Our crew consisted of some experienced channel crossers, some not as experienced ones (like myself), and some first timers which made it really diverse and fun. Basically our job was to get all of us across the channel safely. This was my second Channel crossing and I learned so much, like I do every race, but when you get hit with these kinds of conditions, you learn a heck of a lot more. I am so thankful to every single one of the girls in my crew, because everyone was positive, humble and fun, which made it awesome!
Sunday morning produced huge swell that was closing out the Harbor entrance. It was pure chaos getting out of the harbor that morning. Pictures and video show this best, because words cannot explain it. We were scared, but focused and able to get through the swell with no waves crashing on us and just a little drama with other crews around us.
The conditions made the crossing a slow going as the fastest time on the water that day was 45 minutes slower than last year. The wind was coming from the North and the swell from the North East. Not too much to ride, until we got through the channel to Oahu and into Hawaii Kai.
8 hours after leaving Hale O Lono Harbor on Moloka'i, we arrived in Waikiki on Oahu to finish the race. We stayed strong and embraced the ocean, the race, and the challenges. Our coach says "We survived!"
Here are some photos of our race and my crew before and after 42 miles of paddling the Kaiwi Channel!
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| Photo credit: 808photo.me |
Love this Maddie girl! We had such a good time!!! xox
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