Pacific Paddler June 2017 - 24

Patrick Dolan on his 'Molo Solo'
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR KAIWI SOLO
MOLOKAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HOW WAS IT?

We were blessed with great conditions for the Molokai
Solo. Strong east winds made for a quick straight
shot race.

HOW DID YOU FEEL GOING INTO THE RACE?

I felt good going into the race. After the OluKai race the
weekend before, I took a few days off of work and cut a
lot of volume from my training sessions to recover and
be prepared for the channel.

WHAT WERE THE CONDITIONS LIKE OUT IN
THE CHANNEL?

The conditions were ideal for a fun crossing. The wind
was strong the entire race, and the tide was with us for
the first two hours, which made it a race to potluck
before the current could change directions.

WHAT MOMENT STANDS OUT THE MOST?

The moment that stands out the most is when Kevin
and I converged at China Walls. I had been in very
similar circumstances in past crossings and ended
up getting passed. In order to avoid that happening
again, I did a lot more psychological preparation to Photos by Ropati
help me stay positive and break through any mental
barriers if it came down to a race to the finish. I will Rounding 'Bird' at the Kanaka Ikaika Oahu Relay
always remember sprinting through that last section
and looking back before the bridge and realizing that
winning could become a reality.

HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THE RACE?

I made a list of goals in the beginning of the year that
I thought at the time would give me a chance at being
competitive throughout the season. My goals included
changing my diet, executing a volume and intensity
packed training program, racing a lot, and strengthening
my mind-set. I am also fortunate enough to race the
top equipment, and the Kai Wa'a Ares canoe has made
racing and training so much fun. I think Kai really
has something special with the Ares, it is an amazing
surfing boat but also moves in the flat.

IS THERE A RACE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST,
OR AN EVENT YOU'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO
COMPETING IN?

I am looking forward to racing at the first World
Distance race in Tahiti. It is something new, so I think it
will be interesting to see how the event runs.

TELL US ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES SUPPORTING YOU IN THIS RACE.

There have been so many people that have supported
me throughout my journey, starting with my family
who has always been my rock throughout my sprint
kayak racing career and OC1 endeavors. Kai Bartlett
got me started on this journey, and I am so fortunate to
have such a great mentor and friend. The Foti brothers
and the Lanikai upper men's program took me under
their wing when I was 15 years old and taught me how
to paddle, but most importantly how to race hard. Like
the proverb 'It takes a village to raise a child,' I believe
our paddling community has made me the paddler I
am today. I am so grateful to be able to use the best
paddling equipment in the world, from my Kai Waa
Ares to Makana Alii paddles, Oiwi Ocean Gear and
Maui Jim sunglasses. Thank you all for the support!

PACiFiC PADDLER JUNE 2017

Photos above and below were taken during the 'Molokai Solo', by Naim Ferguson

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler June 2017