Maliko Downwind

[Hardball]

So - for the upcoming Naish Maliko race I have done my fair share of practicing.  Over the last few days (July 12th and July 14th) I have averaged a respectable 6.7 - 7.2mph all the way to just before Kanaha but, after Kanaha I feel like I am always fighting to get back out to make the entrance to the harbor mouth and complete the run.  All of the outer reefs in the area only complicate matters.  I know that I need to be further out to get the right angle into the harbor (maybe this needs to start from the very beginning of the run) but, this is much easier said than done.  The winds have been fairly inconsistent over the last few days (light and variable) but, I feel like that is more of an excuse.     

For those of you who have been out recently OR are Maliko Veterans any advice would be appreciated.  I am 6'1, 185 and ride a SIC F16.   

[Chan]

The winds have been onshore lately which pushes you inside.  In order to combat this you have to stay focused on catching the bumps heading right.  The winds should have more a more easterly or sideshore directionality this weekend this should make it much easier to stay on course.  If the winds clock around too much to the east, you'll have the opposite problem and will need to adjust your strategy to focus on catching the leftward bumps.  Hope this helps.  Good luck!

[Dasurfclub]

What do the conditions look like for this weekend's race? Wunderground.com is calling for 15-25MPH NE winds Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Any thoughts?

[Hardball]

Chan - thanks for the advice. For me it is easier said then done to pick out the bumps pushing "right." Over the last few days, the whole ocean seems to be pushing into the shore. I feel like I have been in a constant battle all week.  

Should these conditions prevail on Sunday, it will be exciting to watch the Top Guys + their strategy. What ever they do, I am sure they will make it look easy!!  

[Chan]

For me it is easier said then done to pick out the bumps pushing "right."

True that.  Ye olde adage, "Focus on where you want to be going, not where you do not" applies to this sport as it does in most.  If the wind is onshore keep looking 20-45 degrees to your right.  Don't look left and you’re less likely to head that way.  If the wind is blowing offshore vice versa, and if the wind is blowing straight down the course to the harbor Wahoooo!

[Admin]

What do the conditions look like for this weekend's race? Wunderground.com is calling for 15-25MPH NE winds Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Any thoughts?

Glenn James:

Extended Forecast:   The trade winds will be moderately strong through the rest of the week, becoming slightly lighter into next week.

NWS:

MAUI COUNTY WINDWARD WATERS-
Jul 15, 2010 3:30 am HST
Hazards Feed:   Forecast Feed:

SATURDAY:
East winds 20 kt. Wind waves 6 ft. Scattered showers in the morning, then isolated showers in the afternoon.

SATURDAY NIGHT:
East winds 20 kt. Wind waves 6 ft. Scattered showers.

SUNDAY:
East winds 15 kt. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft. Scattered showers.

MONDAY:
East winds 15 kt. Wind waves 4 to 5 ft. Scattered showers.

WindGuru is currently forcasting 11 knots for Sunday race time.