Pacific Paddler February 2013 - (Page 22)

photos by Larry Smith Another Dam Race For the third year in a row, everyone saw that there’s a little bit of the Islands even in the heart of the Arizona desert. November’s third annual 'Another Dam Race' in Parker, Arizona had almost 400 paddlers battling it out on the 10.5 mile course down the Colorado River. In the race’s short history, its already become known for its scenic course, the almost guaranteed per- fect Arizona weather, and the most ono grinds at the post-race party and awards ceremony. The biggest difference for 2012 was the doubling of the number of OC6 crews to 36, including seven crews making the trip from Hawaii. The OC6 led off the beach start followed by OC2, OC1, surfskis, paddleboards, and SUP in a second wave. Although a mass start was considered, the vision of several dozen OC6 barreling through almost 100 SUPs was too much to think about. Even though the down-river course isn’t a Maliko run, it still rewards a paddler or steersman who can feel where the water is running and who can make the most of it’s eddies and currents. And the boat that made the most of it was the open men’s crew from Hawaiian Kanaktion steered by Raymond Lii. Finishing in a time of 1:14:04, they broke the old course record by almost eight minutes. Helping to unload canoes from trailers the day before the race, Lii and his crew gave a lesson in aloha, just as they gave a lesson in paddling during the race. After the race it was time for some serious par- tying at the awards. Island style barbecue, thanks to some great recipes from Deb Maui, kept everyone stuffed. Awards were the race’s usual steins and shot glasses, soon filled and put to use. 2013 is already in the planning stages. November 2nd is the date. For more info, go to at www.AnotherDamRace.com and on FaceBook at Another DamRace. 22 Pacific Paddler - February 2013 John Burns http://www.facebook.com/pages/Another-Dam-Race/293749883977401?fref=ts http://www.AnotherDamRace.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gillespie-Outrigger-Paddles/114468628568388?v=wall&ref=ts http://www.gillespiepaddles.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler February 2013

Kanaka Ikaika's Waterman's Series
Maui Canoe and Kayak Club
Kauai Hoe Wa’a
Hawaii Island Paddle Sports
Vaka Eiva, Cook Islands
Santa Barbara - Return to the Pier
Unknown Factors
Hoena Wale No! Only Paddling! #1
Another Dam Race
Moloka’i World Championships
Keeping a Healthy Back
Law Enforcement Regatta
You can paddle, but can you swim?

Pacific Paddler February 2013