Molokai Hoe 2012

[808sup]

Amazing Pics.    http://www.google.com/search?q=wahine+molokai+hoe+2012&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=fC5hUIb7H4jDigLit4GQDw&ved=0CDIQsAQ&biw=1561&bih=850

[808sup]

Here is a short clip of the star of one boat. Several boats were swamped.

[808sup]

Another link... http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-Paddler-TV/140836245975609

[JF808]

I think this topic is should be renamed.. the Molokai Hoe didn't take place yet this year, and it's the men's event. This one was the women.  some extreme conditions for sure, watched the live feed of the event. some say that the event should have been called off... no way this is what makes channel crossings such an elite event. it really is an elite event, and goes to show how inexperience can lead to disaster.  I give credit to all the ladies that continued, this years event was hardcore for sure

[JF808]

Here's more footage

[1paddle2paddle]

JF, thanks for posting that.  No longer paddling 6 man, I'm totally out of the loop with respect to what's going on with those races.  I had no idea the paddle out to the start of the race was so gnarly this year.  Hopefully no one got seriously injuried.

[paidmydues]

easy to criticize, and i was not actually there,but i have paddled and surfed all my life,and know some of the crew members out that day.I find it hard to understand that experienced steerswomen  and race organizers would actually put the crews in jeopardy like that.I guess it speaks to inexperience.what happened to counting the waves in the sets,and timing them?and to adjusting race parameters in view of the conditions?aue,hupo.

[hbsteve]

paidmydues, I agree.
The open water rowing club held a race that went under the Golden Gate Bridge.  They always ran a boat out to Golden Gate Bridge before the start of the of the race every year.  Of the four years I raced, one year they came back and said NO.  Simple.

[1paddle2paddle]

People rearrange their lives to do the Molokai race.  Its not like they can just say let's wait until next week.  Basically if they pulled the plug it would mean cancelling the race that year, for which people have been training for months and months.

Although it was pretty iffy and dangerous, and not saying the decision was right or wrong, I can understand that motivation to just go for it.

[TallDude]

Sometimes it's really hard to make the right call. It's easier to just go with it and see what happens... They risked lives, and canoes. The Catalina was cancelled this year do to big seas, and high winds. People had support boats, travel and lodging expences that was wasted. A lot of the crews wanted to do it anyway, but the organizers made a tough, but smart call. A power boat sank off the coast that day. It's hard to rescue a swamped crew, when the support boat is in distress, and boarding is outright dangerous.

[pdxmike]

I'm never going to complain about Round the Rock being choppy again.

[1paddle2paddle]

That looked like Ala Moana Bowls from the harbor on a huge and ultra windy day.  I really had no idea the surf got that big there.

From what I understand if you keep to the left side of the channel the water is plenty deep and the waves just will not break on you.  The canoes which got caught by waves either paddled (or got blown) to the right side of the channel and ended up in shallower water.

I imagine that in the rush to get to the starting line there was not sufficient warning or instructions to every canoe to make sure they bear left and not end up on the right side of the channel.

[JF808]

it was harsh conditions no doubt, but every paddler out there should realize what the channel of bones is capable of. it's rough... that's normal. it's the calmer days that are not normal!!  if you paddle that channel, you'd better know what to expect, or dont do it!

[ericspin]

Watched the livestream today. Flat, flat, flat. But still awesome to watch. Those Tahitians are freaking animals. Stroke count of 80+ and changes every 8-10 strokes. Looked as good on Waikiki as they did at Hale o lono. And how about Danny Ching? First at BOP one weekend and top 10 at Molokai Hoe the next weekend. Wouldn't mind living his life.

[JF808]

The tahitians are always on top of their game no doubt about that. I watched the live feed also, and thought the Tahitians were going to win again for sure. Prop's to Team Livstrong (local favorite for me) the beat out Primo & Lanikai and was the top Hawaiian crew to finish.  As for danny and his boys, 404 is always amoung the top 5 when it comes to the long distance open class races.  Cannot wait to watch the 2013 Olamau race to take place here on the big island as far as 6 man canoe racing goes... the unlimited class is gaining in popularity and makes watching OC6 races more exciting to watch