Sunday the 12th of July the 4th Annual Paddle Championships were held in Maui. The race (from Moliko
to the Harbor) was 9.5 miles long. About 300 people were participating; as well lay down paddlers as
well as stand up paddlers. The wind was not as strong as it had been the previous 2 weeks and the
wind swell was mediocre. That means on the water: more paddling and less surfing. The wind swell
creates 'chops 'and little waves' that you can 'catch'. And if you catch those little waves, you
'glide' over the water and you go way faster than if you have to move forward by paddling stroke by
stroke. Slightly on shore turning winds towards the end of the race made it tricky. Those who had
gone away from the coast in the beginning could surf the wind swell 'in' towards the harbor and keep
up their speed. Those who had taken a straight line to the harbor (staying parallel to the coast)
were battling the side wind; loosing momentum that way. My line could have been better and it also
could have been worse. All together I was very happy with my race with a time of 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Andrea got first overall by the women (I can't remember her time). Devin, my relay partner for the
Molokai-Oahu race became first in her board and age class with a time of 1 hour and 28 minutes. I
became first in my board and age class with a time of 1 hour and 34 minutes. We felt it was a great
preparation (besides a lot of fun!) for our next event. It was also a great race for my close friend
and fellow Starboard SUP team rider Tiffany Ward. She got 3rd in her category. Smiles all around.
Tomorrow Devin and me slowly start our training schedule again that will prepare us for the 32 miles.
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