Maui2Molokai – SUPRace – Recap – Results

Maui2Molokai-Racestart
Beautiful place – Great race – Good times – Foto: Karen Baxter

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Its Downwind Month  in Hawaii.  After 4 years of covering the Maui2Molokai SUP-Race from the Startline and last year half way through the channel on a boat, it was time for me to finally get into the action and see entire stretch for myself. Not knowing what to expect out there and never having paddled more than 10 Miles in one stretch, I made sure to put in some time on the water leading up to this race.

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The Start at Honolua Bay

The conditions in the Pailolo Channel connecting into the Kalohi Channel are said the be the best ones in the world for downwinder SUP Racing. And yes that day there was a Small Craft Advisory posted for the Channel and winds were gusting up to 25Kts (possibly 30). However… for the first part of the race the wind was blowing, white caps were going but somehow the ocean seemed to run the opposite direction I wanted to go. I took the path most northern from the pack. Being a first-timer I wanted to make sure I am not missing the Channel Marker Buoy by Kamalo. At times, I sure was asking myself if it was me or if others  felt the same about that. Needless to say; the first half of the journey was a  bit of a grind and my feet fell asleep some times, but I just kept paddling away but always kept an eye on the boats and paddlers south of me.

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Somewhere in the Channel

Once we were two hours in the race Molokai was within close reach, but the damn buoy everybody was always talking about was not in sight. I kept grinding along hoping not to run out of fluids anytime soon. Another hour or so, I made out something on the horizon of which I thought was another paddler but it turned out to be the ever so famous Kamalo Buoy. I was really happy to have hit my target pretty much spot on and was even happier when I felt the wind picking up and the waves going into the direction I wanted to go: The fun begun. The next ten miles were possibly one of my best downwinders I have ever paddled. The winds were humming full-on and the bumps were steep.

Off course at that time Connor and the guys upfront were already eating a sandwich or what ever. Taking it from the stories and the race times, Connor, Dave, Travis and Kai were in a neck on neck race all the way across to Molokai. I was still going strong having a blast with the wind and the waves. I finally met up with other paddlers ahead of me and also seeing guys catching up from behind.

 

After all I was happy when I finally spotted the Kaunakakai Harbor seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as my knees were definitely hurting by now. What a great sense of accomplishment that was having paddled the distance of a Marathon for the first time and… I never ran out of fluids along the way that was the best part.

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Tight race in a big ocean: Connor – Travis – Kai – Foto: Karen Baxter

 

If you are ambitious to come to Hawaii and do a channel crossing race, this is the one to be part of: The logistics are a breeze in compare to its big brother the M2O and the wind and the ocean is “mostly” going in the same direction you are going. On top of that, you don’t have to pay a fortune for an escort boat (M2O escorts running now at $950.-) in fact you don’t need an escort boat at all and you can be back at home the same evening. All you need is some good training up front and good sea legs and you will have a blast.

Here is what Connor had to say:

“The 2014 Maui-2-Molokai World Cup Championships was a great event. We all got up early – 5:00am – so that we could gas up the boat and get over to Mala Wharf to launch our boat. My dad, mom, sister and girlfriend were all on the boat to cheer me on.

The race started at Honolua Bay at 10 o’clock on the dot. When the horn blew Kai, Dave, Livio, Travis and I – as well as the rest of the competitors all stood up and started paddling towards Molokai. There were 76 competitors this year – which was fantastic.

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Connor Baxter in the Channel… Foto: Karen Baxter

This crossing is a 27 mile race to Kaunanakai town on Molokai. For the first hour we have to get across to Molokai – then for the last two hours we get to go straight down the coast along Molokai. This is my favorite part of the race because you get to catch a lot of great glides that go very far. In the beginning Kai, Travis, Dave and I were all pretty much together and then I caught a perfect swell and put a little gap on everyone. From this point on I didn’t turn around and just kept the power on – catching glide after glide.

