Excuse my lack of back story but long story short I've been training obudget due to my wrk schedule have never joined a club. I've reached the point at which I've begun to ponder a channel crossing. Due to my lack of connection in the paddling world I do not know the technical side of attempting such a feat, which I do not take lightly at all. Just hoping for some tips or at least a direction to head. I also understand the fact that many seasoned paddlers may be hesitant to point a seemingly rookie towards his death so if you need history or training schedule before more advice I understand and am happy to comply. Good looking out.
Submitted by probinson on Sun, 01/06/2013 - 1:04pm
Come on guys, I'd like to read responses to the same question. Share your wealth of experience.
#1 Mon, 01/07/2013 - 10:03am
Question is - how are you doing in your on-island races- middle to upper third of the long course pack? Next-time on the water- doing a lot of 15 milers now, 20 milers in Feb and MArch? Have you done Maui-Molokai? Enjoying the big days in the surf? HAve fun- it is a committment!
#2 Mon, 01/07/2013 - 12:27pm
What exactly are you looking for? Info on lodgings, escort, possible canoe rental? Or more on the side of whether it's possible for you to complete the race?
#3 Mon, 01/07/2013 - 12:31pm
I guess the question is question is a little bit of everything, I know without the knowledge it to soon even contemplate this year. Maybe there are to many questions for a forum like this, he distance I can do, but for a start there are questions like: How do you choose a line, how much time studying condition currents and tides and how much of it is just go and be prepared to hurt, what should you look for in an escort, and I there was one thing everyone says they wish they had done different what is that thing? I guess also is it like ironman where you can be a nobody and still compete or is this race only for the pros? Any and all advice helps including training tips, I'm just looking to connect with the depth of knowledge that I know is out there.
#4 Mon, 01/07/2013 - 8:50pm
Good place to start might be to come over to Kauai for a one week clinic where we can talk about the questions you need answered and build you a training program to meet your needs. Check out the website www.kauaioutrigger.com/clinics. We have many pre race clinics to choose from coming up.
#5 Tue, 01/08/2013 - 6:02am
Patrick, I reread your orginal posting. - while you said you don't paddle with a Big Island club, do you race locally?
While attending a paid clinic is an option, attending and participating in local races (it looks like you have your own canoe) is a great way to expose yourself to other paddlers and help answer some of thetraining/ line selection, strategy questions you posted, and you'll be able to gauge your progress by your results.
If you're unsure of your ability to solo a channel crossing consider the shorter ( and funner!) Maui to Molokai or set a goal to complete the Kaiwi as a relay before you do a solo crossing.
good luck,
Open Ocean Outriggers
Vancouver, BC
www.outrigger.ca
www.facebook.com/openoceanoutriggers
#6 Tue, 01/08/2013 - 9:44am
I suggest you join a club or find friends that paddle. the more you paddle the better you get. Go some place you feel comfortable. And just like anything else the more you train the better you feel the more confident you are and the better you do. Train for all conditions (flat water, surf, Big surf, side surf, up wind, short and long sprints and of course long runs like 10, 15 and 20 mile runs) Kaiwi is unforgiving no matter what it gives you make sure you feel like you can do it thats and the main thing is dont ever underestimate it always over prepare!!
#7 Fri, 01/11/2013 - 6:32pm
@oneshotcharly. Sounds like you did quite a few solos any more awesome advice
#8 Fri, 01/11/2013 - 9:34pm
Best way to prepare for the Molokai solo is to pre-run the course by yourself. Go hire an experience escort boat captain to take you and your canoe over to the Molokai starting line, drop you off and escort you back to Oahu. Choose a mild day, so you can work out all of the kinks safely and become familiar with all the logistics involved. Remember the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Go for it.
#9 Mon, 01/14/2013 - 4:44am
well assita ive done it a lot of times just for fun!! im actaully doin it tomorrow! eh and who da hell would pay for one clinic das waste of money! and great name by the way! oh and hows my paddling lingo mean ah!
#10 Mon, 01/14/2013 - 6:24pm