something lacking in our day. Since we routinely take photos and video of them frolicking in the waters, we are often able to recognize our ocean friends by their markings and even their individual “personality traits.” We often play music by the band Enigma when they are close to the raft. This seems to help build our relationship as they can identify our boats with the characteristic sound of our music.

Their reaction to the music is evident in the playful jumps and spins they perform, and as acrobats of the sea, they serve as live entertainment to everyone on board. More interestingly, we find they help as a stress release. Over time we have noticed a calming connection between the human/dolphin eye-to-eye contact we enjoy with these intelligent creatures. We often wonder if their mood is different when they approach the boat in the morning hours, since they have finished their nightly feeding out in the deep.

Perhaps they are light-hearted and content instead of hungry and voracious. Perhaps they feel safe near the raft and do not have to fear for their safety, since they appear to have learned that we are friendly and will cause them no harm. We think it has to do with their sonar. Whenever we have had the opportunity to swim in the ocean with dolphins, their clicks and squeaks are so clear and precise, like they are speaking directly to us - even if we do not speak the same language. This is much like when you are in a crowded situation, and a feeling comes across that makes you turn and look into the crowd – only to see a familiar face staring straight back at you. Why did you even look?

Is it a sixth sense or ESP? We think that we as humans are programmed not to pay attention to these thoughts and feelings and therefore they become less noticeable due to lack of use. However, the dolphins have an inherent ability to sense danger and avoid it. On another level, dolphins appear to be ready to help us if we are in the presence of danger. There is no other creature that has protected us more in the ocean from danger, such as sharks, or potential drowning incidents.

The dolphins have a way of making everyone smile and feel very relaxed in their presence. Our opinion is that this relaxation technique far exceeds the power of any yoga session and we think you will agree. Their light-hearted emotional state is perhaps transmitted to us in their sonar. We think that a perfect corporate retreat to relieve employee stress should be a day of swimming with dolphins… Please check out Whales and Dolphins of Kauai, Hawaii on the networking site, Facebook. The Facebook entity was created to help save dolphins through awareness and education. In addition, photos of Na Pali Coast, dolphins and whales are available at the Kai ‘Aina Gallery courtesy of Na Pali Riders. Please phone 808-639-3335 to  schedule a private showing.

Aloha from Captain Chris, Bill and Danney…and, of course, the dolphins!

Photo courtesy of Captain Napali Adventures