Requirement for open ocean paddling (first timer)

[tautologies]

Ok so oI am contemplating paddling Molokai - Oahu  in July. I have a friend and we were thinking of alternating across.

We only talked about it for a bit, but what would you guys suggest we prepare before attempting this (I have only done a few downwinders. I was thinking training for something like that would be a good way to get in shape and lose some weight.

I have kited between the islands, but this time I would definitely have a boat around. Otherwise I was thinking of 14ft board or something like that...hmm, well we're just getting started so hit me with your best shot. :-)

Thx

[NXLVL]

im no hawiian, but im sure requirement #1 would be weather forecasting 101.  know the morning conditions, noon, & evening. requirement #2, safety boat. glad you already had that in your plans. requirement #3, what ever the distance you plan on doing in the ocean, do that flat water up wind a couple of times. gets your mental ready! have fun & be safe!

[tautologies]

im no hawiian, but im sure requirement #1 would be weather forecasting 101.  know the morning conditions, noon, & evening. requirement #2, safety boat. glad you already had that in your plans. requirement #3, what ever the distance you plan on doing in the ocean, do that flat water up wind a couple of times. gets your mental ready! have fun & be safe!

Hey thanks for answering.
Yes of course weather conditions would matter. It is pretty much a downwinder, but about 32 miles. I tried kiting across a smaller channel without support, and it wasn't a unconditional success in that the wind disappeared in the middle of the channel, and that I was bleeding like a pig. I'm not doing that again. :-)

The distance is 32 miles, and I certainly will not be able to do that against the wind.  :-)
I have doen a couple of miles up and down wind alone. I guess I'd either have to invest in a downwind board or rent one for a week or so.

Ah well. we'll see if it fits with other plans. :-)

[SchUP]

I think you should note that *sometimes* it could be called a downwinder and the entire run is usually not a downwinder. 

Talk with people that have done this before on standup -- go down to the Ding King and get with Mark/Donna, or talk with the folk in the Maui Canoe series, both OC-1's and standups.  Get with Dave Kalama if you haven't already. 

[tautologies]

Ha I have one of my board down at ding king right now.

I realize it will not be all downwind.
I'll definitely talk with people before venturing out. I have done ocean kayaking around Napali coast, but that was a breeze compared to this crossing me thinks.

[1paddle2paddle]

An escort boat driver with plenty of experience with Molokai crossings is invaluable.

[WindJunkie]

The two times I crossed the kaiwi channel it seemed more like a side wind than down wind.  i would get a boat and have them run you part way to molokai and run back to see if that's an endeavor you want to take on before making the monetary commitment.  Be prepared to give up kiting for a while.  This is what turn me off to the idea.  I was out surfing on a glassy beautiful head high day and seeing some friends heading out from waikiki to HK to train.  My personal nightmare would be a flat water paddle accross the channel.  let me know if you want to join for a run.  We're going this afternoon.

[tautologies]

The two times I crossed the kaiwi channel it seemed more like a side wind than down wind.  i would get a boat and have them run you part way to molokai and run back to see if that's an endeavor you want to take on before making the monetary commitment.  Be prepared to give up kiting for a while.  This is what turn me off to the idea.  I was out surfing on a glassy beautiful head high day and seeing some friends heading out from waikiki to HK to train.  My personal nightmare would be a flat water paddle accross the channel.  let me know if you want to join for a run.  We're going this afternoon.

Hey didn't see it until now. I definitely see that part. Unless I try to kite a little harder :-) I think I would try to count it as training hehe. 

Right now I don't really have a board to do any downwinder on, and I think going way out in the beginning might be a bit much.

So where have you been these past few days? :-) Kailua has been going off. Not super clean, but definitely decent size on the outside reef and more than enough for your 8.

Where on Molokai is the official start? Are you going this summer?

[PonoBill]

I'd talk to Jack Dyson, he's done the crossing numerous times. And Mark. I want to do some crossings myself, but I don't think it's going to be this year.

[WindJunkie]

I've been out doing downwind runs.  Conditions have been awesome.  I contemplated kiting one day but was worried it would hurt me too much to do any downwind runs after that for a week or so.

