2/10/2008

Here comes the sun!

After the ten years of clouds and rain we’ve all just endured, it was like a gift from heaven to see our glorious island lit up in the sun. The sight of Haleakala with her lei of clouds, the palm trees moving in the soft breeze, the twinkle of a million ripples catching the sun on the water was enough in itself to make it a perfect day. Add to that 88 brightly colored canoes, 9 boards, and a bunch of tan fit bodies challenging each other on the water, and today was over the top. Oh, and a gold medal doesn’t hurt the mood either (even if it represents first and last in my division).

The conditions were “Konaesque” today with heat and flat water. The start was fun and fast as there were small surges to catch. Some people seemed to surf around the buoy at Haycraft, others just put little dents in their canoes and those around them, and some snagged the rope adding to the mass confusion at the orange marker of fate. It was where the competition got serious as that is where a person could figure out who’s long and who’s short. I am only 5’-3” so I did turn back to home at the buoy, but my husband who is 6’-1 kept going on to McGreggor point. Reports are that the long course experienced the same conditions as the short course, just more of it.

Our photographer, Debbie, raced from the start to the overlook at McGreggor to take photos of the studly crowd who went long. She barely made it there before the lead canoes as she was stuck behind a police car doing 35 mph. Apparently she did break the sound barrier on her way back to the finish line, but us rabbits (bunnies) were already in. So the photos are all about the big boys and girls- my hat’s off to you, and see you out there next year when I join the big leagues.

Mrs whale was quite polite and kept a nice distance off the course. She kept me entertained with a few blasts, but nothing to make the whale police call the DNLR on anyone- except our water officials who were hassled as they launched their jet skis. Besides making them late as they negotiated with DNLR, it all worked out and we had safety patrol. They didn’t hit any whales.

Lunch, catered by Lulu’s, was a wonderful end to the race. Door prizes provided by Hammer Nutruition are what we all covet. Medals are what we are there for. Congratulations to everyone who trained hard, paddled hard, enjoy the pain game, and won a medal!  And thank you, thank you, thank you to Rob, Patty, our sponsors, and all those who give their time and money to make these races happen. The races get me on the water to train day after day, week after week. The hours on the water are the greatest gift of all.

Update from last race: I had an impromptu interview with the legend we call Mael. I thought I was talking to Joe Ferguson (I’m just so blonde!) for ½ of it, but once I realize who I was speaking to I did get a few questions answered:

1. What does Mael eat for breakfast?

Oatmeal and a muffin (I was sure it was Wheaties)

2. How is he so amazingly fast?

10 years of hard work. (I was sure it was an engine on his canoe- well it is kind of! As he is a strapping 30-39 year old paddling machine!)

And don’t forget: The Save Maliko Meeting!

February 12, 2008 @ 6 PM   

Lihikai School  

335  S. Papa Ave.

The county discussing blocking access to Maliko. Please come and petition to keep this great and essential recreation spot open!

Brandis Sarich

the art of the dog