Standup Zone Forum

Stand Up Paddle => Downwind and Racing => Topic started by: headmount on May 07, 2013, 11:22:30 PM

Title: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 07, 2013, 11:22:30 PM
We have a bunch of California boys here to race our famous run from Maliko.  And from all over people have come to get a few runs in early to warm up.  Unfortunately, in our ongoing syndrome of crossing lows, the wind has cut out since last week.

I finally paddled today in ultra glass, my first run since PBill and I did one at the end of the last wind episode in the middle of last week.  He ditched me and moved back to HR but I did get to paddle his very Hawaiian colored (yellow and red) V2 he left behind.  Paddled it today and it was really cool.  Low front end didn't bump like my V1. 

Water surface almost appeared fuzzy and I had to focus on horizon so as not to get vertigo.  Did a long run and showed my Canadian friend where the channel is to cross the reef to the finish and then paddled back.

The crack in the reef that is the channel isn't wide but I'd recommend overshooting than under shooting on the entrance.  There's a mean boil rock that was sucking dry today on what will be the upwind side of the outer channel entrance ...with a half foot plus tide. 

Good news is that if Surfline is correct on tides, there should be a foot plus when we cross the reef.  So that means, if the surf isn't stacked up along the reef, then one could straight line it across to the finish, if they felt lucky and were good at surfing whatever length board they were using. 

On the other hand, a fall equals at least 30 secs. and if you're tangled up in that surf breaking over shallow water, the current can be quite strong, resulting in an even longer recovery.  The forecast is for the wind to just be coming up on sat so there shouldn't be much residual trade wind generated surf.  But there is a NNW swell forecast (5' on Oahu, much less here).  This could result in some waves and if they are even a few feet, it can be a challenge with a race board. 

This will be the Dirty Harry part of the race.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: JF808 on May 08, 2013, 09:24:55 AM
I think the winds are going to manifest for us on Sat.  On the upside it'll be a typical tradewind direction as opposed to no hope.

These recent cold fronts are just killing it this year
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Kissa on May 09, 2013, 02:08:56 PM
Who are the favourites?
Are there any international hotties turning up to race or will it be a contest between the local legends?
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: LaPerouseBay on May 09, 2013, 02:57:23 PM
The usual suspects?

Connor,  Kai Lenny, Livio, Dave K., Danny Ching, Travis Grant if he shows up (didn't see his name in the channels this year, but one can hope), Jeremy, Jamie Mitchell was here last year,  Kai Bartlett is super fit - if he jumps on a standup he will fly.  Maybe Slater Trout is in town, he did very well in outrigger at the Imua last weekend.     

Undoubtedly more, that's off the top of my head.  I don't know who is racing.  But probably a lot of them.  It's a big race.  Both days will see a very high level of competition. 

As for the ladies, they love this race because they get equal money as the guys.  Andrea Moeller is probably the favorite.  I'm guessing Talia Gangini, Devin, maybe Anabelle Anderson is in town?  Dane Ward is one of our best outrigger paddlers, she usually does the standup too.  The elite ladies here are super fast. 
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 09, 2013, 04:32:59 PM
Who are the favourites?
Are there any international hotties turning up to race or will it be a contest between the local legends?

Ha.  That's funny coming from you Kissa.     You can't fool us... You're the favorite.  In a short race like this, I'd pick you to be right in there.

Today is still hot doldrums.  We're all hoping for the big turn around tomorrow.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: LaPerouseBay on May 09, 2013, 10:28:15 PM
Here is your tide.  Race time is between the red lines.  

I think you guys will have some current.   I'd keep an eye on the usual suspects.  If you see them all bolting for the outside, it may be worth your while to gradually work your way out.  Those guys don't take chances with the currents - they have them dialed.  I don't know how that tide works for the run to kanaha.  We usually stay a bit further out for the harbor.  I've heard elite paddlers say 'low tide inside, high tide outside." But again, that's to the harbor entrance.  

If you decide to do a straight shot across the shallowest part of the reef, you should be fine for water depth.  Maybe that's what the elite's will do, I have no idea.  But I'd definitely follow them with that tide.  3 hours from low tide is plenty of time for the water to start moving around.  

The wind is looking like a NE, rather than ENE.  NE usually means lighter at the beginning, with the wind increasing as you go.      

