Showing off their handicrafts are, from left, Kaleo Garlasa, Barry Holt, Jarrett Liu, Mike Kliks, Primo Richard and Kale Keahi. The Honolulu Advertiser Bigger riders tend to ride bigger boards. However, the size of the waves can also play a role. In bigger waves, you don't need that big of a board because the wave will give you a lot of power. In any case, riding a paipo board is similar to bodyboarding.
Most riders lie on their bellies, while some ride on their knees.
But to me, paipo boarding is more pure, more Hawaiian. You can get way more speed with a paipo board. Plus, when you ride a paipo board, it's Hawaiian tradition. What's more, paipo boards are built to last. Keahi has been riding his same board for 28 years.