Thursday, April 16, 2009

Rainbow Sandals Molokai to Oahu Presented by Honolua Surf Company

This year the Molokai to Oahu race is being put on by new sponsors. Thanks to them for picking up the race. Previous sponsor Quicksilver should also be mentioned for backing the race for all the prior years. This year there is prize money for the top placing individual SUPs and Paddleboarders. Entry forms and complete rules can be found here: http://www.hawaiipaddleboardassociation.com/

Before you enter this race consider what a serious endeavor it is. This is one of the roughest channels in the world. Check the video below of a 90' sailboat getting tossed around. When the boat is in the troughs the swells are taller than the back of the boat which sits 10' above the water. Try to imagine yourself out there on a 14' or 16' board. What makes things worse is the swell is coming at you from your right making balancing on your raceboard a challenge. It is anything but a casual downwind run. Since the following sea is quartering you from the right long rides are infrequent and every swell must be ridden to the right until you get close to Oahu. But if this kind of thing excites you then this is the race for you and the ultimate challenge in SUP racing!

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