I have a couple questions regarding the two courses (long and short) in most of the OC1 races here in Hawaii. Is the long course only for “experienced†paddlers and what constitutes a paddler as experienced? How long is it permissible to stay in the short course? Are there any guidelines as to what course you should race in?
Is it a bad idea to use the race course say Makai pier to Kaimana, as a safety measure to attempt the course for the first time? For instance, if a paddler that has completed the short course series, but has not ventured onto some of the long courses due to safety concerns, is it permissible to use the race as the first attempt to do the course? The race obviously would have the escort boats to aide if they were to encounter any problems, but on the other hand, an inexperienced paddler (referring to the course not paddling experience) on the course may distance the escort boat(s) from the rest of the pack. I am curious to know the opinion of those paddle in these races.
Submitted by dabomb on Fri, 03/07/2008 - 9:47am
If you are a mediocre paddler, like me, you can do short course and feel all good about yourself, or you can do long course and get a nice dose of reality.
Here on Kauai at least, the short and long typically cover the same route, with the long course being... wait for it.... longer. Sometime the long course will have an upwind component to make it more challenging. As for safety and technical skill, there typically isn't a "bunny slope" for short course. Sometimes the short course is more fun, because it typically involves just the downwind component of the long course run. Again, this is for Kauai, I can't speak to other areas.
Don't worry your paddle mates will let you know when you've overstayed your welcome on the short course.
#1 Fri, 03/07/2008 - 1:32pm
In Kanaka Ikaika (Oahu) races, short course is usually half to two-thirds the distance of the long course, and is also typically a safer race course. unfortunately for the short course on Oahu, the long course usually gets the good downwind run, but not always. Up until a few years back there was a Novice B, a Novice A, and an Open division in short course. your first year you had to be novice B, second year novice A. after that if you were deemed worthy by race officials you could move up to long course, if not you went short-open (you could also race this division if you were no longer novice but didnt want to do the long course - thus the nickname "cruiser" division).
Now it doesnt seem like people are scrutinized as much when moving up in levels or course length, it seems to be more up to the individual's discretion.
i would not recommend going on a potentially treacherous course like Makapu'u for the first time during a race; no one is going to help guide you during a race, and you cant always count on following the experts - they are typically pushing the envelope on the safe route (and if you arent fast, they are out of sight very quickly!). Better to go for the first time on a practice run with several buddies who have been on that course before and can point out the best line and potential unsafe areas to look out for. Then you can feel more confident during the race that you have some idea of where to go.
#2 Fri, 03/07/2008 - 3:22pm