Next thing you know I had a very comfortable lead and knowing that I have a lot of races coming up I let off some of the power off and just started surfing the bumps. I was in the zone and kept a good pace going for the last 13 miles down the coast to the harbor. When I finally saw the harbor entrance I knew I had the win, but I hadn’t noticed Kai gaining on me. So my dad, mom, sister and girlfriend started yelling to paddle harder. So I shifted into overdrive and put the power on for the last 5 miles. It was high tide so I decided to go on the inside through the reef – which was smart but very risky. I had a few moments where I hit my fin and had to jump on the nose of my board. I kept the lead with a solid two minutes ahead of Kai. Dave Kalama was third, Travis Grant fourth and Livio Menelau fifth.

My time was 3 hours and 4 minutes – only 9 minutes off my official record time set of 2 hours 55 minutes. Not bad considering the conditions were not as epic as that year.

I am super stoked to win this crossing again for my 6th time in a row. I now have a good feeling that this is my race and my goal is to win it for many more years to come.

I want to thank my sponsors for all their support – Starboard, Dakine, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Rainbow Sandals, Futures Fins, Virus Sportswear, Trident Sports, GoPro, OnIt Pro, Waterman’s Sunscreen, Garmin, Igloo Coolers, Hammer Nutrition, iDcard, Sunrite Maui, and Hi-Tech Sports.

Also a big Mahalo to all the event organizers and volunteers. Great Event!! Thanks Rodney!

Aloha,
Connor Baxter”

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Connor Baxter catching bumps… Foto: Karen Baxter

Happy Moments from a great day:

Overall Results

(incl. Divison and Age group)

