kinda like they do for surf competitions.
Obviously this isn’t for every race, but it seems reasonable to have a few days to choose from for these pinnacle channel crossings. Its just that, paddlers are getting skunked – a lot. SW headwinds have plagued the Hoe, Maui-Molokai solo, Molo Solo and yep you guessed it – on schedule to return just in time for this Sunday’s Molokai relay.
The best paddlers, the best conditions --- for the championship.
Isn’t that what everyone wants?
Thing is, if you about to embark across one of these channels you’ve likely already planned a day or two of PTO. I’m sure paddlers can find flexibility if organizers took the most favorable day from a Fri-Sun waiting period. In my opinion, it can only take the sport further.
Submitted by Salty Dog on Tue, 04/30/2013 - 9:35am
1 small difference. Surf contests dont require escort boats. I wonder what it would cost to have an escort boat captain "on call" for 3 days?
I understand the frustration but in my opinion race the race on the day its planned and deal with the cinditions. Be ready for anything - not just favorable wind direction. I bet daniel Chun was ready for wind or flat water.
#1 Tue, 04/30/2013 - 9:55am
When the big races were held in the second half of May, for the majority channels always had trades and the conditions were optimum.
#2 Tue, 04/30/2013 - 11:29am
I agree with bamskii. I forget what app or website it is, but there's a feature where you can look at historical data of what months have the best trades, the most SW days, and so on. I can't remember which is the windiest. But I what I do remember is that April is historically the worst month for trade winds year in and year out. Unfortunately this is just how the paddling schedule evolved.
Also agree with jpi, just come ready for anything. It's certainly less fun to go upwind, but it is what it is. No matter what Danny still won.
#3 Tue, 04/30/2013 - 12:42pm
I dont disagree with looking at other dates but I think that would be tough as 1 man is crammed into whats left of the paddling year. This year was tough because we had a great winter of trades and then the last month they just dwindled. Time to put my scorpius away and bust out the Aukahi!
And I agree with jc9 - no matter the conditions, the winner is the winner. Cant take anything from anyone no matter the conditions.
#4 Tue, 04/30/2013 - 2:41pm
guess my memory is going bad. this graph doesn't look too bad until you look at the good months. (summer time) in those there is almost no south or southwest component on the graph and pretty much all trades. the other statistic shows throughout the year there are several months that average slightly lower wind speeds. april is one of a few that are below the averages of the summer months.
all of this courtesy of windfinder.
Edit: just realized my picture is displaying May, but you get the idea.
#5 Tue, 04/30/2013 - 3:32pm
Nah...the real question is, where is it written that we can only have one man season/one man races between November and May?? Who cares about seasons?? Why not run one man races during regatta season? For that matter, why does regatta season have to be in the summer?? I know, I know, for the kids, summer break and all. But, the kids have canoe paddling in high school now, so why not start thinking out of the box and make the sport better for all?? Just my mana'o.
#6 Tue, 04/30/2013 - 4:08pm
I've mentioned this on FB, but Randy Rarick wouldn't hold the Pipe Masters and Triple Crown during the month of August. Just like surfing, paddlers come from all around the world spending their hard earned money, using accumulated vacation, sick leave, pay with no leave hours to play in the big wooly open ocean surf Hawaii is known for. Heck, a lot Hawaii based paddlers go through the same sacrifice to get the adrenaline rush of the big open ocean. Californian surfers don't come to the North Shore to surf 1-2' slop, something they could get back home without the huge expense. They rather get some barrel time, possibly get the waves of their lives, photos and make a name for themselves in legit Hawaii surf. Some may say we're paddlers, thus paddle. I'd rather paddled into a bomb, to get to the next bomb, and the next, etc.. But then again I started paddling on Molokai during the summer of 2003, or should I say I started surfing on Molokai and learned how to paddle on Oahu.
