New Race

Found this on facebook yesterday. Since there is an ongoing discussion about unlimited boats I thought I'd share.

HVA has nothing to do with organizing this race but we like it none the less.

Submitted by HVA on Tue, 12/28/2010 - 10:44am



Yes.


#1 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 11:11am


That cash prize will definitely draw in more outside competition willing to show up to do that race. Not too mention a whole lot of new unlimited canoes being built by canoe makers to meet this new demand.


#2 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 12:14pm


Is the Pa'a Eono Hoe going to be around the same time as this race?


#3 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 3:52pm


Awesome... this will grow to be huge. Thank you Visionaries.


#4 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 4:04pm


will the prize money come from the entry fee or sponsors? awesome idea and exciting but wondering if a race like this in hawaii can get corporate sponsorship of that magnitude. for that kind of money, the tahitians might not come here for the molokai hoe but instead focus on this race.


#5 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 6:01pm


none


#6 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 7:19pm


here's one way to look at it. for the Molokai Hoe entry fee is $775 for one day of racing. if you multiply that by three days you get $2,325. so for for an extra $175 (or $20 per person) you may just get a shot at some of the prize money (whatever is left after the Tahitians, team Kamanu, team pa'a, team outrigger connection, livestrong, and team primo get their share)

I heard a rumor that entry may include shipping, dinner on all three days, and a t-shirt. sounds pretty OK to me.


#7 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 6:37pm


jc9 do you have the link to the website?

Stoked to finally see something more than just rumors.

But still seems unfortunate there's been next to zero publicity about this event. How are you supposed train in 2 months time? Let alone try and locate or build a competitive canoe.


#8 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 6:53pm


jc9, nevermind, I see the link at the end. http://www.olamaurace.com/


#9 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 6:57pm


I think the site is down. It was working yesterday and they had entry forms and info.


#10 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 7:06pm


don't forget to add on the costs of an escort boat for 3 days(approx. $2500), and how many boat captains/crew can afford or be able to take off work escort? fee for escort may be higher since escort boat will have added expense for extra days as well. how will the prize money be distributed? i ask this because for that steep of an entry fee and added expenses which could easily be around $7,000 per crew if you add on airfare to get to maui, it might not be feasible for a crew that has no realistic chance of placing high enough to win "big" money. factor in that each crew member would have to take off work for at least 4-5 days and it becomes a costly endeavor. in most sporting events that pay money, first place prize money is usually 40-50% of total purse. second place half of the rest and so forth depending on how many places that will receive payouts. depending on how the money will be distributed, this race may only have a few boats participating. be great if there was a way to put a crew together with the very best paddlers hawaii has to offer regardless of previous team or club affiliation and have a major hawaii business sponsor that team in full.


#11 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 7:26pm


Aloha everyone. Glad to see so much interest. Sorry, we had some issues with the web site. We will have it back up asap. For now, please send an email to info@olamaurace.com for registration or any other info. Sorry for the short notice on this years race, but this will be an annual race and should get better with age. Its all for the love of the sport. Good luck!!


#12 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 7:56pm


One way to reduce costs would be to make support boats optional for top crews or have the organizers supply support craft, say 1 Support boat for every 5 canoes with mandatory flares, VHF radio and PFD's to be carried on the canoes.


#13 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 8:14pm


lilo, pretty sure escorts wouldn't be needed for the first leg since it's a coastal run. in the past escorts have been optional for the Maui to Molokai as well.


#14 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 8:26pm


jc9-0, thanks for the info. makes sense.


#15 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 8:46pm


So you guys know these guys and they are solid? I have not figured where the numbers come up to $50,000 prize plus all the freebies. How many canoes needed to compete to cover costs and then to add to the jack pot.? Lots of upfront costs per crew so if it is about the money and not the fun the crews better be very competitive. One division? Maybe 10 or so crews. Does not add up.


#16 Tue, 12/28/2010 - 9:19pm


3 day race in the best downwind conditions in the world? Frk yah, right on (or arm)!

The experience itself would be worth the kala. The cash carrot is a great idea and is a must -to attract the best crews and media, which in turn brings more attention. From what I can see these guys have a good approach, the first year will be a build, and perhaps a financial loss. These guys know the risks and the hassle of putting on a race, and the fact that they are stepping up to the plate deserves our 100% support.

Training? Train everyday my brothers, give everything you got, either way its going to hurt, your skin will be peeling off by the second day.


#17 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 10:03am


Looks pretty cool. My only concern is the time of year. By running it in March you run the risk of not having tradewinds, which would make that course a death march. You also need to worry about NW swell (launching 6 mans at Kaluakoi).


#18 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 10:28am


Wow. I wouldve thought people wouldve been doing cartwheels over an anouncement like this. Someone finally puts up money for nothing more than to drive competition and people are picking apart logistics. Hmmm.