1. CONNOR BAXTER – 1 SUP UNL M01-29  3:04:31
2. KAI LENNY-  2 SUP UNL M01-29 3:06:44
3. DAVE KALAMA –  1 SUP UNL M40-49 3:08:58
4. TRAVIS GRANT – 1 SUP UNL M30-39 3:14:13
5. LIVIO MENELAU – 2 SUP UNL M30-39 3:18:57
6. VINNICI MARTINS – 3 SUP UNL M01-29 3:24:38
7. KODY KERBOX – 4 SUP UNL M01-29 3:25:12
8. JERRY BESS – 2 SUP UNL M40-49 3:31:44
9. ARMIE ARMSTRONG – 3 SUP UNL M40-49 3:32:16
10. MO FREITAS – 5 SUP UNL M01-29 3:36:16
11. JOSHUA RICCIO – 1 SUP STK M01-29 3:37:07
12. TOMOYAS MURABAYASHI – 3 SUP UNL M30-39 3:39:59
13. AMIR ARBEL – 4 SUP UNL M30-39 3:42:25
14. BULLET OBRA – 2 SUP STK M01-29 3:43:24
15. PAUL JACKSON – 1 SUP STK M30-39 3:44:35
16. JAMES CASEY – 6 SUP UNL M01-29 3:46:03
17. ALEX MATERO – 4 SUP UNL M40-49 3:46:55
18. RALPH SIFFORD – 1 SUP UNL M50-99 3:47:44
19. GUSTAVO OLIVERA – 5 SUP UNL M30-39 3:48:21
20. DEVIN BLISH – 1 SUP UNL Female 3:48:37
21. PHIL GREGGORY – 2 SUP UNL M50-99 3:48:50
22. JIMMY FITT – 6 SUP UNL M30-39 3:49:12
23. ANDREA MOULLAR – 2 SUP UNL Female 3:50:03
24. TALIA DECOITE – 3 SUP UNL Female 3:52:18
25. KATHY SHIPMAN – 4 SUP UNL Female 3:52:48
26. ROBERT LOPES – 5 SUP UNL M40-49 3:54:28
27. STEVE WALKER – 1 SUP STK M40-49 3:55:13
28. NOAH GARFIELD – 7 SUP UNL M30-39 3:55:25
29. BUZZY KERBOX – 3 SUP UNL M50-99 3:56:35
30. BELARMI DIAZ GARCIA – 2 SUP STK M30-39 3:56:53
31. JUSTIN GORDON – 6 SUP UNL M40-49 3:58:58
32. ANGELA JACKSON – 1 SUP STK Female 3:59:40
33. PENELOP STRICKLAND – 5 SUP UNL Female 4:00:04
34. ED WHEELER – 7 SUP UNL M40-49 4:00:20
35. KARLA GILBERT – 6 SUP UNL Female 4:00:36
36. MASAO FUKAYAMA JR – 8 SUP UNL M30-39 4:00:48
37. JAMES MARTINDALE – 8 SUP UNL M40-49 4:02:05
38. ANDERS JONSSON – 9 SUP UNL M30-39 4:06:59
39. AMERICO PINHEIRO JR – 9 SUP UNL M40-49 4:07:00
40. RANDY ROYSE – 4 SUP UNL M50-99 4:08:20
41. JEFF CHANG – 1 SUP STK M50-99 4:10:35
42. MRON AKMAN – 3 SUP STK M30-39 4:10:53
43. JEFF OKUNA – 1 SUP Team 3 Male 4:11:21
44. TIMMOTH WYERS – 10 SUP UNL M30-39 4:11:59
45. GREGG LEION – 5 SUP UNL M50-99 4:12:24
46. BRETT STAIB – 10 SUP UNL M40-49 4:16:37
47. JEREMY WILLMESS – 1 SUP STK 14′ 2 Team M 4:18:32
48. ROB WALTON – 2 SUP STK M40-49 4:18:47
49. ANTONIO CHAER FILHO – 4 SUP STK M30-39 4:19:46
50. MIKE JUCKER – 3 SUP STK M40-49 4:21:13
51. SHEP NELSON – 11 SUP UNL M30-39 4:21:40
52. GAVIN FERGUSON – 2 SUP STK 14′ 2 Team M 4:21:59
53. CRAIG WRIGHT – 12 SUP UNL M30-39 4:22:26
54. MARTIN GIROUD – 4 SUP STK M40-49 4:23:12
55. KIERAN O’RIORDAN – 13 SUP UNL M30-39 4:26:22
56. BAILEY ROSEN – 2 SUP STK Female 4:26:34
57. STEPHEN PUGH – 3 SUP STK 14′ 2 Team M 4:26:55
58. BRAD FELDMAN – 6 SUP UNL M50-99 4:28:40
59. MAHEA GRAMBILL – 1 SUP STK 14′ 2 Team F 4:30:35
60. SEAN BICKNELL – 5 SUP STK M40-49 4:31:32
61. KELSA GABEHART – 7 SUP UNL Female 4:31:52
62. ED PRICE – 2 SUP STK M50-99 4:33:47
63. LORI PARK – 8 SUP UNL Female 4:34:04
64. VICTOR LOPEZ -3 SUP STK M50-99 4:34:26
65. JENNIFE LEE – 9 SUP UNL Female 4:37:51
66. CANDIO CHUZORIANSC – 5 SUP STK M30-39 4:39:22
67. ALYSSA WALTZE – 1 SUP Team 3 Mixed 4:41:17
68. CARLO PRADO – 11 SUP UNL M40-49 4:41:42
69. FABIO VALANGO – 6 SUP STK M30-39 4:43:34
70. WARWICK GRAY – 4 SUP STK M50-99 4:43:47
71. NICOLE MADOSIK – 3 SUP STK Female 4:46:16
72. NICHOLE KLINK – 4 SUP STK Female 4:47:11
73. BOB FRO BRASIL – 14 SUP UNL M30-39 4:48:04
74. FABIANO FARIA – 7 SUP STK M30-39 4:49:25
75. PEGGY KING – 10 SUP UNL Female 4:50:38
76. LARA CLAYDON – 5 SUP STK Female 4:58:28

 

