Strategery

Eric Abbott, current world record holder in the paddleboard stock division, helps Morgan and I understand the currents in the channel.
Training food is also a must during strategery meetings. :)

One week

And this is all I can think about...

I can't wait to experience the feeling.  Wish us all luck!!

Cross training

There's a lot of repetitive movement in paddling, which is why crosstraining is so great: swimming, yoga, surfing, a jog, anything that gets you outside enjoying nature and the revelation that your body is in the best shape it's ever been in.

Paddle for George

One thing I have learned in my two years involved in this sport is that it is a small community of people. These people are what keep me coming back to the sport. This year legend George Ramos was diagnosed with cancer. Since his diagnosis the local community has come together to raise money in order to support George as he goes through treatment. George has been paddling ever since the race's inception in 1997 and it has been rumored that he trains harder than anyone out there. I believe it.

This summer the Paddle for George race was organized that consisted of a paddle from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay. Not only did local paddler's show up for the race, but some of George's long time friends showed up from other islands, Australia, California, etc. If that's not "community", then I don't know what is.
The Molokai to Oahu crew has also set up further opportunity to donate.
Watch this video and see what some of the legends have to say about this man.

Paddle in style

This photo is of my friend Anders. He knows how to paddle in style.
This is just before the Cline Mann memorial paddle race put on by the Outrigger Canoe Club every year. The 17 mile course starts from Makai pier at Makapu'u and ends at Kaimana. Along the way you pass huge swell, towering cliffs, two lighthouses and hopefully the occasional sea turtle to brighten up your otherwise very difficult paddle.
Most of the competitors will also be competing in the Moloka'i World Championships coming up in 3 weeks.
I know Anders will be there.

Be thankful

Nuff said

Sprint: it's how you go fast

It's not how far you paddle. The distance isn't as important as your strength. It's all about riding bumps, or the small waves traveling every which way in the ocean. If you can sprint fast enough over and over and over and...well you get the point...you just need to catch as many waves as possible.
Below is myself surrounded by the future of paddling. These middle school boys have improved faster than you can say puberty.

Less than one month out...

...and everything reminds me of the distance I am about to paddle.
Training consists of paddling, yoga, weights, swimming and more paddling. What I didn't realize is how much thinking was involved in the process.