Most people dont know the guy who is putting up this money but this isnt a business venture for him and his friends. They are doing this purely to help drive the sport in Hawaii after all the talk of the need for a race like this here.


#19 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 1:34pm


The funny thing is? This race is just about the same length as Hawaiki Nui. So trade winds or not it's a great training tool for the world's most competitive race. I've never raced Hawaiki Nui, but I can only assume that it isn't a three day 90 mile surf run. I'd say the best scenario possible for Olamau would be a two days of wind and one day of utter flatness to really bring out the overall best crew.

The fact that anyone is willing to tackle the logistics for a race like this without government sporting federation help like in Tahiti is pretty amazing. Kudos to the organizers. My only gripe is that there's pretty much no way I can be in shape in time to do this race. I'll watch with jealousy this time and train my ass off for next year.


#20 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 2:13pm


Sick footage from the Pa'a race, especially the last shot of the Mafia spinning out : )


#21 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 3:20pm


Take a deep breath jpi. I am doing cartwheels and I'll be there to race no matter what. I'm stoked to see this race happening and I want the first one to be as fun as the first Pa'a Eono was. I'm not picking apart anything. I'm simply wondering why March and not the middle of Summer. In addition to better conditions, it would give more crews time to prepare and build canoes. Either way I can't wait!


#22 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 7:57pm


I think the $50,000 prize money is awesome, it will definitely help the race get a good start!


#23 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 8:15pm


Oh come on BRH, we know how you really feel. Take another MOVRIT and call me in the morning. It's about time we chat. He he he.

PS - Where's my paddle? Looks I need to start picking up the training. I think 2015 could be my year!!!


#24 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 8:17pm


that wasn't a spin out, but a well executed turn to maximize the potential force and speed of the wave propelling Kapaa on a predetermined course towards hawaii kai. Spin out! ha I say!


#25 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 8:18pm


March seems like a good time of year. Strong trades can happen at any time of year almost, and March seems like it usually has consistent conditions. I heard once that the date for the Hoe was chosen because that week usually features the calmest conditions, according to the almanac. I wonder what week usually has the strongest trades.


#26 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 8:23pm


Spin out, whatevahs...that wave was HUGE!


#27 Wed, 12/29/2010 - 8:25pm


Heres something I found online.

"In Hawaiian waters, the trades prevail over 90% of the time in June through August and only 40% to 60% of the time in January through March. During summer, the trade wind can persist through an entire month while during winter it sometimes can be absent almost an entire month. The reason for the higher frequency during summer is that the Islands are in the belt of almost persistent trades from the Pacific Anticyclone. But during winter, the mean position of the high is further southeast of the summertime position and the high is not as strong or persistent. Interruptions in the trades over the Islands are much more frequent in winter than summer with intrusions of low pressure systems displacing the trades"

MONTH PERCENT (%)
January 42
February 55
March 61
April 74
May 86
June 91
July 95
August 94
September 83
October 71
November 64
December 57
ANNUAL 65


#28 Thu, 12/30/2010 - 11:09am


interesting!


#29 Thu, 12/30/2010 - 11:38am


This race is gonna be nuts. Doesn't matter if 5 crews or 500 crews enter... $50k is the prize


#30 Thu, 12/30/2010 - 9:33pm


0.5 crews... not so nuts.


#31 Thu, 12/30/2010 - 11:12pm


The race sounds pretty cool. Though I'm not sure cash is what's going to bring out the best per say. Not really sure how this helps the sport. A few of the International Surfski Races put up similar purses and it has not really changed the races or the results. The best typically always win.


#32 Fri, 12/31/2010 - 6:26am


$50K grand prize, a race format conducive to Tahitian standards, and a race that is taking our sport where it should be... Priceless.

It should be of no surprise as to why the Tahitians have been kicking our asses. I applaud the efforts of Right Arm... aka Livestrong (all under the same umbrella) in creating a race that gives Hawaiian's like myself an opportunity to experience a Hawaiiki Nui type race. I am not one of the gifted paddlers that have been chosen in the past to be a part of the likes of Team Hawaii but have always dreamed of one day doing it. This race brings that reality to life. Yeah, there are logistics to work out and the concerns regarding cost, but just think... While we're here hashing out these details, the Tahitians are out there DOING these races and continuing to dominate.

As I've said before.... Big mahalo's to Pa'a, Right Arm (Livestrong) and Kamanu Composites for taking us outside the box.


#33 Fri, 12/31/2010 - 10:25am


Just checked to see if the site was up and noticed the dates have changed.

April 21,22,23

The Xxxxx is in with three new paddlers.

edit: I was reminded of rule #1.


#34 Fri, 12/31/2010 - 5:01pm


A refresher:

"Rule #1: you do not talk about OCP Mafia.