Results breakdown

Men Unlimited
1. CONNOR BAXTER 3:04:31
2. KAI LENNY 3:06:44
3. DAVE KALAMA 3:08:58
4. TRAVIS GRANT 3:14:13
5. LIVIO MENELAU 3:18:57
6. VINNICI MARTINS 3:24:38
7. KODY KERBOX 3:25:12
8. JERRY BESS 3:31:44
9. ARMIE ARMSTRONG 3:32:16
10. MO FREITAS 3:36:16
11. TOMOYAS MURABAYASHI 3:39:59
12. AMIR ARBEL 3:42:25
13. JAMES CASEY 3:46:03
14. ALEX MATERO 3:46:55
15. RALPH SIFFORD 3:47:44
16. GUSTAVO OLIVERA 3:48:21
17. PHIL GREGGORY 3:48:50
18. JIMMY FITT 3:49:12
19. ROBERT LOPES 3:54:28
20. NOAH GARFIELD 3:55:25
21. BUZZY KERBOX 3:56:35
22. JUSTIN GORDON 3:58:58
23. ED WHEELER 4:00:20
24. MASAO FUKAYAMA JR 4:00:48
25. JAMES MARTINDALE 4:02:05
26. ANDERS JONSSON 4:06:59
27. AMERICO PINHEIRO JR 4:07:00
28. RANDY ROYSE 4:08:20
29. TIMMOTH WYERS 4:11:59
30. GREGG LEION 4:12:24
31. BRETT STAIB 4:16:37
32. SHEP NELSON 4:21:40
34. CRAIG WRIGHT 4:22:26
35. KIERAN O’RIORDAN 4:26:22
36. BRAD FELDMAN 4:28:40
37. CARLO PRADO 4:41:42
38. BOB FRO BRASIL 4:48:04

Women Unlimited
1. DEVIN BLISH 3:48:37
2. ANDREA MOULLAR 3:50:03
3. TALIA DECOITE 3:52:18
4. KATHY SHIPMAN 3:52:48
5. PENELOP STRICKLAND 4:00:04
6. KARLA GILBERT 4:00:36
7. KELSA GABEHART 4:31:52
8. LORI PARK 4:34:04
9. JENNIFE LEE 4:37:51
75 PEGGY KING 4:50:38

Men 14’
1. JOSHUA RICCIO 3:37:07
2. BULLET OBRA 3:43:24
3. PAUL JACKSON 3:44:35
4. STEVE WALKER 3:55:13
5. BELARMI DIAZ GARCIA 3:56:53
6. JEFF CHANG 4:10:35
7. MRON AKMAN 4:10:53
8. ROB WALTON 4:18:47
9. ANTONIO CHAER FILHO 4:19:46
10. MIKE JUCKER 4:21:13
11. MARTIN GIROUD 4:23:12
12. SEAN BICKNELL 4:31:32
13. ED PRICE 4:33:47
14. VICTOR LOPEZ 4:34:26
15. CANDIO CHUZORIANSC 4:39:22
16. FABIO VALANGO 4:43:34
17. WARWICK GRAY 4:43:47
18. FABIANO FARIA 4:49:25

Women 14’
1. ANGELA JACKSON 3:59:40
2. BAILEY ROSEN 4:26:34
3. NICOLE MADOSIK 4:46:16
4. NICHOLE KLINK 4:47:11
5. LARA CLAYDON 4:58:28

Teams
3-Man Unlimited
1. JEFF OKUNA 4:11:21

2-Men 14’
1. JEREMY WILLMESS 4:18:32
2. GAVIN FERGUSON 4:21:59
3. STEPHEN PUGH 4:26:55

2-Women 14’
1. MAHEA GRAMBILL 4:30:35

3-Mixed
1. ALYSSA WALTZE 4:41:17

 

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Juli ist der Downwinder Monat auf Hawaii, keine Frage. Die Weltelite im SUP-Sport trifft sich auf Maui und paddelt den mittlerweile weltbekannten Maliko-Run. Ein Highlight dieses Monats ist das Maui2Molokai Downwindrennen welches als der kleine Bruder des Molokai2Oahu angesehen wird.

