Pacific Paddler December 2012 - (Page 10)

Molokai Hoe PHOTOS BY ROPATI ferent. In spite of a light headwind and flat channel, they powered the 41-miles in 5:15:49, 45 minutes off the record they set last year of 4:30:54. Shell Wa'a takes it in all conditions. This year was no dif- lining," said Jim Foti who has raced across to paddle the whole way, at least it was "The wind in your face was the silver the channel many times, "because you had cool," he jokes. "Usually you find something at Diamond Head, but this year," he said, "nothing." Diamond Head, although Oahu couldn't be seen due to the When crews passed La'au Point, most headed straight for thick vog (volcanic smog). Some fought an incoming tide to go north, hoping for a run down Oahu's East Coast when the tide a crew made up of workers from Tahiti's Electric Department, lead the race until they followed the Ka'iwi currents heading south. By the time they discovered Shell Va'a had overtaken a 1/4 mile of Shell. The only chance EDT had was the surf breaking along Diamond Head. Shell Va'a on an inside line, changed. Defending champion Shell Va'a's main challenger EDT, Jim's cooler at the finish. At least there was something chilling in them, it was a battle of wills that brought EDT back to within cutting the corner, nearly got caught by a wave, which could straight victories and have their goals set for ten. have been the 'game changer'. In the end, Shell made it seven Tahiti took top three; EDT second (5:16:50) and Shell Va'a 2 (5:33:42) third. Hawaii's teams showed they are still up for the challenge. Livestrong/Ocean Pursuits was 4th (5:36:58) and in 5th Wailea-Team Primo (5:39:34). wind in their face and vog in their lungs. The vog did help keep some of the sun's intensity out. Lumps for bumps headed in the opposite direction, back towards Molokai. The 100 crews racing faced a calm light south-southwest 10 Pacific Paddler - December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler December 2012

Contents
Na Wahine O Ke Kai
Molokai Hoe
Around the Island Race - Hong Kong
Pailolo Challenge
Gail Grabowsky
Surfski in the Islands
New York Outrigger after Sandy
After you cross the finish line
Calendar

Pacific Paddler December 2012