Hanohano-Huki Ocean Challenge
Race Recap
January 23, 2010


The entire week leading up to the 14th Annual Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club and Huki Outriggers / Surfskis Ocean Challenge I woke up to rain not just rain but rain like they get in the Midwest…not California.  Everyday I received calls and e-mails asking about the race; “Is it still on???” “What’s the forecast?” “How’s the surf?”  I optimistically answered, “It’s on…no matter what.”  I’m no weatherman, but this morning…IT WAS RAINING. I made a quick call and scheduled some sunshine beginning at around 8:30 and lasting the day. It worked.


Today, thanks to the generous efforts of the members of Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club (HOCC) and the Sun Gods, over 300 paddlers took to the water in Mission Bay, San Diego to enjoy a beautiful day of racing and camaraderie. Paddleboards, Stand-up Paddleboards (SUP), Surf skis, OC-1’s and kayaks took to the water as if they had been trapped inside for a week.  While these racers recovered on the beach, with a great meal provided by Wahoo’s, Surf skiers and OC-1 & 2 paddlers raced approx 7 miles in the Bay due to hazardous conditions in the Mission Bay Channel, so hazardous in fact that one well known (winner of the long course) Surf ski Paddler lost his shorts when overturned by one of the set waves after our racing was over…a little uncomfortable paddling back in I would imagine.


Once again we enjoyed some great racing. There were a number of photo finishes including Kyle Daniels and Tom Duryea on Stock Paddleboard. Once again Vicki Mills dominated, racing SUP short Course and winning OC-1 Long Course.  Ross Flemming won the overall OC-1 race…without a rudder…now why would you do that?  All in all there was great competition throughout the day, but in the end it’s all about sharing a day on the water with your “Ohana”. Results will be posted tonight <www.hanohano.org>


Huki Outrigger /Surf ski donated a brand new Huki OC-2 which was won by a very ecstatic Debbie Dierkes, OEX Dive and Kayak, Quick blade, Maui Jim’s Sunglasses, K-5 SUP and Rogue SUP all gave generously to ensure that our participants had the opportunity to race today.   Loyal Sponsors, Maui Jim Sunglasses and Nixon provided division Winners Awards.  Peet’s Coffee, Wahoo’s, Gu and Kashi made sure that we had enough fuel to make it through the day while Huki, Kialoa, Caseman, Dakine, Mudbrook, Better Surf than Sorry, Coolest Shoes, Hovie SUP, Nixon and Maui Jim contributed to the best raffle I’ve seen in years.  There is no way to have an event like this without the support of these Sponsors.  Remember to thank them next time you see them on the beach.


Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club would like to thank everyone for their “Aloha”.  The vibe on the beach is always positive and welcoming.  This year we had a huge number of first time racers and I hope that their experience was as positive as mine.


Thank You to all the volunteers from HOCC and to the following for their support: Huki Outrigger, OEX Dive and Kayak, Wahoo’s, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Nixon, Quick blade, Nika Water, Peet’s Coffee La Jolla, Rogue SUP, K-5 SUP, Paddleme.com, Caseman, Dakine, Kialoa, Dakine, Coolest Shoes and Better Surf than Sorry.


-Dan Van Dyck


Congratulations Debbie Dierkes on Winning an OC-2 from Jude at HUKI!



Photo courtesy of http://paddling.smugmug.com/2010-Outrigger-Canoe-Races




 

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