Ich berichtete seit Beginn von diesem Rennen, hatte aber nie die Chance mich selber auf die 27 Meilen vor zu bereiten. Dieses Jahr war es aber soweit, ich konnte mir die Zeit nehmen mich auf eine Strecke wie diese heran zu trainieren.

Die Bedingungen in der Meeresenge zwischen Maui und Molokai sollten sehr gut sein an diesem Samstag und der „Pailolo Channel“ würde seinem Ruf gerecht werden. Das Maui2Molokai wir bei Insidern als jenes Rennen gehandelt das mehr Spass macht als das Molokai2Oahu und dient als ideales Warmup für das M2O, da es gute 5 Meilen kürzer ist.

Als „First-Timer” hatte ich bestimmt ein paar Unsicherheiten. Ich fühlte mich fit, aber wie viel Flüssigkeit sollte ich auf mir Tragen und wie viel Essen werde ich brauchen unterwegs? Ich hatte kein Begleitboot, also musste reichen was ich auf mir tragen konnte. Natürlich achtete ich auch darauf schon vor dem Rennen genug zu trinken und zu Essen, damit ich nach den ersten paar Kilometern nicht schon am verhungern bin.

Am Start dann achtete ich besonders darauf mich nicht von der üblichen Hektik beeinflussen zu lassen. 27 Meilen sind weit und davon Spurten bringt gar nichts, ich paddelte ja nicht um den Sieg.

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Irgendwo auf dem Meer

Auf den ersten 12 – 15 Meilen wurde das Rennen seinem Ruf leider nicht gerecht. Der Wind war zwar recht stark und der Wellengang auch nicht schlecht, aber irgendwie schien ich trotzdem nicht vorwärts zu kommen. Ich paddelte einiges nördlicher vom Rest des Feldes, denn ich wollte auf keinen Fall zu weit abgetrieben werden. So hielt ich den Horizont immer vor Augen und zielte immer genau auf die südliche Ecke von Molokai wo sich eine größerer Boje befindet. Ich arbeitete mich also Kilometer um Kilometer an Molokai heran ohne grosse Hilfe von den Wellen. Nach gut 18km war die bescheuerte Boje aber immer noch nicht in Sicht. Erst eine gute Stunde später sah ich etwas was ich erst für einen anderen Paddler hielt, dann aber feststellte, dass es sich nun doch um die sagenumwobene Kamalo Boje handelte. Das machte mich echt froh, denn jetzt waren nur noch 10 Meilen (16km).

Jetzt konnte der Spass endlich beginnen: Es waren nun mittlerweile gute 3 Stunden vergangen als ich keine 100m an der Boje entfernt vorbei paddelte. Ich hatte den Wind nun genau hinter mir und die Wellen waren nun nicht mehr lang und flach sondern kurz und steil – So Geil! Ich fühlte einen neuen Schub Energie in mir und lies keine Welle unter mir durchlaufen.

Natürlich waren zu diesem Zeitpunkt Connor und Co schon längst beim Apero während ich noch eine gute Stunde vor mir hatte. Das war mir aber recht egal, denn jetzt machte es erst richtig Spass und ich gab nochmals alles. Trotzdem war ich dann aber sehr erlöst als der Hafen von Molokai endlich greifbar nahe war, denn meine Knie brachten mich mittlerweile fast um.

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Die Stars ganz vorne: Connor – Kai – Travis im Kopf an Kopf Rennen – Foto: Karen Baxter

Was für ein tolles Gefühl endlich an der Ziellinie zu sein, immer noch was zu Trinken auf mir und obendrauf noch fast 10 Minuten schneller als die Zeit die ich mir gesetzt habe.

Sollte einer von Euch Ambitionen haben nach Hawaii zu kommen um in einem der Downwinder Longdistance Rennen dabei zu sein, dann ist das Maui2Molokai genau das richtige Rennen. Die Kosten und die Logistik sind im vergleich zum Molokai2Oahu ein Kinderspiel. Begleitboote sind nicht vorgeschrieben (Kosten beim M2O mittlerweile $950.-) und man kommt auch einfach wieder nach Maui zurück. Ich selber war noch am selben Abend wieder Daheim und der Muskelkater hält sich auch in Gernzen.