Carlton
#7 Tue, 04/30/2013 - 11:53pm
This is a great topic considering the lack of favorable "downwind" conditions for this year's big races. I agree with a 3 day window for all channel crossings (Fri-Sun). This will enable overseas competitors and escort boats to plan in advance. Also, allow for ideal race times. Perhaps start at 10am if the wind will be favorable? Or 7am if it is flat, to avoid the peak heat at mid-day. With windguru and other forecasts, race organizers can pinpoint the ideal race times in advance within the 3 day window. Just my opinion.
#8 Thu, 05/02/2013 - 8:21am
Great quote Bamski....started surfing on Molokai, learned how to paddle on Oahu....good one. Going watch Raiatea for Mothers Day dinner next week. You should come home, visit, surf, and go to the show. Guarantee going get bumps because there isn't a one man race scheduled for next weekend.
#9 Thu, 05/02/2013 - 9:39am
Yes that was good Bamskii. That is one hella run on Molokai. No traffic to slow you down getting back, no jobs available to make you feel guilty for skipping work to do runs. Life was meant to be the way people live on Molokai.
I must say that I brought something like this up earlier this year, it was a little different format. I wanted to do HK to Ewa (or Makapu'u to Ewa Beach); Eddie Aikau style.
#10 Thu, 05/02/2013 - 2:25pm
While I think having a "waiting period" is ideal, logistics and cost would be tough. Consider this...what would the cost be to reserve your escort boat for a 3 day window? Are you gonna pay the captain for skipping work just to be available for you within the window? It's already expensive just for the one scheduled day.
Accommodations - More money to fork out for a possible three day reservation. Or try going cheap and camping. That will more so envoke the wrath of the locals. Locals don't care for us there anyway. While this is a whole other huge can of worms, I largely understand their concerns. It's their home.
Permitting for this event is a nightmare. I'm not sure they would even allow us a "time window" permit. They would makes us pay for all three days. That incurs more cost, that will be passed on to us racers. Too bad we don't have paddlers on the DLNR, State, and County levels willing push for us in this and other issues.
Our events are more akin to triathlons, marathons, and the like. Not surfing contests. If there is no surf, there is no surfing contest. A marathon goes on regardless of conditions, and there is competition that ensues, regardless of conditions. Even if our channel race dates were moved to a time period where historically, the winds are better, you still run the chance of not having favorable conditions
We are first, and foremost, Paddlers. So let's damn well paddle.
#11 Fri, 05/03/2013 - 2:49pm
Scary Slow: I understand it's not a surfing contest on a surfboard, but it was "literally" a "surfing" contest with your OC1 when the big races were held in the second half of May. Surfing was an example of when you would hold a contest to attract participants, thus having prestige, make more money, and extreme factor, and a higher probability of rewarding your paying entrants with the conditions they would want. I'm currently employed by DLNR and totally understand the politics and uphill battles paddlers and clubs go through and I've been approached many times for advice and consultation by OCHRA and HCRA volunteers at which I've assisted. There are actually a lot of paddlers that work for DLNR but are bound by political agendas. I'm also originally from Molokai and they welcome paddlers, but they don't like it when the escort drivers (especially during flat races not windy races) and crew rape (and most of the resources are sold thus making money on deep water fishing, near shore resources, and paddler payments) limited nearshore resources that the residence depend on for subsistence. Easier to find escort boat drivers when you know its flat, but try find one when the Ka'iwi is smoking, not that easy. Molokai Ranch just wants money from the operation thinking a lot of money is up for grabs via liability. I totally understand the cost and logistical nightmare of having waiting periods, thus not really dabbling in that topic. But when you have races in April you risk having every race that cost big dollars and its all consecutive weekends to accommodate international paddlers, shipping logistics, etc. running into "kona" wind, west wind conditions. 90% of the paddlers aren't sponsored paying everything out of pocket, and some of them participate in every big race, including myself for the past 9 years. Reward your paying entrants.
