If you are disappointed in the solo date change and it has seriously messed you up to the point where your ability to compete is is question then please email Manny and let him know what you think. His email is kulukulum001@hawaii.rr.com Thanks to Mark Sandvold for the email address.
For what it is worth here is what I just sent to him:
Hi Manny,
I just wanted to write you to tell you how incredibly disappointed I am about the surprise date change of the Molokai solo to April 27th. Apparently there are a number of others who share my disappointment and I am sure there will be more voicing the same in days to come. Most of these people do not live in Hawaii and have a long way to travel to race in an event that you call the WORLD Championships.
One-man outrigger is an awesome paddling sport and growing world wide. You guys in Hawaii should be very pround of a sport that you have given the world and is taking off so much in the mainland USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Europe, etc. There is one race everyone wants to do...the Molokai solo. The trouble is for those of us living so far away we have to make some pretty extensive arrangements to get to Hawaii, rent or borrow a canoe, hire an escort boat, book accomodation etc. We can't leave that stuff till the last minute so start planning as soon as the date is announced. The date that has already been announced was May 18. Now you've come along, with good intensions I am sure, and made it April 27th. Travel plans we've made, time off work we've booked, etc are useless to us now. IF we are able to rebook air tickets, time off work, etc. it will be at considerable cost. Did you consider any of this when changing the date?
I am certain that you have good reasons for wanting to run the skis and the one-mans on different weekends. I am certain you want to grow the sport and increase it's profile. I don't know that much about everything involved but would likely support your efforts, as I am sure everyone else would, if they were done reasonably - namely aimed at next year. Changing the date at this late juncture means you are screwing paddlers from far away who are crucial to both the growth of the event and the sport. They lend legitimacy to naming the event a "world championship".
Here's an idea: Leave the event on May 18th this year. Mark Sanvold apparently seems to think Epic would be ok with that. Talk to ALL the OC1 paddlers from around the world that weekend about running the event separately from the skis in 2009 and get ALL of them to buy in. It would be so easy. Then, moving forward, the new event has the support of the ENTIRE OC-1 WORLD, not just those paddlers from Hawaii.
Yours in paddling,
Larry Cain
Submitted by cainoe on Fri, 01/11/2008 - 5:44pm
my email was:
I just want to place my official protest about changing the date. I'm very much in support of separation and probably understand your reasoning as well.
I'll be out of $550 on the lodging, $604 airline ticket non refundable. I ordered a new boat ($3800) for this race. Now I'm not sure if it gets finished on time. I'm not a pro like the rest of us. I had to arrange vacation time with fellow workers to make this happen. My sponsor made commitments to be there on the 18th.
I've trained for this for a long time.
Please reconsider. No harm in one more time. We all know it's going to change next year.
All this will be history one day. What would you like to be remembered by?
respectfully
#1 Fri, 01/11/2008 - 5:48pm
It is unfortunate that the late date is an inconvenience, but I do not belive with this much advance notice the costs couldn't be mitigated. The airlines would probably charge a fee for change, and more escort boats would be available with a split race. The other thing is accomodations on Molokai would be easier to arrange as it would not be conflicting with the Hula festival that weekend. Also those good enough could do both races, which might help both!
#2 Fri, 01/11/2008 - 7:48pm
If there is a change in the date is it a secret? This type of move is not good for the sport and shows no respect for many people who planhard to make it to Hawaii to do the race. I hope they get their senses back - please Mannny if this is you- coordinate a seperate start with the skis and work with Epic if they are the sponsor. If they are putting in money and your race has none why even consider changing the date? Never much money before last years EPIC solo so hats off to Epic for some prize money. I think KAi BArtlett won $5000 - in the past I recall the top prize money was $500 so what is the issue? There are always two articles in the Honolulu Advertiser- one for the skis and one for the OC1 folks- equal coverage. MAybe if the OC1 community is unhappy about someting, it would make sense to talk to the sponsor and work it out.
The alternative would be to find a big sponsor (good luck!) and run a seperate start on the same day. Not good to be changing the date at this late notice out of respect for the out of state paddlers. This is a real good way to kill the sport. In any case, if there is to be another (seperate) race, will it actually be promoted? MAybe it is all a rumour. If it is, lets get the story straight so people can plan their travel schedules- that goes for the Hawaii paddlers as well. Hopefully we can find out from Manny or someone what is really happening. Aloha. Paddle fast!
#3 Fri, 01/11/2008 - 7:58pm
Come on organisers! Get this sorted, I like many paddlers travelling from overseas have already made all my travel plans with regards to time off work, airfares etc.
We we're all informed last time that the date was to stay, and took you at your word. It's far to late to change now, play fair and put it back to previously stated dates! Then you'll have a clean slate to play with for next year.
#4 Fri, 01/11/2008 - 8:18pm
With regard to Manny's race we still support his efforts and what he is trying to accomplish, however Epic will continue to press on with presenting a World Class Race that is growing every year..
Having said that if there are enough OC-1's that still want to race we will most likely allow that as Epic has no problem with that at all. Just don't count of the Big $$ that the top paddlers took home last year...Unless some really big sponsor steps up to help us!
Aloha,
Mark
#5 Fri, 01/11/2008 - 8:31pm
Wow- I hope the oc1 contingent reconsiders! Seperate the two classes next year, if you must. Besides w/ two different races, Lewis might walk away with ALL the prizes! And I still think the longer course would be way more "epic"(get it?).
#6 Sat, 01/12/2008 - 2:59am
"With regards to Manny's race we still support......"
Well what do we think as a group of paddlers? Here we have the oppurtunity to resist the change of date (for this year) and race anyway with the blessing of the organizer. No stress about rebooking tickets, holidays etc.