 

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Connor ist der Schnellste… wie immer… Foto: Karen Baxter

Gute Momente an einem tollen Tag:

Die Resultate im Detail

Men Unlimited
1. CONNOR BAXTER 3:04:31
2. KAI LENNY 3:06:44
3. DAVE KALAMA 3:08:58
4. TRAVIS GRANT 3:14:13
5. LIVIO MENELAU 3:18:57
6. VINNICI MARTINS 3:24:38
7. KODY KERBOX 3:25:12
8. JERRY BESS 3:31:44
9. ARMIE ARMSTRONG 3:32:16
10. MO FREITAS 3:36:16
11. TOMOYAS MURABAYASHI 3:39:59
12. AMIR ARBEL 3:42:25
13. JAMES CASEY 3:46:03
14. ALEX MATERO 3:46:55
15. RALPH SIFFORD 3:47:44
16. GUSTAVO OLIVERA 3:48:21
17. PHIL GREGGORY 3:48:50
18. JIMMY FITT 3:49:12
19. ROBERT LOPES 3:54:28
20. NOAH GARFIELD 3:55:25
21. BUZZY KERBOX 3:56:35
22. JUSTIN GORDON 3:58:58
23. ED WHEELER 4:00:20
24. MASAO FUKAYAMA JR 4:00:48
25. JAMES MARTINDALE 4:02:05
26. ANDERS JONSSON 4:06:59
27. AMERICO PINHEIRO JR 4:07:00
28. RANDY ROYSE 4:08:20
29. TIMMOTH WYERS 4:11:59
30. GREGG LEION 4:12:24
31. BRETT STAIB 4:16:37
32. SHEP NELSON 4:21:40
34. CRAIG WRIGHT 4:22:26
35. KIERAN O’RIORDAN 4:26:22
36. BRAD FELDMAN 4:28:40
37. CARLO PRADO 4:41:42
38. BOB FRO BRASIL 4:48:04

Women Unlimited
1. DEVIN BLISH 3:48:37
2. ANDREA MOULLAR 3:50:03
3. TALIA DECOITE 3:52:18
4. KATHY SHIPMAN 3:52:48
5. PENELOP STRICKLAND 4:00:04
6. KARLA GILBERT 4:00:36
7. KELSA GABEHART 4:31:52
8. LORI PARK 4:34:04
9. JENNIFE LEE 4:37:51
75 PEGGY KING 4:50:38

Men 14’
1. JOSHUA RICCIO 3:37:07
2. BULLET OBRA 3:43:24
3. PAUL JACKSON 3:44:35
4. STEVE WALKER 3:55:13
5. BELARMI DIAZ GARCIA 3:56:53
6. JEFF CHANG 4:10:35
7. MRON AKMAN 4:10:53
8. ROB WALTON 4:18:47
9. ANTONIO CHAER FILHO 4:19:46
10. MIKE JUCKER 4:21:13
11. MARTIN GIROUD 4:23:12
12. SEAN BICKNELL 4:31:32
13. ED PRICE 4:33:47
14. VICTOR LOPEZ 4:34:26
15. CANDIO CHUZORIANSC 4:39:22
16. FABIO VALANGO 4:43:34
17. WARWICK GRAY 4:43:47
18. FABIANO FARIA 4:49:25

Women 14’
1. ANGELA JACKSON 3:59:40
2. BAILEY ROSEN 4:26:34
3. NICOLE MADOSIK 4:46:16
4. NICHOLE KLINK 4:47:11
5. LARA CLAYDON 4:58:28

Teams
3-Man Unlimited
1. JEFF OKUNA 4:11:21

2-Men 14’
1. JEREMY WILLMESS 4:18:32
2. GAVIN FERGUSON 4:21:59
3. STEPHEN PUGH 4:26:55

2-Women 14’
1. MAHEA GRAMBILL 4:30:35

3-Mixed
1. ALYSSA WALTZE 4:41:17

 

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