 (http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj308/risley47/tide800x392_zps15d04de0.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/risley47/media/tide800x392_zps15d04de0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: JF808 on May 09, 2013, 11:44:01 PM
Good to know
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: JF808 on May 09, 2013, 11:47:05 PM
we are planning on going to Maliko later in the day, hoping the expected winds to begin to manifest!!!  Staying at the Maui Banyan, we pick up our trailers from the docks tomorrow morning
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: LaPerouseBay on May 10, 2013, 10:41:43 AM
Here's a wind forcast site for Maui county.  As you scroll through the time, it shows the NE trades starting to fill in Friday.  It also shows how NE wind accelerates through the valley, lighting up the downwind conditions on the south shore. 

ENE winds do a similar acceleration down the coast at maliko.  They mash into Haleakala and get compressed - accelerating down the north shore.  The open ocean fetch adds long period groundswells.

This forcast is usually very accurate for the north shore, but can be iffy for the south shore.  That's just the nature of how fickle our south shore is.  I'm hoping for downwind action over here - but it may not happen.  Ski's are not invited to the Olukai, so I'll be hanging on the south shore this weekend.     

http://weather.mhpcc.edu/wrf/maui2/ (http://weather.mhpcc.edu/wrf/maui2/) 

   
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 10, 2013, 04:44:41 PM
The south shore looks like the winner for tomorrow.  If the race finishes around 1-2 then a run could still be done over there.  I'm up for it if anyone else is.

Today wind maxed out at 15mph, almost doable except that the direction was 13 degrees.  Fingers are crossed for tomorrow.

Classic that we go into a full on wind event after the race.

Stoked on PBill's V2 with the low nose rocker.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: CMC on May 10, 2013, 08:37:25 PM
The usual suspects?

Connor,  Kai Lenny, Livio, Dave K., Danny Ching, Travis Grant if he shows up (didn't see his name in the channels this year, but one can hope), Jeremy, Jamie Mitchell was here last year,  Kai Bartlett is super fit - if he jumps on a standup he will fly.  Maybe Slater Trout is in town, he did very well in outrigger at the Imua last weekend.     

Undoubtedly more, that's off the top of my head.  I don't know who is racing.  But probably a lot of them.  It's a big race.  Both days will see a very high level of competition. 

As for the ladies, they love this race because they get equal money as the guys.  Andrea Moeller is probably the favorite.  I'm guessing Talia Gangini, Devin, maybe Anabelle Anderson is in town?  Dane Ward is one of our best outrigger paddlers, she usually does the standup too.  The elite ladies here are super fast. 

Keep your eye on Karla Gilbert in the ladies.

Travis won't be there, he's going to the NSW titles, France, Germany, France, Spain and then Hawaii for Olamau.  Looks like he will be doing the triple crown and Molokai though before Battle Of Paddle in Cali.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: LaPerouseBay on May 10, 2013, 10:00:58 PM
^Is Travis Grant moving to Hawaii?  I seem to remember him saying something in an interview. 

If so, which island?  Also does he do the surfski along with the outrigger and standup?

Thanks for the info CMC.  I'll keep an eye out for Karla's result.

Elite visitors should do well in the less than ideal winds.  When it's blasting,  Maui residents have an advantage.  Aussies are famous for coming here and killing it when the conditions are tough, because they train in tougher water.     
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: JF808 on May 11, 2013, 12:10:19 AM
Maliko today...  Wind was trying.  Had to work hard to get glides.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 11, 2013, 09:24:18 AM
This morning is race day.  Been raining here in Paia all night.  Clouds in every direction, no blue holes anywhere.  But at 6am there is already some wind here at my house.  The temps have cooled off from the rain and I'm getting a good feeling about the prospects for today.

JF808... hard to catch glides?  The wind was almost dead north yesterday.  If you caught anything, you're a wizard. 