Rule #2 sections a, b, and c:
In the OCP Mafia, every seat has the same three responsibilities.
- Paddle like hell.
- Don’t f#%k up.
- Have more fun than anyone else out there."

9 members strong. We're in.


#35 Fri, 12/31/2010 - 5:06pm


Would make more sense than to move it more than 4 days after the Molokai oc1 solo. That would be like having hawaiki nui 4 days after super aito. Sounds like some teams will have more of an advantage than other cause they won't race in the solo.


#36 Fri, 12/31/2010 - 7:42pm


OK, so they've changed the dates! April 21,22, and 23. A 90 mile race four days after the Solo?


#37 Fri, 12/31/2010 - 7:48pm


Obviously with a race of this magnitude no matter when it's held people will have to make choices with how they train. Solo or Olamau? Molokai Hoe or Hawaiki Nui? Regattas or Te Aito races? At some point everyone has to make a choice. You don't necessarily see the top marathon runners running every major marathon in a year, no matter how spaced out they are.

The Olamau organizers were gracious enough to change the race schedule to enable more boats to be built and more teams to be prepared. I'm just stoked I'll be able to even do the race. Thanks Olamau gang. You guys are the sh!t for putting this on. Maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about though. I'll never have a shot at winning either race...lucky me!


#38 Fri, 12/31/2010 - 8:12pm


How about moving it to June. All in favor??


#39 Fri, 12/31/2010 - 9:55pm


According to the post about the trade winds, June would be one of the best times o' year to hold the event.


#40 Sat, 01/01/2011 - 9:48am


Hello,

Would it be possible to schedule this race so that it does not conflict with the Pailolo channel
OC-1, Surfski and paddleboard race that is held on April 23?

Just a thought.


#41 Sat, 01/01/2011 - 7:22pm


June is muy bueno


#42 Sat, 01/01/2011 - 7:25pm


The same week as the Waimanalo Regatta. It's almost always windy that day.


#43 Sat, 01/01/2011 - 7:39pm


k

it's hard not to be stoked about this 3 day race race, but i feeling for the pailolo challenge.those guys run a cool race. theres three tahitian races in july (Heiva, Faati Moorea and Te Aito) the olamau would be awesome buildup for them.


#44 Sun, 01/02/2011 - 11:14am


Hmmmm, fly to Hawaii and do one race or fly to Hawaii and do 3 races? If were talkin bang for my buck Im down for the Olamau, so cool!!!!

June would be pretty cool too if at all possible. Heck, I would rather race Olamau then do the Hoe in October.


#45 Mon, 01/03/2011 - 2:04pm


Why did this race end up being changed to a date so close to the solo? Many paddlers will have to choose one or the other, even if it's just because it would cost so much to do both. And obviously trying to be bigger and better than Eono.

Is someone trying to put Manny/PAA out of business?


#46 Mon, 01/03/2011 - 3:44pm


Them changing the date to conflict with MCKC's Maui to Molokai race, and possibly Solo, reminds me of The Olukai race that continues to be scheduled the same weekend of The Hana Regatta (Hana canoe clubs main fundraiser of the year) and the surfski solo.
These races are great and I'm stoked to see major sponsors coming into the sport, I just wish they would be a Lil more conscious of events that have been going on for years. With $$ prizes on the line these smaller events don't have a chance to "compete".


#47 Mon, 01/03/2011 - 5:02pm


I believe Hawaii should have one association that coordinates all races .

People have tried but too much resistance .

1 premier OC-1 and OC-6 race on each island.

Sat Unlimited and youth-Sunday Traditional designs.

Less Regattas, more time between races, point system for each race and final championship on Oahu.

Just thoughts.


#48 Mon, 01/03/2011 - 5:52pm


i have been waiting for someone else to bring this up. It seemed quite obvious from the beginning but for some reason no one has. I need to know, so please tell me i'm wrong so i can believe in this sport that is held up by the Wa'a (not "boats"or people).

When this post came up only 2 months before race date i immediately thought, what are these organizers thinking? What do they have to gain? Do they have something to prove? How invested in this race are they?
When there is that amount of cash on the line the organizers must be confident that this race will be worth it. However, when you only announce the dates 2 months before the race, i have to question the organizers. Then its posted that they graciously change the dates so other builders can develop, design, layup, and trial new canoes in 3 months time, is that possible? Plus, these new dates are now four days after the Molokai solo and conflict other races. Sorry, but it seems odd. Are they trying to give one team the upper hand or is it just me?