I have lots of support for the race organizers (and actually do a lot behind the scenes) and was informed of the change from the source prior to the separation of surfski and OC1, but April is sketchy. The first OC1 only solo which was changed to April from May had a scare when the trades came back the day prior.
Carlton Helm
#12 Fri, 05/03/2013 - 6:23pm
And I've damn well paddled three flat solos (even the one that ended in Kaiman Beach, Waikiki), two flat Maui to Molokai solos, and two flat relays.
Carlton Helm
#13 Fri, 05/03/2013 - 6:26pm
Carlton, If I have offended you, or anyone else for that fact, I am sorry. That was not my intent. I have a lot of pent up frustration that is very likely mis-directed and just plain all over the place from what I observe being "behind the scenes". We are acquainted and I have nothing but respect for you, and all racers. I will approach you the next time I see you...My views and opinions are my own, and do not represent the views and opinions of any organization or paddling body. I understand your surfing contest analogy. Yes, April maybe sketchy, but in my opinion, it has been the best thing ever for OC-1, and OC paddlers. To have our "own" championship, and no longer be a "side show" to Epic and the surf-skis, gave us a sense of legitimacy that we did not have before. Consider my comments as a counter point to your comments of racing in May with the skis. I knew of the separation beforehand from the source as well. I was there that first OC-1 Only Solo, and every one since...I should recant what I said, and yes, Molokai does welcome paddlers. However, that statement should be said with a grain of salt. No matter how much paddlers communicate and plead with their escorts regarding the concerns of the people and their resources, there will always be some donkeys that ruin it, and it points right back at the paddlers. It's getting a little more scary now also because some locals are "enforcing" with force, rather than reporting those donkeys to the proper authorities. I totally empathize with Molokai. I hear it firsthand from family whenever they visit Oahu. If things continue like this, the day will come when we will not be welcomed...What people are suggesting in this thread is not impossible. All of it. It will take a lot of coordinating and compromise between OC-1 and OC-6 organizations, especially if we want the "Premier" races in May. I don't see that happening...It will take money. Sponsorship money is hard to come by. What Kanaka Ikaika did this year is nothing short of amazing. Jim folks hustled and got tons of sponsors, prizes, and cash, and put on some great events. And some people were still complaining! WTH?!...Try finding a caterer willing to work with a "waiting period". Looks like post race lunch is on your own.
#14 Sat, 05/04/2013 - 12:45am
How do you schedule a race around perfect conditions? I've done 2 solos now. Last year, epic, this year painful, and the Maui to molokai the same. Im from australia and have to work around the window the races are advertised. Everything is organised around the date. I don't know that I could ask my escort boat driver to be on standby. He has a job too. I don't know there is a right answer here - but i suspect the answer may be you just turn up and race the conditions that are presented - and train for that. No matter the conditions, as an overseas competitor, I really appreciate the fact there are well organised races that we know we can turn up and compete in. Thanks to those that make that happen. See you next year.
#15 Fri, 05/03/2013 - 11:51pm
Scaryslow: Apologize coming off strong, and yes there is no "wrong" or "correct" solution. And my intent is not to conform anyone to my views, but like everyone, to express and bounce ideas that may lead to an improvement or "upping the odds" to ones favor when there's statistics that show the odds have a higher probability to be in ones favor. But yes, the climate is changing and forecasts are becoming more unstable. The separation from the surfskis was a brilliant move enhancing the sport by showcasing OC1 & OC2. But if the conditions persists, participation (majority are from Hawai'i) MAY (no pun intended) drop negating the overall goal of both exposure (harder to attract sponsorship since most are small business owners which assess their involvement on a seasonal basis) and helping PA'A to help us (paddlers) build the sport. But regardless of the conditions, paddlers will deal with it and have their own sadistic reasons of why we endure pain. Even in the surf most suffer due to the distance. I really want to see the sport explode beyond our wildest dreams and appreciate Manny and Jim and other volunteers taking on a monumental, under appreciated stand.