More than wind speed, a more E direction is what we want, whatever speed it is.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 11, 2013, 09:41:43 AM
Oh yeah and there's a small swell breaking on the outer reefs.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: LaPerouseBay on May 11, 2013, 10:19:26 AM
Here's a cam at Hookipa.  It may show the massive flotilla as it launches about 12:00.  Not sure which view to choose.  The paddlers may be very tiny. 

http://www.mamasbeachcam.com/ (http://www.mamasbeachcam.com/)

This cam may show paddlers across camp one.  They might be tiny also.  If nothing else, it  will show the conditions.  The kanaha cam shows lower kanaha's sup break.  I think that is beyond the finish line of the olukai though. 

http://www.mauiwindcam.com/streaming/campOneReef/ (http://www.mauiwindcam.com/streaming/campOneReef/)

Best of luck everyone!
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 11, 2013, 08:22:59 PM
I almost feel responsible for great surface conditions after all the ranting and raving that a few of us have done on the Smokin Maliko thread.  And the downside of all that is that when conditions are way under par, from what we who live have experienced, it makes me feel kinda disappointed for all those paddlers who have come from far and wide, with considerable expense, to get here and race in what are sometimes, fantastic conditions.

But that's the way the cookie crumbles.  How far off were the conditions?  Last year I did a 1:01 and this year 1:13, 12 mins slower.  And I had a reasonable run considering the conditions.  Good start, no falls and crossed the reef riding a wave.  But it was slow.  Seemed like I couldn't buy a glide for the first few miles but eventually I started bagging a few towards the end.  Never had any connections from one glide to another, just singles and then readjust.  Felt like I was mixing concrete for most of the run and most people felt the same.

Crossing the reef was a little more freaky than I anticipated.  NNW Swell was something to watch out for and as I approached I saw one guy go backwards over the falls on a fairly good size wave.... on a race board.  I told MR afterwards that if no boards were reported broken then that was a pretty solid testament to their construction.  I found the channel with two other paddlers just in front of me but off to either side.  One was Archie Kelepa, head lifeguard for Maui County and a very strong waterman.  Both guys ate it big time on their waves.  I was just a phase behind them, picked up a smaller wave and rode through clean... a great testament to PBill's V2 which surfs like a dream.

Revitalized that I had slipped through without breaking PBill's board in half, I found renewed focused for the home stretch.  My competitor in the coffin division had crossed at the top, windward side of the reef.  As I found out after I had crossed the reef, there was a significant current and he utilized it to the fullest.  So he passed me on the inside after I had led him the whole race and  I got 2nd place in over 60,  73rd overall, which felt very good considering the fitness level of the athletes involved. 

Got to meet DJ's pal Justin and all the other Aussies.  Also got to see JF808 and his large crew of paddlers from the BI.   They put a heap of boards on a trailer and successfully barged them over here.  Quite spectacular turn out.  Close to 300 participants.  Conner, Dave and Kai and Conner had his board put way by the time Dave finished.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: covesurfer on May 11, 2013, 08:28:24 PM
Nice job HM!
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Southbay on May 11, 2013, 10:13:26 PM
Awesome job HM! 
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: DavidJohn on May 11, 2013, 10:43:26 PM
Thanks.. Did you take any pictures?

DJ
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 11, 2013, 11:27:06 PM
Still haven't replaced the cam that was stolen out of my truck... in my garage.  At any rate it was a grey day, lousy for pics.  After the finish it just got worse and by the time they were handing out trophies, it started to rain. 

Olukai had quite an entertainment line up with taiko drummers, music and the works but when the slight drizzle turned into a total downpour, everyone started leaving as if someone had shouted fire in a theater.  This part of the island gets about 5 inches of rainfall a year and today was the day it rained.

Justin did great.  Rugged conditions.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: LaPerouseBay on May 11, 2013, 11:54:18 PM
Good one HM, nice race report.

Cool to see Dave K. still has it.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: DavidJohn on May 12, 2013, 06:28:47 AM
I've got a pic of the finish..  ;D

DJ

(http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/djp-3/Snapbucket/5C714D35_zps095148cb.jpg)
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 12, 2013, 08:15:48 AM
Obviously a guy who watches a lot of NFL football and willing to sacrifice his stomach for what will be the photo that is remembered from this event.  Wonder if anyone got pics of guys getting tangled in the surf.  That would make a great photo.

Funny thing I forgot to add about the race.  Usually there is a long skippers meeting stating the obvious and then an even longer Hawaiian prayer or Pule that we have to endure.  Well yesterday, we hadn't done that yet and I see all the heavy hitters heading into the water.... to warm up?  I don't know but I've learned to follow the top guys.  They don't warm up inside the gulch and return,   they just headed out to sea for the open ocean start.    Cool with me.  Very cool.