I'm new to the "sport" so please enlighten me


#49 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 10:21am


the bummer is there will always be conflicts on the schedule.

the good thing is that someone has come forth with a pretty amazing race.

the sad thing is that the paddlers who stand to benefit from this forward movement are now the most vocal opponents of it.

the fact of the matter is the most likely teams to win the race are already sponsored and not in need of money. so why should people care so much? Livestrong, Primo, the light OC boat with all stars, a light Bradley with all stars, or Team Kamanu are obviously the most likely to win the race. do they really need the money? nope. so the theory that the race date is situated to favor one crew or another is silly. none of the crews most likely to win need the cash.

perhaps the biggest issue is that there should be more communication between race directors from all the organizations. if there isn't going to be one governing body then there should at least be some kind of dialog between organizations and race directors. i'm not sure this is the fault of any one person. this has never been an issue before so no one really knows how to deal with it. up until this year there were always enough weekends in the year.


#50 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 10:46am


What is the boat with the stars? Or is that a metaphor?


#51 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 11:14am


June is better. In addition to reasons suggested above, Olamau Race in June preserves Manny's widely respected PA'A calendar. It would enable Eono Hoe to be part of logical progression (1-day iron preceding 3-day iron), minor impact to regatta season (HCRA context).


#52 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 11:36am


Everyone join in... June! June! June! June! June! June!...


#53 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 12:27pm


Iune! Iune! Iune! Iune! Iune! Iune!


#54 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 1:08pm


I like June. Would give people (me) more time to save up and train for this. Would Be SOOO SICK in June.


#55 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 1:42pm


@ jim, of course the footage is sick..guess who filmed it? thats right, Ocean Paddler tv!!
xo
terry


#56 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 1:45pm


I don't know how you folks do it, Terry! Amazing work.


#57 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 4:46pm


great race concept- poor planning. Organizers should out of respect look for a date that doesn't conflict with established races such as the Maui-Molokai etc. June- better chance for great conditions and more time to develop great canoes. Seth and his folks can do better.


#58 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 9:43pm


I vote for the weekend after Molokai Hoe, most bang for the back for everybody flyin in...


#59 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 10:24pm


I was fortunate enough to be able to go down to Tahiti this past November for the first time to Hawaiki Nui and experience something you have to witness for yourself. The Tahitian level is so incredibly high it's jaw dropping. The fact that we are taking this step to make everyone in Hawaii and the rest of the world better is awesome. Take this opportunity, get out of your computer chair, and start saving and training bc this is some real stuff. I'm stoked and ready to amp up my outlook on paddling and go out and have a good time. My crew may not win but we will have the most fun out on the water together as friends doing what we love to do. Just my two cents now you can go back to bitching about the dates and whatnot.


#60 Tue, 01/04/2011 - 11:25pm


amen julz.


#61 Wed, 01/05/2011 - 9:39am


June


#62 Wed, 01/05/2011 - 1:00pm


sorry julz. you were too late.

i just checked out the Olamau web site, race postponed till March 2012.


#63 Wed, 01/05/2011 - 2:22pm


Bushleague!


#64 Wed, 01/05/2011 - 6:19pm


Auwe... Well at least it gives all of us a 1 year plus to prepare... Hopefully rug won't be pulled from our feet again prior to race date. Great way to get us all excited about it though.....


#65 Wed, 01/05/2011 - 7:13pm


Wow, these guys just want to run a fun, first class race, a one of a kind event, and all they get is pissing and moaning. Not to mention being accused of having alterior motives, and wanting to put PAA out of business.
Give em a break, or step up to the plate and put it on yourself.

I think Jack Nicholson said it best. "I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to"

Bush-league!!! Ouch! That one was rough! :-)


#66 Wed, 01/05/2011 - 7:31pm


These guys are doing everything right. They heard your concerns about the dates and are now giving everyone a year to get ready. They have no agenda other then to give paddlers what they have been asking for, for years. Here it is...I think it should be embraced.


#67 Wed, 01/05/2011 - 7:56pm


Wow Bret, sounds like someone didn't get their triple Big Mac meal on the way home tonight.

Suggesting that it be run at a time that would make the event better, pissing and moaning? As for accusing them of alterior this and sinister plot that, if you read the thread, that wasn't me.

And if a little chatter on OC Paddler is why the race was postponed? BUSHLEAGUE!


#68 Wed, 01/05/2011 - 8:03pm


Had to go to the Big Mac comment publicly huh? Now that was low Scottie! Not to mention uncalled for, and unwarranted. Besides, who said I was addressing anything towards you? A little sensitive aren't we? Perhaps you should take a MOVRIT and tell Norton to stop barking non-stop. I think it's affecting your emotions and causing you to make negative comments towards your friends. As Wacker would say, " keep the disparaging comments to yourself, and stop deflecting".

To put you in a better mood, I'll quote Big Wednesday one more time. "What's the least amount of days I have to show up, and still be able to make the first crew?"

Feeling better yet?


#69 Wed, 01/05/2011 - 8:26pm


Props to the planners. I am so excited to see this race happen. Can't wait. Nuff gripeing. Just appreciate all that they are trying to do.


#70 Mon, 01/10/2011 - 8:15pm


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