It was the race between storms.Friday it rained, Saturday race day it stopped raining just long enough to complete the last race. Then it began raining again all night and into Sunday.In fact the raindrops are bouncing across my sundeck like rubber bullets as I write.The only happy campers are the green plants.
Young paddle boarder in the mini-course
Yesterday Lanakila hosted their annual OC1 race at King Harbor Redondo Beach.The turn out was fairly good considering many didn’t come for fear of the weather.But paddlers will be paddlers and they will show up if there is a slight promise of bumps or just a good race.The first race was a Mini Course 1-miler for parents and kids paired in OC2s.It was fun watching the antics of the parents and kids trying to coordinate their strokes.Often it was a matter of parental guidance and kid’s resistance.
OC1 boy braving the short course
Yes one could sense the makings of some little ringers, God forbid.They were into their third annual race and even owned personal paddles.I asked one such semi-experienced kid named Garrett Crayton.“So how did you do?”He said, “Fine, except we keep getting a tie. I wish we would win one sometime.”Sounds like the making of a real competitor.
Cody Silvester coming down a swell with his new XP blade
In the short course the paddle boarders, standup paddlers, oc1s, oc2s and surf-skis raced together in a four-mile open ocean race.Watching from high atop the breakwater we could see the field strung out all across the ocean. Racing in an increasingly agitated sea, several flips occurred, but nothing unusual as the safety boats stood by.As the race neared the end, the wind started rippling the ocean a hint of things to come.Chris Barlow brought the Junior Olympic paddlers who entered the short and a few in the long course. We realize it’s a long drive from Chula Vista Training Center, but it’s always good to see them.Thanks for spending the time and making the effort guys.
Shane Lincoln sprinting out of the harbor.
Several of the adult Olympic Kayakers from Chula Vista Training Center also drove from San Diego to attend the race, mainly Eric Abbot, Tim Hornsby, Zeno and Rami Zur.To save a long early morning drive, they stayed the night before in Danny Ching’s room since he was racing in Maui on the same day at Maliko.Danny later called and said Maliko was sloppy on this day.Kai Bartlett took first place outright. Congratulations Kai. Danny finished second in a hard fought battle against Mael Carey. The next day he entered the Magic Island to Hawaii Kai race finishing second in a thriller against Ryan Dolan.The difference between 2nd and 3rd place was about a foot.Manny Kulukukualani ran away with top honors of first place. Congratulations to all three contenders.
Eric Abbott Olympic K-1 paddler cross training at paddle boarding.
Meanwhile back in Redondo, several racers opted to race in both the short and the long course to probably get a better workout.However they may have had second thoughts about it during the long course.As the race drew near the wind picked up even stronger.I remember while waiting for the start boat, I caught a small wave into the wind and was blown off.
Bobby Poppler driving to catch a swell at the breakwater
The wind steadily built velocity as we waited.Earlier we formulated a plan that would be flexible enough to accommodate any wind direction.Timers, safety boats and race director were ready to change at a moments notice, even up to the start line.
Stand up paddler keeping up with the pack.
The plan was to always head into the wind and come home with the wind and swells.It’s a safer concept, since the wind would be blowing you home if you have equipment problems, plus it’s more fun.With that in mind we raced south headlong into the wind knowing that no matter how bad it was, how cold or grueling, there’s always the promise of riding back with the wind.Someone said that they almost lost their paddle a few times because the wind was so strong.
Paddle boarder rounding the entrance of the harbor for the final push.
We couldn’t get any sort of glide.As soon as the paddle came out of the water, the wind stopped your glide.That’s when you dig deeper to possibly get a better bite and try to get it in again quickly.It was a grind.The strongest did the best upwind. I’m sure everyone applied their best technique, but in the end, it was muscle in muscle out.
The start was into a strong headwind.
At the turn the Promised Land opened up in front us, a long stretch of downwind swells as far as the eye could see.It was a constant source of runners. They weren’t big, but we didn’t care.It was fun riding and jumping those runners.It was a new game.A game where experience and technique figured in
Golden Hampster Derek Harrison slugging it out against the kids.
We entered the harbor and made the final sprint to the finish, the rain began to fall in big drops.Gliding to a stop it almost felt warm as we were pelted from above.I figured, “Oh what the hell, I’ve been splashed from the front, the sides, in the face, all day.Why not from above?It’s a water sport isn’t it?”
Justin Banfield leading Steve Sinkus in their quest for first and second OC1
Other news
Jill Schooler Lanakila’s women coach is expecting a baby and raced in an OC2 in the short course with Aimee Spector. It was a 2 ½ person team.Shane Lincoln who lost a leg last year in an unfortunate auto accident is back paddling and racing again.In order to operate his pedals, they were creatively hooked up so that one side has a bungie cord pulling on it, while Shane uses his foot to work the other pedal.Pretty ingenious.He did very well in the race.He has such great spirit.
Jeanne Barrett captured 1st place open women OC1
Josh Crayton hasn’t been paddling much since the Molokai six-man race.He was rehabilitating all winter from a hip and back injury and felt well enough to enter this race. Being his first race, he said he did surprisingly well, all the way back to the harbor.Then the roof fell in and five guys passed him.
With the father Chris stroking, teenage son Sean Barlow provides the real power.
Eva Mauck tried surf skiing and says she really likes it. Better than OC1, better than OC6.I guess she likes the feeling of going fast.Chris Conejo bought a new Pegasus canoe and likes his new toy.
Suzanne Serafin and Molly Bishop with hair flying charge into the wind.
PHOTOS All photos were taken by Mike McKinney.Many thanks to the photographers who make our races that much more enjoyable.Also please keep checking back at Bruce White’s photos at http://www.windanseaphoto.comwhich should be coming up soon.And last but not least see photos by Marytheresa Chin at
Vanessa Fullerton passing Palos Verdes cliffs about to round the turn.
Mudbrook Racing Paddles
Many paddlers all over the world race with Mudbrook Racing Paddles.We carry one-man paddles as well as team paddles.Also we carry great kids paddles, which is not listed, but we provide information upon request.Check out our newest paddle page at “View Paddles” located at the top of all pages. Or email us at Acelocc@aol.com
Next race will be at Dana Point on March 8th.It should be a longer race, probably around 16 miles with possibly some upwind and downwind racing.Hope to see you all there.
Thanks to Lanakila Outrigger Club and their members and friends who so diligently helped host the race.We appreciate their help and cooperation in putting on a good race in all kinds of weather.Thanks to Joe Bark the Harbor Patrol, skippers of the safety boats and all the paddle boarders and their association for racing with us.You guys are hot.
Mahalo Al
If you have a great photo you'd like to share with us. Please email it to acelocc@aol.com Since I can't shoot pictures while I''m paddling, you'll notice most of the photos are on land.
Your water shots would be wonderfu to share. Again, Please email it to acelocc@aol.com