 It's side into the wind work and I guess a good warm up because I was gassed when I got out there.   So it was nice getting to the start line early, because it was great to stop and concentrate on breathing.    Also you get to look back at the field of over 300 paddlers which was impressive. 

But what is really impressive is seeing how the top guys just leaped away from me at the start.  Even out in the open ocean there is a significant effect on the water from so many paddlers chewing it up.  In downwinding, being right behind a big pack isn't a good thing but seeing the game faces on the top guys is kinda cool for an old man.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 12, 2013, 09:08:27 AM
I've got a pic of the finish..  ;D

DJ

(http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/djp-3/Snapbucket/5C714D35_zps095148cb.jpg)
Another thing about this race is this diabolical 100meter run at the end.  Now for a good stretch you can pound it out on the harder sand right where the water laps up.  But as you can see in this picture, they angled a chute of sorts to force you into about 40 meters of really soft sand.  I can still run on the hardpack but the soft stuff really slowed me down.  The run on the water was technical with sloppy water but the run on the beach just ruined me.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: LaPerouseBay on May 12, 2013, 09:54:57 AM
/ Usually there is a long skippers meeting stating the obvious and then an even longer Hawaiian prayer or Pule that we have to endure.  Well yesterday, we hadn't done that yet and I see all the heavy hitters heading into the water.... to warm up?  I don't know but I've learned to follow the top guys.  They don't warm up inside the gulch and return,   they just headed out to sea for the open ocean start. /

Smart move HM.  I would strongly encourage all zoners to do the same.  Mass starts at maliko work well for the organizers, not so much for the racers. 
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Tom on May 12, 2013, 01:52:21 PM
So........who won. I saw the picture of Conner flying across the finish line for 1st and also saw a picture of David K on the stage with a bunch of youngsters, but can't find the final results.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: DavidJohn on May 12, 2013, 02:05:29 PM
So........who won. I saw the picture of Conner flying across the finish line for 1st and also saw a picture of David K on the stage with a bunch of youngsters, but can't find the final results.

Results are here.. http://www.supracer.com/results-olukai-2013/ (http://www.supracer.com/results-olukai-2013/)

DJ
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Muskoka SUP on May 12, 2013, 05:23:54 PM
Conner's Bullet looks interesting...  Is it a V2 or a totally unique custom version? I'm surprised not to see him on a really narrow board like Jeremy Riggs' 22" rocket.. :o

(http://www.supracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Connor-Baxter-OluKai-SUP-Race.jpg)
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: PT Woody on May 12, 2013, 05:51:15 PM
The other thing about Connor on the SIC is that it suggests the 17' Ace Molokai special that was being hinted at a few months ago maybe isn't going to happen after all.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Chilly on May 12, 2013, 06:22:41 PM
Way to go Dave Kalama!!!! 2nd Place. What a beast!

Connor's board looks like a green banana. A fast green banana ;D
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Muskoka SUP on May 12, 2013, 06:31:13 PM
Looks like the same board as last year with some new paint..
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 12, 2013, 06:34:17 PM
CB's board is a SB not a SIC.  Not the same board as last year.

I didn't realize that dive was Conner.  Pretty wild for him showboating like that.  Unnecessary risks and he needs to be firing on all cylinders  to come out on top.  CB, DK, Kai, Slater, Georges, Scott Gamble from Oahu.  
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: paddlman on May 12, 2013, 06:38:53 PM
Seems to be a 17' Bullett from SIC just repainted!!!!!!!!
Steering is the same and looks are the same??????
Last years board was definitely an SIC!
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Muskoka SUP on May 12, 2013, 06:57:26 PM
I'd be inclined to believe HM, as he's a friend of the Baxter's.  
That being said, if its not a custom SIC, then it's a one off Starboard...is it a Brian S. shaped board..?  It sure looks thick and high volumed.. Maybe even hollow.. Something to compete against Kai Lenny's Naish?  
(Anyone got a pic of that - is it the long awaited new LE 17? )

Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 12, 2013, 07:40:39 PM
I saw one green board, not made by SIC up at his house, but it was a heavy beast.  I'm sure he got another lighter one but it definitely wasn't made by SIC.  You probably are right on the shaper but I'm not sure.  But in any case most of the top shapers know what works these days.  The thing is playing with width and keeping the board light.  Bottom line is ... the boy can hammer.

