Pacific Paddler April 2016 - (Page 49)

On my Bucket List Twenty years ago there were few races compared with today's racing scene. Twenty years ago races were simple; you raced, you partied. Today some races have become much more. The Maui Jim Oceanfest is a two day multi-disciplined event offering five varied disciplines including surf-ski's, paddleboard's, one man canoes, SUP's, and swimming. The event takes place on Maui fronting the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel - the official host hotel for the event. In each of the five races on Day 1, participants accumulate points. Then on Day 2, another five multi-disciplined iron-man style races are held. Men and women can compete in their age division throughout the event and can also challenge themselves by racing in the highly competitive Open Division. This is open to anyone regardless of age or gender. Contestants may reserve these attempts for their very best disciplines, be it swimming or one of the four paddling disciplines. Women can also compete in the men's division if they want. This year organizers encourage participants to team up with fellow competitors enabling them to race for team points throughout the two days along with their own personal standings. This idea came from the United States Lifeguard Association Nationals competition. While contestants continue to race for their personal standing, they will also be driven to race a bit harder knowing they are adding to a teams total points. In addition to the team competition, the Maui Jim Oceanfest will also offer two team relay races. At the end of Day 1, there will be the First-to-the -Finish co-ed relay. This relay will not be for points but for prizes for the top three teams crossing the finish line, and on Day 2 another relay. This will be the final race of the event that will go towards team points. The team winner's name will go on the Maui Jim Oceanfest perpetual trophy that will be housed at the Maui Jim office in Lahaina, Maui. Getting your equipment to a race off island or looking for a craft to borrow can be a hassle. The Maui Jim Oceanfest is helpful to competitors in that they can supply all of the equipment for racing you need, except you have to bring your own paddle. Another extra, all participants are given a free entry option for their keiki to compete in junior lifeguard type races including swimming, paddleboarding, SUP, and the fan favorite, beach flags. There is $40,000 in a prize purse, and every penny of entry fees goes to support local charities on Maui. Participation is limited to the first 300 entries, so go to the website, mauijimoceanfest.com for all the details. APRIL 2016 PACIFICPADDLER.com 49 http://www.gillespiepaddles.com http://www.mauijimoceanfest.com http://www.PACIFICPADDLER.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler April 2016

Epic Kayaks Makapu'u Dash
KIRA SUP Hi Kai to Magic Island
Kona Brewing Co-Maui Jim Waterman Challenge
The Allstate Oahu Championships 16
PAA Koa Nui
Kauai Hoe Wa' a
Keizo Gates on OC-1 design
Escort Boats Hawaii
What's shaking on Hawaii Island
Koolauloa Canoe Paddling
Aloha 'ohana hoe wa'a!
20 Years of New York Paddling
Fitness secrets for paddlers
How to improve your paddling
Dates for your paddling calendar
On my Bucket List

Pacific Paddler April 2016