PAIA – In preparation for the fourth annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a and the OluKai ‘Ohana Fun Paddle Division, OluKai Premium Footwear, Maui water woman Suzie Cooney and the Paia Youth and Cultural Center are hosting a three-mile “practice fun paddle,” a mini down-winder that everyone can enjoy, on Saturday, April 28.

Build your water confidence – this is not a competition. The event will begin with a casual beach start at 9 a.m., finishing at the lifeguard tower at Kahana Beach Park.

No registration is required. All ages and all levels of paddlers will enjoy an escorted practice paddle with Cooney and other seasoned paddlers.

This practice paddle is a great opportunity for those who want to experience a North Shore downwind course in a fun and safe manner in preparation for the fourth annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a on May 12-13.

All human-powered water craft are welcome: stand up paddleboards, prone paddleboards, OC1, OC1, OC4, OC6, kayaks and surf skis.

Participants should arrive at Paia Bay at 8 a.m. Cooney will lead a warm-up and stretching exercise from 8:30 to 8:45 a.m.

For more information, visit www.olukai.com/Hoolaulea/register or www.suzietrainsmaui.com/events-clinics.