Here's his re-cap


Re-Cap of Event - by Connor Baxter

The Olukai Ho'olaule'a is a great event. Every year paddlers look forward to competing at this event in the infamous Maliko downwinder.

The day started out with rain and very light winds. But, when driving down along the north shore we could see that the wind was picking up and the rain had stopped - and there were a few whitecaps. It was looking like it was going to be a good day.

Driving into Maliko Gulch, I knew there were going to be a bunch of people - there were cars parked all the way out to the highway - and it was only 10am. What a great turnout.

Once we got there - I checked in and got my board ready. And, of course had to say hi to everyone.  At 11:30 we had a pule, a Hawaiian prayer and then all 300+ of us hit the water for a 12:00 start. It was a water start on the outside of the bay. The wind was a little onshore so I decided to start further outside. Once we were all lined up on the water the boat waved a yellow flag so we got ready to race. And bam the green flag went up and I sprinted right from the beginning.

Dave Kalama and I pulled away right from the beginning and like always - were just trading off back and forth. Once we got to outer Baldwin I knew I had to put a gap on Dave. So I put my head down and I shifted into 6th gear and didn't stop until I had a comfortable lead. Once I was a little ahead, I got into a steady rhythm and kept going. Coming into Camp One I was a little nervous, because I didn't have a leash and there were waves. So I caught a medium size one and stepped to the tail and rode the wave to the inside. Once I hit the flat water I just kept my head down and sprinted all the way to the finish.

I had a good lead of a minute and a half on Dave - and two and a half minutes on Kai in third place.

I hit the beach and ran all the way to the finish line and spur of the moment I got a great idea to dolphin dive across the finish line - even though there was no one even close to me.

Overall it was a great event and I had a lot of fun and really stoked to defend my title and hope to do it again next year!

I want to thank my sponsors for all their support – Starboard, Maui Jim, Rainbow Sandals, Trident Sports, Rista Fins, Dakine, GoPro, OnIt Pro, Waterman’s Sunscreen, Igloo Coolers, Sunrite Maui, Hammer Nutrition, iDcard, EFX and Hi-Tech Sports.

Also a big Mahalo to all the event organizers and volunteers.

Aloha,
   Connor Baxter
 here's the day, gloomy and grey, the jive dive, and the six finalists
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: DavidJohn on May 13, 2013, 03:02:12 AM
I'd be inclined to believe HM, as he's a friend of the Baxter's.  
That being said, if its not a custom SIC, then it's a one off Starboard...is it a Brian S. shaped board..?  It sure looks thick and high volumed.. Maybe even hollow.. Something to compete against Kai Lenny's Naish?  
(Anyone got a pic of that - is it the long awaited new LE 17? )



Looks like it.. I have my order in.

DJ

(http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/djp-3/Snapbucket/51FAD1DB_zps1af689f1.jpg)
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Muskoka SUP on May 13, 2013, 05:49:10 AM
Given PeterP's comments about the LE's construction durability I'd be leary of spending all that money on one...yeah sure it will be light and fast and a very cool board, but at what cost if you have to treat it with kid gloves...I'd be more inclined just to hang it from my living room ceiling (if it would fit ).   Though my wife might not be too impressed.  ;D

DS
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 13, 2013, 10:31:47 AM
That's a great pic of Kody!
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: PonoBill on May 13, 2013, 10:39:48 AM
If Connor's board is not an SIC then Brian S. has relented on all the stuff he's been doing for the past four years and is basically copying Raaphorst. But given the close tie between Mark and Svein I'd assume that's not the case. You'd have to pry that info out of the two of them with a crowbar, Mark gets very close-mouthed about deals like that. But that looks like pure Bullet. Maybe V1.5.

Oh, and major props to Mr. Kalama, demonstrating once again that he's a power to be reckoned with and the complete stupidity of SUP race length rules. You put a powerful, great paddler on a board that suits him and he's up in front. Limit him to 12'6" and he won't participate. Why should he? Why should Chuck Patterson or Rob Rojas compete on a board that turns the small advantage that a lighter, smaller paddler already has into an insurmountable obstacle. These rules have eliminated an entire class of paddler from elite competition.