And in regards to Molokai, myself, my 'Ohana and close friends that paddle on the Molokai have been mediators to help with the Molokai Ranch situation and confrontational residence that take the vigilante route. But each island has their own. Not only that, the real secret is I'll love to see Karel Jr. make a come back and read happy posts on FB about the epic conditions.
Carlton Helm
#16 Sat, 05/04/2013 - 11:21am
The limiting factor here are the escort boats. They are expensive, and they are dangerous. I don't see fuel prices ever going back to where they were. With technology today, can't we find a safe and efficient solution that dramatically reduces the number of escort boats needed? What, say, one per 5, or one escort per 10 paddlers.... The cost of hiring an escort boat once could finance enough communication, tracking, and safety equipment to last many crossings. Probably could even erect our own antenas on Molokai and Oahu!
Every canoe could be required to have a PFD, an EPIRB, a gps tracker, and a communication device (Cell/VHF). Carry your liquids and food. If your GPS and communication fail, you have an EPIRB and PFD.
The few chase boats could even have repeaters and gps trackers. One chase boat could track 10 paddlers. If someone is dropping out of range, then the next chase boat could pick them up. Do a pass off.
If you can't navigate, or, it's your first crossing, then maybe you are required to have a personal escort.
We need to get the cost down.
We could start the program experimentally, with the top 10 paddlers, or, make it optional. Those who want an escort can always have it.
#17 Sun, 05/05/2013 - 3:05pm
Good points. Oscar Chalupski, the paddler with the most Molokai wins in the Solo Surfski Race has some great thoughts on the process, and hopefully it will happen. This same formula would work for the OC1 races as well as the Surfski Race
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Jason
#19 Mon, 05/06/2013 - 11:21am
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#20 Tue, 05/07/2013 - 11:20pm
I think that there are EPIRB and PLB (Personal Locator Beacons) that don't require an annual subscription fee. The cost of one is less than the going rate for an escort boat, and they can be used for years.
Another option is handheld radios. Here in Bellingham, where the water is cold and survival times when swimming are short , a surfski paddler died a couple years ago from hypothermia after falling off his boat and not having a leash. As a result, most surfski and a couple of the OC paddlers now carry handheld radios on their PFDs. Apparently there is an emergency button that you can push that goes directly to the Coastguard with your exact GPS coordinates. I believe that these radios are only around $100 or so, but I'm not sure how far the range is.
#21 Fri, 05/10/2013 - 4:10am
To build on what Alipp is saying. The handheld VHF is typically line of site range. But can also be affected by atmosphere, wind, etc.
Standard Horizon makes a cheap, waterproof, floating VHF. it comes with the emergency button mentioned above and transmits your GPS coordinates to the coast guard automatically.
#22 Fri, 05/10/2013 - 11:27am
Alipp, I agree with you that a PLB/EPIRB is better (and probably more reliable), however, we are trying to find a solution to not having one escort per paddler. A PLB is last resort. It is something you use only in serious emergencies. It ONLY communicates with emergency services. When racers are crossing the channel they may have "other" problems that can be solved by one of the group chase boats. Maybe they are just totally spent and don't feel they can continue (a dangerous situation but not necessarily an emergency). There should be a way to signal the chase boats to help. If they know they are in trouble (i.e. heart attack) press that emergency beacon! That is why I am also referencing commercial satellite devices that could possible allow all paddlers to communicate, not only words, but location information to a race organization "central control."
JC9, I have one of the standard horizon's. It is also a great emergency device. However, for open ocean, VHF can be spotty for motor boats that have masts to mount antennas. For an OC1, or someone floating in the water, because their OC1 sank, VHF might not manage to reach help. I may be wrong, but, this is my understanding.
Like I said, maybe the chase boats could mount very tall antennas for keeping track of a spread out field.
Maybe the solution is to have a floating GPS/VHF plus a PLB for backup and extreme emergencies. It would have to be tested, however.
#23 Mon, 05/13/2013 - 12:50pm