Maui Canoe & Kayak Club
Hurricane/Eyecatcher 2002 Race Series
RACE #3
By
Sharon Balidoy
What
ideal conditions for this race, well except for the temperature of the
wind, burrrrrr. The 3 mile
paddle up to Haycraft was mild compared to what it can be.
The headwinds were not to bad, no one ran into fishing lines, only
the buoy wasn’t where I thought it would be so had to adjust our line on
the course. The fun began
once you made the turn, it was a BLAST.
The wind and waves at your back, surfing down to the pali,
couldn’t have asked for better. Of
course once you hit the pali there is little action as far as waves and
wind, pretty much flat. I
could have done without the occasional gusts of side wind sweeping down
the pali, blowing our OC-2 to sea but all in all a great course with great
conditions for all. A little strength paddling, surfing, and flat water racing.
Congratulations
to all the long course participants, that was one of our best and fairest
starts ever. Not sure of where Linda and Carol where going on the start
but everyone else was lined up in the right direction and flew off that
starting line. The
diversity of conditions made for an interesting race.
Surfers like Rory, Marco and Mike Sparling made up so much ground
during the surfing portion and Mark C., Felipe, and Big T made it right
back in the flat water. This
was Cluney’s first win of the season; we see him training hard and
congratulate him in his accomplishment.
For
the first time in OC-1 paddling history Derek V. did not participate.
(He was part of the Lion dance in Wailuku town).
Geordan P. wasn’t able to get a flight to Maui on time and thus
missed out on a hot race between Rick N. and Bogar.
They pushed and raced each other the whole way separated by 2
seconds at the finish, Rick ahead. Svar
and Mike are undefeated in the OC-2.
Steve and Lori Williams had planned to do the race co-ed on the
OC-2 as race day was their wedding anniversary day.
(Lori injured her back so supported Steve by videoing the race)
This
was the very first race ever for 2 paddlers, Ryan Guzman and Carlos Zezza.
Congratulations and welcome to `ohana of OC-1 racing.
Nabil is proving to be consistent in winning the Novice and short
course, no matter what kind of canoe he is on and Tyson is the same on his
mantra, 2nd. Not
sure why but Patrick had to withdraw from the race, do know that he &
his brother have a new Waveblade, just arrived via YB.
Paddleboarder’s
had some competition with first time entries of Kirk Snyder (1st)
& Scott Fleck (2nd), Geoff Green was 3rd &
Johnny Mac was going to enter, perhaps he was busy with the MIL?
OC-1
women’s division is status quo for 1st –3rd.
(Lauren, Dane, Theresa – team Hurricane?)
Jeanne and Cassie both won their divisions for the first time this
year, I know that both are good in the surf.
Video
camera a BIG help for the start and finish.
Some races were so close it was good to be able to take a look at
the finishes in slow motion. (Ricky
& I enjoy watching it at home and listening to our official’s
spontaneous, candid commentary)
We
had a great meeting after the race and as a democratic group made some
decisions about the shoreline relay.
Please check the site for particulars.
Maui Brews donated the lunch, mahalo.
A big mahalo to Greg Heneghan for transporting the food and
coolers/ice. See everybody at
12:30 for registration – but only if you want a little “afternoon
delight”.
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