Time for these stupid, arbitrary, unfair rules to go away.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: maui wave warrior on May 13, 2013, 10:54:08 AM
Wondering why Connor did not wear a leash. Seems crazy to me but there must be a good reason.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 13, 2013, 10:58:25 AM
Wondering why Connor did not wear a leash. Seems crazy to me but there must be a good reason.
Do you remember what you were like when you were a teenager?  Crazy is always on the menu and good reasons are like having to eat vegetables.    The leash was nothing, how crazy was that swan dive?
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: paddledaddy on May 13, 2013, 11:43:45 AM
If anyone is interested in a novice perspective. Here's my report from my first OluKai race and really my first Maliko run:

I spent the week participating in another great Kalama Kamp and the first in Maui as preperation for the race. Unfortunately there were no downwind conditions anywhere on the island all week so the race was my first downwind Maliko run, but not my first downwinder.

Anyway we paddled out to the start line and the conditions were beyond anything I had been in before. I remember thinking on the paddle out: "There is no way I would be out here alone." The open water near Maui is so much more active than it is back home on the Gulf of Mexico.

I was still about 400 yards back from the start line when the field began to move for a silent start. For the first 2 miles I was really just getting used to the conditions and catching a few small glides. By the middle 3 or 4 miles Dave's coaching kicked in and I was linking some glides and caught up to a pack of strong amateur paddlers. When I should have followed them in over the reef I headed back out thinking there is no way I should be going over there with the size of the swell. I guess I was expecting a defined channel or something. Anyway, after wasting 15 minutes heading out about 90 degrees away from the beach finish , I realized I needed to go in at any spot I could. I was just getting tossed around, and the swell was now breaking on the reef ahead of me. Just then a kid maybe 12 years old paddled near me to ask where to go in. I pointed out a spot and we headed in.

By that point I had lost my focus and was just surviving not racing. I fell 3 or 4 times over the reef before I got it back together and decided I needed to act like I was in a race again. I passed a few people in the last 1000 yards and finished in 1:33. It was a great experience that I hope to do again. Special thanks to Dave Kalama for all the coaching and to my family for supporting me in my crazy paddle adventures.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: PonoBill on May 13, 2013, 12:27:42 PM
That's a pretty common feeling, and from everything everyone said here it was a pretty light day, though there was groundswell. the good news is that it looks so much harder than it is. Coming across the reef at Kanaha is tough under any conditions other than zero ground swell. Even a good sized wind swell will refract in and eat your lunch. Kudos for making it in.

The leash thing always floors me, there are a lot of top-level paddlers that don't wear them. There's lots of ways to keep from dragging your leash, and if you have to come through the surf and you fall, I don't care who you are, your boards gonna get away from you. Seems like any potential gain would be hugely overcome by the downside. but it's what they do.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Muskoka SUP on May 13, 2013, 12:55:55 PM
Thanks for the report PaddleDaddy!  You've just boosted my stoke-o-meter to 11.

I'm going to be in Maui this time next year for a few weeks - most likely staying in Kihei.  If timing works out, I'm game to paddle the Olukai....nothing ventured, nothing gained.  If the dates don't fall in line, then at the very least I'll be in contact with Headmount for some guiding on some Maliko runs....and if that doesn't do me in, then maybe some sessions with Mr Riggs....

D.S.

Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: peterp on May 13, 2013, 01:03:14 PM
Around here you'd be DQ'ed if you didn't wear a leash, but hey, what do we know.....

DK gives all us wannabe youngsters hope!!!! And I fully agree with PB's sentiment - DK's result proves the absurdity of the classes!
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Area 10 on May 13, 2013, 01:19:17 PM
Just think how fast Dave Kalama would be if he was Connor Baxter/Kai Lenny's age and had grown up with SUP like them...

These days when Connor or Kai wins I just think meh, and check out where Dave is. Incredible kids but... they're kids. They don't have a lot to offer me.

Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: paddlestandingup on May 13, 2013, 01:59:30 PM
I'm a big fan of DK myself.  Like Headmount said, I don't see why Connor did that dive but then again, kids...
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: PonoBill on May 13, 2013, 02:16:25 PM
Just think how fast Dave Kalama would be if he was Connor Baxter/Kai Lenny's age and had grown up with SUP like them...

These days when Connor or Kai wins I just think meh, and check out where Dave is. Incredible kids but... they're kids. They don't have a lot to offer me.

