Molokai? Catalina? It is that time of year again. When those of us who dream of what lays over the horizon make that critical decision: Do I want to find out? If you plan on completing the Molokai or Catalina crossing this year then you will most likely start your training and preparation this week. For most of us, the act of paddling across an open water channel is a calling. Thirty-two miles is a marathon by any measure and the commitment to complete one of these races often dictates a years worth of training, equipment and strategy. A crossing can serve as the panicle of a racer’s season and every Paddler’s approach is unique and tailored to address his or her specific needs and concerns. We asked some of the most prolific Channel crossers to weigh in on their successes and failures and pass on some tips to those who intend to take their paddling to the next level.
Watermans' EJ Johson contemplates what lays beyond...
In my experience with Channel Crossings, you have to be committed. When you make the declaration to yourself in the early part of the season that you are going across a channel, than work towards that goal every single day. Many times individuals ride the fence and make the decision to go or not go at the last minute. This is a critical mistake as it means that physically you are not prepared as well as the logistics, are not taken care off. The most important thing to remember in Channel crossings is as much as it is physical training and preparation; the other half is making sure your escort crew is dialed in, set and happy. You can be as fit as you want, but with out proper support, your channel dreams are stopped dead in your tracks… (more…)
Once again a huge mahalos for all your support. It’s always a pleasure to meet up with great bruddahs like the Waterman crew. I’m stoked to be able to represent such a classy company. Beyond the racing I also surf a 6’5 standup board made by a company I started called Ku Hoe Hawaii, LLC. We specialize in small performance standups. Taking our sport and passion to the next level is what I’m all about and it shines through in all that I pursue. If there is anything you need from me just let me know…
San Francisco was well worth the drive. Once again, Tim Ritter pulled off an amazing event in the typical Hennessey’s fashion. Aquatic Park lies in the heart of the city’s waterfront, towering buildings and paved streets literally running straight to the sand. The venue, located between the Marina and Russian hill, imparted the race with both the playfulness of a street fair and the seriousness of the bustling city around it. The clever jail-striped Alcatraz race jersies only inflated the bi-polar atmosphere, serving as a comical reminder of the notoriously harsh currents that played their part in the un-escapable reputation of the Island. Sponsor’s Pop Tents lined the street leading up to the staging point on the beach and paddlers from Australia, Hawaii, and all over the United States busily prepped their boards, consulted on the course and nervously eyed the dense fogbank sitting in the mouth of the harbor. However the fog would stay at bay, the sun would shine, and 135 of the worlds best SUP and Paddleboard racers would participate in an event that played out like a jailbreak movie, riddled with upsets, unknown adversaries and break-out performances. Here is how it all went down… (more…)
Chuck dropped us a line today to let us know about his race this past weekend. The man is more then just a two legged Merman, he’s a word smith too and when he shot this little bit over with a few photos we couldn’t help but share it with you…
I just got back from Lake Tahoe, competing in the Tahoe Nalu SUP race. There were well over 200 SUP competitors paddling the 7.5 mile course. It was a beautiful sunny day with slightly bumpy challenging conditions from an East wind and waves from several boats on the lake making for a great race. (more…)
