Summer School: Training and Paddling the Molokai to Oahu World Paddleboard Championships

On Sunday, July 29, I crossed the Ka’iwi channel paddling 32 miles from Kalua Koi, Moloka’i to Maunalua Bay, ‘Oahu. Looking back on it now I try to answer the question a lot of people have asked; “Why did you do it?” That’s really difficult to answer. From the outside all you see is how difficult it is to train, to plan the logistics and then to paddle such a grueling channel. I think the reason I did it was to challenge myself to do something that I thought was crazy. There were moments during training, and even during the race, that I thought I couldn’t do it anymore. Perservering through these times is what teaches a person their limits, which are often far greater than they knew. I learned a lot about myself and my limits this summer.

The entire summer was dedicated to training. There was one paddle in particular that I remember. It was the second 17 mile paddle that I attempted on a difficult course due to the winds, the surf and the tide. A group of us paddled from Makapu’u to Kaimana. After passing Kahala with about 4 miles to go, I hit the wall. The wind surfers started zooming past me with smiles on their faces and I wanted to throw a rock at them. I put my head on my board and started crying. It was then that my paddling partner who was on a stock board, a generally slower board than my unlimited board, paddled up to me and smiled and said, with lots of energy, “Hey!” I wanted to quit. Training paddles are learning experience. I learned what food to eat, how to pace, when and how much to drink. I listened to advice from my friends and began to enjoy their company for an entire day as we paddled.

Coffee makes any bad day turn bright. This is pre-race morning. 

Logistics was another challenge of the race. Each paddler or team is required to have an escort boat to stay with them the entire time. Finding a boat has to be done well in advance so that forms can be signed, race packets can be picked up and instructions can be given. Not to mention finding a hotel, figuring a way to get your board to Moloka’i safely and organizing food to eat while you’re there.

Getting there was difficult, but none of that came to mind when the start flag dropped. I began the race paddling hard, fueled by adrenaline and the energy of 100 other paddlers. Immediately I focused in on my competition. After 30 minutes the boats came along and began to follow their paddlers. I got knocked off my board a couple times trying to chase people instead of focusing on getting past the chop. I got anxious as I watched my competition pull further in front of me. That’s when I decided to stay true to one of my goals: paddle my own race. I let them go their way as I went mine and I began to surf. One wave was so great I had to slide a couple feet back towards the tail in order not to pearl. These free rides became my saving grace 4 hours into the paddle. I was having a great time! I couldn’t see Oahu yet so I just tried to surf the fastest route possible and trusted Sparky, my boat captain, to navigate me there.

The dream team left to right: Leane Dalring, Josh Guerra,
Alli Adams, Steve "Sparkee" Chaimberlin and Dana

Half way through I was still feeling ok. I could see Oahu at this point. Josh and Alli, my dream team support crew, would take turns jumping in the water to hand me a new water bottle and some food. Hours later Oahu was still there and I began to doubt myself. My boats’ silence was upsetting me, so naturally I yelled at them to cheer for me. I knew I was hitting a wall and I needed support to get me through. Once they started cheering for me and giving me feedback I began to get annoyed with them. There is no pleasing someone who is exhausted beyond all reason. At one point I remember putting my head down on my board and saying outloud, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” Focusing on the present moment was all I could do to make it. Giving up was not an option.

Top: Mid-channel bump. Bottom: Finish line relief. 

There were so many moments during those 6 hours and 8 minutes that will be locked in my mind forever. Like the feeling of relief when I got so close to the wall between Hanauma Bay and Portlock that I felt like I was home. I forgot how tired I was and grunted my way to the finish line. Having my friends greet me with hugs, leis and beer was the most gratifying thing. I did it. I finished the race. I trained hard, I stayed positive and I did something that I didn’t think I could do. That’s why I paddled the Moloka’i to ‘Oahu paddleboard race.

My first greeting to land. Morgan has done so much
for so many people in this sport.

A special thank you to all of my friends and my family who supported me throughout this. My family, my mom, dad, Kathy, Christie, Chelsea, Josh, Alli, Morgan, Becky, Meg, Carolyn, Jess, Katie Thompson, Jubilee, Tiffany Sammis, Sanja, Katie Seall, Liz, and all of my friends. The Wailupe crew for training and Coach Mike Cote for has amazing efforts. The north shore crew, Chris Owens for organizing paddles, Mike Takahashi for helping to organize this race and many others. The Aussies, Mick DiBetta for his paddling tips. The competition, Jordan, Kanesa and Bronte for their motivation. There are so many to name and without all these special people, and the ones I haven't mentioned, something like this would not be possible.

Just a few of my amazing friends that greeted me at the finish line.

ALOHA!