The guy wasn't even a surfer, he was a skier. The things he's done and is still doing are simply amazing to me.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 13, 2013, 04:05:09 PM
One downside of having a leash is stepping on them.  So I can dig that but I've swam after a runaway board before and don't like it.  The coil leashes lay right on the deck real clean... except PBill's which has little coil left in it.  I replaced his before the race with a brand new one.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: surf monkey on May 13, 2013, 06:34:09 PM
The picture of CB he has a leash on? Maybe a old picture.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Muskoka SUP on May 13, 2013, 06:39:29 PM
Yes that is from last year.. The M2O I think.  The pic of him on the green board - SIC or SB or whatever, is from Saturdays Olukai. 
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: maui wave warrior on May 13, 2013, 08:11:41 PM
As DK put it, " dinosaurs still roam the earth". Maybe CB only wears a leash when it is over 20K of wind?  Perplexing to me why he would make that sort of decision especially with his experience and knowledge of the conditions that existed that day near camp one.
IMO A lot on the line to gamble from not wearing one. One mistake through the surf without a leash and his race results could change in a big way. Probably not the case if he wears a leash.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 13, 2013, 11:02:15 PM
As DK put it, " dinosaurs still roam the earth". Maybe CB only wears a leash when it is over 20K of wind?  Perplexing to me why he would make that sort of decision especially with his experience and knowledge of the conditions that existed that day near camp one.
IMO A lot on the line to gamble from not wearing one. One mistake through the surf without a leash and his race results could change in a big way. Probably not the case if he wears a leash.

You forget the bravado a teenager possesses.  He has gone down in the past and he has also retrieved his board and still won.  So he's a full-on fighter pilot who will fly under the high voltage wires in a bat suit if necessary.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: Mark Raaphorst on May 14, 2013, 06:16:46 PM
Connor is a great water athlete and deserves all the praise he gets for his accomplishments.  He trains hard and it shows.

Chosen board companies work hard as well to get top athletes the best possible equipment. They too deserve recognition.
And so I'd like to make something clear: 
Connor Baxter won the 2013 Olukai on a 2012 SIC Bullet 17. 
It's the same board he won the 2012 races on, and can be seen in many photos around the web.
It has now been re-sprayed green and completely re-labeled. 
The ASS steering system developed at SIC is there in the board. SIC team riders as well as myself checked the board out on the water and in pictures and we all agree on this.  Either that or it's a darn good copy.
If I am wrong then I'd like to hear it from Connor or the guy who shaped it.
If silence prevails the truth is spoken.
With Aloha, Mark Raaphorst - Head of SIC Designs
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: XLR8 on May 14, 2013, 06:34:48 PM
Mark, it's a pleasure to see you post on the Zone.  Congratulations on the growth of SIC.  You and your team make super sweet boards.  Admittedly, I haven't gotten to see too many, though.  Production SICs are starting to make it to the Midwest now and I have seen a few on trips to NC.

I am able to do many downwind runs of various kinds on the Great Lakes.  Currently these are either on an old Naish Glide 14 or custom shapes from my shaper here in Michigan.  We really respect what you have built and hope to get to Maui within the next year or so to visit.

Thanks, I hope to see you on the Zone more often.

Rob
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: headmount on May 14, 2013, 08:00:02 PM
Well the green paint fooled me since I saw the SB model up at his house and his mother told us it was over with SIC.  But now  it makes sense that it was a repaint.  I don't think anyone knows how to make a big board as light as Mark does. 

Mark raced in a red standamaran that looked like the Red Baron.  Amazing how well he did on that thing with the conditions that day.
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: XLR8 on May 16, 2013, 04:02:16 PM
Conner was interviewed today by Reid on Stoke Radio.  He spoke about a few things this thread has referred to:  the lack of a leash, the superman at the end, and the board (but there wasn't a lot of detail on the board).

Usually Stoke Radio is good about posting a link to the interview a day or so after it occurs.  You could find it at www.stokeradio.com (http://www.stokeradio.com)

 
Title: Re: Olukai race on sat
Post by: DavidJohn on May 16, 2013, 04:36:48 PM
Hey Mark.. Thanks for clearing that up for us.. Looking forward to more posts from you.. Please feel free to post pics and vids.. and I'd be interested in your thoughts on Pono's wireless remote rudder system that he's been working on.. (that is if you are aware of it)..  ;D

DJ
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