Molokai 2 Oahu July 28, 2013

[Chilly]

This is going to be exciting! http://www.molokai2oahu.com/2013/06/official-athlete-start-list-announced-world-championship-paddleboard-race/
Does anyone know if there will be some sort of webcast coverage? Also, what is the standup stock class, 14’?

[JF808]

as far as M2O rules go, SUP stock class is 14' and under with no rudder.

I'm sure there will be ocean paddler TV coverage, but as far as it being live... I highly doubt it.  The only race I've seen "live" from them was outrigger canoe events, mainly Na Wahine, and/or Molokai hoe.  OC Paddler TV should really be called outrigger paddler tv, hardly any love for the other paddling disciplines. There could be other media coverage? but I'm not sure

[LaPerouseBay]

Wow, that field is loaded.  Kai, Danny and Travis are going to be a handful for Connor. 

Amazing that Connor has more victories in M2O standup than all 3 of them together, and he's the youngest at 18.

I'm going to say the percentages are against Connor this year.  I don't think he repeats.   

[Chilly]

I’m sure most of the unlimited athletes will be on SIC boards with the exception of Danny Ching on a 404.
The women’s race is also going to be good. Andrea Moller, Talia Gangini, and Annabel Anderson.

[LaPerouseBay]

All the top pro's will be on custom one offs.  They always have been, always will be.  It's a good thing.  It drives innovation.   

Go Talia and Annabel.  Andrea is the queen of M2O on standup.  I'll bet she repeats this year.

Kai did 5 maliko's last Saturday.  I think Dave K. still has the record at 6.  Lot's of top pro's skipped M2M to train for M2O.   

[covesurfer]

Kai did 5 maliko's last Saturday.  I think Dave K. still has the record at 6.  Lot's of top pro's skipped M2M to train for M2O.   

That's amazing!

[headmount]

I'm going with the trend and think Conner repeats... in fact I'm sure of it.

[Chilly]

Kai did 5 maliko's last Saturday.  I think Dave K. still has the record at 6.  Lot's of top pro's skipped M2M to train for M2O.   

That's amazing!

I guess it’s true. Red Bull gives you wings. 

[JF808]

Conner has won more times because he's participated more times, but I certainly wouldn't rule him out.  Conner is the JM ot SUP, and he'll be hard to beat.  This is Danny's first time doing M2O and I highly doubt he'll be on a 404 board.  When he's here in Hawaii, along with the other elites, they're riding SIC boards for these downwinders.  The only one who probably won't be on a SIC is Kai Lenny. Is DK doing the race this year? He's always been there next to Conner.


Women, Andrea in the past, has been the one to beat, but its gonna be between Talia and Andrea, I think Talia is gonna take it again this year.  We haven't heard much from Jenny K. In the past few, but I think she might be riding a SIC board this time around. I've seen her recently training on one these past few weeks on Maui. Perhaps that's the edge she needs to be a threat?


Either way this year's field is stacked with the best.

[Chilly]

I figure since 404 builds custom unlimited boards Danny would be on one.

My prediction Danny, Conner, Travis, Kai, in that order.
I don’t know about the women.

DK a year ago. Classy Dude.

 

[blueplanetsurf]

That's a great interview.

According to facebook, Danny shipped this 404 to Hawaii, I'm assuming to race in the M2O.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1070055_580447812168_710058259_n.jpg

[Chilly]

That's a great interview.

According to facebook, Danny shipped this 404 to Hawaii, I'm assuming to race in the M2O.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1070055_580447812168_710058259_n.jpg

I think your right. That looks like a rudder control so it’s an unlimited.

[soulsurfmedia]

Hi everyone, this year's race is like you all said - stacked! I am lucky enough to be a video producer for the race...so here is the media you can count on from them...

They put out videos to the youtube channel as quickly as possible http://youtube.com/molokai2oahu and publish stories and content to the M2O facebook page during the event. Cell service drops out mid channel so we go into a black out for a bit. But once we get signals, the PR team is really on top of getting information out.
I just uploaded our "countdown" video that is going to be coming out in the next few days.

Ocean Paddler is shooting, but not streaming the event. In fact, a whole blog could be written on behind the scenes of the M2O - last year alone, I coordinated with Go Pro, a Canadian Broadcaster, A Korean crew, and Ocean Paddler to document the race. It really is a massive media effort with multiple entities working together.
We will put out, that night, a VNR (Video News Release) of raw, unedited video with interviews, finish line shots, mid course shots and other assorted filler for news media to download. Again, this will be raw, unedited video without any music, etc.. this is purely for the news media.

Our first "highlight" video will be out in September
Then the videos from the 2013 race will be coming in early 2014 as a lead up to that race.

And as a director/producer working that race is a dream come true. It is the highlight of my year - I get to meet and work with legends in the sport - people I truly look up to. It has opened many doors for me - and I am not talking about work - I am talking about friendships with individuals who have helped to shape and change my own life.

The Channel is a magical place, and to see it front row center from the official boat is really a unique experience. Last year, we witnessed first hand, the man on man battle between Conner and Dave. It was a total spectacle with lead changes every time one of them caught a bump.

This year I expect the same with the stacked field and I will do my best to give you guys the goods to jump into the channel with us and watch the race unfold.

[Chilly]

Thanks for the info Soulsurfmedia. That’s too bad that no one will be streaming it, at least a webcam on the finish line would be great. If you can, post some pre race pics here.
What a job you have!

[soulsurfmedia]

Thanks, I will post what I can but will be busy doing my job
I will offer your suggestion of a live cam at the finish, it's a good idea. Hooking up the connection could be a challenge merely because the finish is not the most reliable spot for broadband, but who knows- we may be able to figure something out.
I hope that in the future a live stream of the race could be done. Just my opinion, I would rather the event do a GOOD stream then do one cheaply and it look terrible. I saw one from Stand up world tour and it was so poor that I was embarrassed for them. Doing a stream of a land locked harbor race or BOP style event is relatively easy -but budgeting radio relays across 32 miles of open ocean is a major challenge and one that is cost prohibitive at this time. The, now defunct,  Waikikai Paddle Festival had the most insane web cast I have ever seen with both Jet Skis and Helicopters covering their distance event. The price tag for just that one race must have been around $15k ! Like I said, our VNR release will give you the first look at the race and finish line. And the event PR guy is VERY much on top of things and will be posting updates in realtime to facebook and twitter (@molokai2Oahu).