[SchUP]

The two times I crossed the kaiwi channel it seemed more like a side wind than down wind.  i would get a boat and have them run you part way to molokai and run back to see if that's an endeavor you want to take on before making the monetary commitment.  Be prepared to give up kiting for a while.  This is what turn me off to the idea.  I was out surfing on a glassy beautiful head high day and seeing some friends heading out from waikiki to HK to train.  My personal nightmare would be a flat water paddle accross the channel.  let me know if you want to join for a run.  We're going this afternoon.

Hey didn't see it until now. I definitely see that part. Unless I try to kite a little harder :-) I think I would try to count it as training hehe. 

Right now I don't really have a board to do any downwinder on, and I think going way out in the beginning might be a bit much.

So where have you been these past few days? :-) Kailua has been going off. Not super clean, but definitely decent size on the outside reef and more than enough for your 8.

Where on Molokai is the official start? Are you going this summer?

They start the Ho'e at Hale O Lono Harbor -- it's like a big boneyard. 

It's smart to think so far ahead like this -- you might also look into doing a relay, I think that's pretty common for this race...    Also, do you have to do any qualifier races?

[val]

The two times I crossed the kaiwi channel it seemed more like a side wind than down wind.  i would get a boat and have them run you part way to molokai and run back to see if that's an endeavor you want to take on before making the monetary commitment.  Be prepared to give up kiting for a while.  This is what turn me off to the idea.  I was out surfing on a glassy beautiful head high day and seeing some friends heading out from waikiki to HK to train.  My personal nightmare would be a flat water paddle accross the channel.  let me know if you want to join for a run.  We're going this afternoon.

Hey didn't see it until now. I definitely see that part. Unless I try to kite a little harder :-) I think I would try to count it as training hehe. 

Right now I don't really have a board to do any downwinder on, and I think going way out in the beginning might be a bit much.

So where have you been these past few days? :-) Kailua has been going off. Not super clean, but definitely decent size on the outside reef and more than enough for your 8.

Where on Molokai is the official start? Are you going this summer?

They start the Ho'e at Hale O Lono Harbor -- it's like a big boneyard. 

It's smart to think so far ahead like this -- you might also look into doing a relay, I think that's pretty common for this race...    Also, do you have to do any qualifier races?

the paddleboard races usually start at the old kaluakoi development on the westside, not haleolono.

paddling the channel is the most afraid I've been in the ocean.  it is not like a hawaii kai or maliko run or anything else.  on a big day you become a tired, wandering ant lost in an endless washing machine of wind-driven 20 foot peaks and troughs.  you lose sight of land and all other paddlers and sometimes your own escort boat, not to mention your own mind.  to me its psychologically as tough as it is physically.  that said, completing it is definitely a memorable accomplishment and a good solid goal that will get you in top shape if you prepare properly.

[tautologies]

Thanks guys.

I know I am still hesitant to what extent I can be ready by that time tho. I am a sissy so I'll make sure I have the preparations in order. I will definitely consider a relay.  I'd also be willing to cancel at last moment if the conditions were not good for it.

Still nothing decided. Any gear that would make it safer? I would have a boat, and it would have to be good conditions for it.

I am not planning to do this competitively so no worries about qualifying. :-)

[WindJunkie]

paddling the channel is the most afraid I've been in the ocean.  it is not like a hawaii kai or maliko run or anything else.  on a big day you become a tired, wandering ant lost in an endless washing machine of wind-driven 20 foot peaks and troughs.  you lose sight of land and all other paddlers and sometimes your own escort boat, not to mention your own mind.  to me its psychologically as tough as it is physically.  that said, completing it is definitely a memorable accomplishment and a good solid goal that will get you in top shape if you prepare properly.

Although i only did the crossing oc-6.  this is a damn good description.  It is nothing like an HK run which is very orgainzed.  I laughed about losing your own mind.  My coach always told us it's all mental, and it is.  One memorable momment for me was I had to pee real bad, I was hurting like a mother already and because I was thinking about peeing I couldn't concentrate on blocking out the pain.  I looked over to the escort boat and gave the coach the take me out signal.  He yells back, fight through it.  I thought I guess I'm not getting out right now. 

[robcasey]

Consider learning about current direction, wind direction, and swell direction.  Get the following book, 'fundamentals for sea kayak navigation, david burch, a must have for open ocean trips...

http://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Kayak-Navigation-Kayaking-How/dp/076270473X