Just turn up as planned and do what we love and travelled across the ocean to do?
How about a vote on this forum to gauge support?
See you on the water!
Thor
#7 Sat, 01/12/2008 - 3:11am
I'm with you Thor
#8 Sat, 01/12/2008 - 10:31am
Great idea Thor. I'm with you also.
May common sense prevail.
#9 Sun, 01/13/2008 - 12:19pm
Thor I am in aswell, I can't chnage my family plans, work schedule and plane tickets. It will cost me so much money, I could take another trip next year with the money I will spend. Even my doggy day care is booked for that week. Too much planning goes in to make this race happen. The Hawaians are blessed, as to them it is a local race, not a 12 Hr flight.
#10 Sun, 01/13/2008 - 3:34pm
So so far the line up for OC1 on the 18th looks like:
Thor
Painteur
Slug
Boogaloo
Cainoe
I know we were all hoping to race more than 4 other people. Here's hoping some of the locals who are asking everyone to support Manny's race can understand why we can't do that this year and will decide to come race the channel again with us. At least Manny should. It would be an impressive way to show that he cares at all about the participation of out of state/country paddlers.
#11 Mon, 01/14/2008 - 5:38am
Add one more to the 18th
Hopefully others will understand the difficulties of the international competitor (I'm a minumum 12 hour flight away) who have already booked flights, accomendations, escort boat drivers, etc
#12 Mon, 01/14/2008 - 5:45am
Didn't someone have a buddy from Germany who will come.
That would be # 7
Thor (Australia)
painteur (Germany)
Slug (?)
Boogaloo (?)
Cainoe (?)
TO Kanu (?)
german paddler (Marton Buday?)
Keep it coming and sign up, right here.
#13 Mon, 01/14/2008 - 8:08am
Ok guys, this is my last post for a while. I am a little disillusioned by the whole thing for the moment, especially when I read posts from guys who say "gee, too bad for you guys, but you should support Manny he's a good guy". He might be a great guy but apparently he and the guys allied with him have little concept of organizing an international event and no concept of the sport beyond their shores. Having said that I still am holding out hope that a lot of locals, and hopefully some of the studs, will race with us on May 18th as the locals I've had the pleasure to meet are all great people.
Thor, Painteur, and Slug if you can personal message me and send me your email we can keep each other in the loop off the forum. I know that Boogaloo, TOKanu and me are in for the 18th for sure. Adrach send me your email as well and don't change your ticket yet. And spread the word to others in the same situation as us that an OC1 race across the channel is happening May 18.
#14 Mon, 01/14/2008 - 3:19pm
I'm with you cainoe you'll get my email in a second.
Nothing more from me either. can't wait to paddle on the 18th with the "chopped liver" brigade, because that's what we are, apparently.
Aloha
#15 Mon, 01/14/2008 - 5:42pm
This is is how I got fooled! It is still on the website, for those that aren't on the web, they could still be booking their tickets.
2008 RACE DATE: THE CONFIRMED EVENT DATE IS SET AT
SUNDAY 18th MAY 2008.
THE 2008 FINISH LOCATION WILL BE AT HAWAII KAI. THE COURSE LENGTH REVERTS TO 32 NAUTICAL MILES.
ENTRIES ARE NOT OPEN YET! THE DATE FOR ENTRIES IS YET TO BE ANNOUNCED!
#16 Mon, 01/14/2008 - 6:45pm
That's what I'm wondering: how many people are out there that don't know yet that this date has been changed.
Has Manny responded to anyone's emails yet?
#17 Mon, 01/14/2008 - 8:38pm
I agree boogaloo, nothing official from anyone official!
Is there anyone out there who can confirm the dates?
And if so, that person or persons needs to update web info pronto!
Question for the Hi paddlers that seem content to leave the international paddlers out to dry for the Molo Solo; if you were say, planning to come over to Australia and compete at Hamilton Island Cup race and the event organizers decided 3-4 months out to change dates, what would your response be? I don't think it would be ; 'oh well, there really good guys, we should support them......'!.
As pointed out in the other thread on this issue, we are coming not only to paddle the Channel, but to pit ourselves against those we consider to be the worlds best. If all I wanted to do was crosss the Channel, I could really do it anytime, but I (like so many others) want line up with the top dogs and see how I fair!
So while we may have to paddle on the 18th as our plans dictate, it just won't be the same as lining up with everbody.
See you on the water!
Thor
#18 Tue, 01/15/2008 - 4:17am
Why was the date changed?
#19 Tue, 01/15/2008 - 8:17am
removed original as Manny's announcement just came up
#20 Tue, 01/15/2008 - 9:39am
I am in the same boat, tickets are booked and can't change them. I will be racing on the 18th.
#21 Wed, 01/16/2008 - 1:22pm
welcome to the crowd
#22 Wed, 01/16/2008 - 2:12pm
So after careful consideration and a short talk with Luke (he was calling me names) I've decide to just do both Molokai Solos.
#23 Wed, 01/16/2008 - 4:59pm
I agree with cainoe and other paddlers on this thread.
I also made my arrengements for the race on May 18th.
And I can't move my schedule anymore.
I'm dreaming to go on this race far from Japan!
#24 Wed, 01/16/2008 - 7:22pm
Sounds good gang! Molokai World Championships is definetly a go for all on the 18th of May!! We are amazed at the support we are recieving and it looks like more and more will make it this year. As in the past Epic and Kanaka Ikaika will do it's best to put on a big one with prizes and $$...
Aloha
#25 Wed, 01/16/2008 - 8:17pm
The tide looks a lot better on the 18th.
http://www02.coconet.com:8080/locations/2343.html?y=2008&m=5&d=18
#26 Wed, 01/16/2008 - 8:34pm