Pacific Paddler December 2012 - (Page 18)

PLAY VIDEO dling turns into an international hot spot with the Steelcase Dragon Run and the Tommy back-to-back days of the same weekend. Bahamas Around The Island Race (ATIR) on On Saturday, November 10th, 161 Surf Once a year in November, Hong Kong pad- buck and it’s a challenging weekend” says Andy Cummings a veteran paddler of both races. ATIR was originally a sailing race that the Starting on the south side of Hong Kong, OC6’s joined in 2005 with just four entries. paddlers race around the island clockwise. Ski and OC1/OC2 paddlers from Russia, Japan, South Africa, Australia, Hawaii, Singapore, Spain, France, Switzerland, Tahiti, China and Ski World Series Sanctioned Race. Initially the course runs parallel to one of the busiest shipping approaches in the world and once in the harbor, paddlers are along side Jet engine hydro foils, cruise ships, commuter ferries and about 340 sail boats. Hong Kong took part in the Dragon Run, a Surf This technical 23km course is selected to Lantau Canoe Club pass the Hong Kong Convention Center with Central Plaza in the background take advantage of 14km downwind section that lines up with the NE Monsoon. Even if mother nature doesn’t always deliver the wind, com- skyscrapers to rugged coastline with beaches Leaving the city, the scenery changes from and ridge lines where people hike and paraglide. Paddlers race past Big Wave Bay (yes, there is surfing there!) and around the south eastern back to Middle Island where the Royal Hong 250 people. most point of the island for the home stretch Kong Yacht Club hosts a BBQ for more than With only seven local canoe clubs, Hong petitors can be sure they will dice with a host of marine traffic- tugs, barges, container ships, nel heading out to the Nine Pins Islands, 5km into the race. Visibility can be poor and this year was no exception. A GPS for navigation of town and at the front of the pack! and cruise ships, as they cross a shipping chan- comes in handy, especially if you are from out “The Dragon Run is the most organized Kong’s OC6 paddling community is still growing. Hong Kong people move fast, and in the last two months, six unlimited class outriggers have arrived with several more on the way. Nineteen teams took part, but there is now more than 30 OC6’s in Hong Kong. The day has at last can join this spectacular event. OC6 for your team for 2013. Victoria Recreation Club women's crew h.t.f.u. with a bit of cement and welcoming event I have ever been to,” said Graham Groeneveld, a first time participant from Australia. For just under usd$100 entry fee, competitors get 2 meals, transportation of themselves and canoe to the start, race shirt, cap, and entry into lucky draw. Follow up the Dragon Run with the ATIR, arrived when more than a few overseas teams Contact www.rhkyc.org.hk to reserve an an OC6 change race. “It’s great bang for your By Anna Mathisen Lantau Canoe Club men's crew approaching Central District, with IFC Tower looming 1/4 mile high in the background RHKYC mixed crew show the Yachts the inside line Victoria Recreation Club women's crew heading eastbound along the expressway 18 Pacific Paddler - December 2012 Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club men go head to head with Macau Turbo Cat http://vimeo.com/54179549 http://www.rhkyc.org.hk http://gobananaskayaks.com

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