Well as we all know Oscar and the race pack had a tough time crossing the channel at the end of May. Kauai reps Ron and myself both attended the Molokai event and enjoyed the day immensely. I can tell you that the event took a massive jump in the right direction insofar as organization and event appeal is concerned. Well done to Jenn McTigue, Shelley Oates and the boys and girls at HCKT led by Zsolt Szadovoszky with the backing of Epic Kayaks for making it so. Look out for an all inclusive event in the near future.

After the clinic buzz here on Kauai Wailua Wednesday continues to march on and I actively encourage everyone of you on the east and south sides to make it to this session. Albeit early, once done it is out of the way and you can proceed with your day unhindered.

I also launched Hanalei Fridays meeting on the Hanalei river to paddle at 7am. A little more forgiving and spectacularly beautiful.

Our drills will be group based but the concept is aimed at improving each individual individually. Encouragement and plenty of free tips for everyone who shows up. These are both open events and free to the paddling public.

The Kauai Hoe Waa summer race season is underway and surfskis led the charge on the start line off of Anini last week. It was a tight finish in great conditions though with angled surf and NNE winds. The next race is JULY 7. Be there. You wont be disappointed. Nice job KHW racers for the finish on the beach in heavy surf and the comraderie and sportsmanship shown.

See you on the water.

This past Saturday, the 11th, Kauai was treated royally in the surfski world, by hosting none other then The Big O himself. In preparation for his 13th win Oscar made time available to zip out to Kauai for a day and the local contingent of paddlers reveled in his knowledge. A five hour seminar, very low key, under two pop up tents on the volleyball end of Kalapaki beach took place and the 13 paddlers ranging in abilities from beginner to advanced ALL absorbed new tricks and learnt from a legend in the arena.

Big thanks extend to Terry and Carol for being, as always, gracious hosts of Oscar and his wife Claire, and also of our pre-party on Friday night, to Ron Winegar the Epic guy, for being the motivator and connection with Szolt on Oahu, who encouraged Oscars visit, and ran the day so well. To Bernard Matsumoto who hosted the after party at his house and provided all the food and drink and to every one of you who joined up for the day, albeit an expensive outing on a Kauai budget, I believe it was well worth every penny.

There is sure to be more visits from great paddlers like Oscar in the future and sure growth in this superior water sport here on Kauai.

From Kauai - Baie Dankie (Thank you) Oscar and the very best of luck for Sunday.

I WILL BE AWAY FROM THE 1ST OF MARCH UNTIL APRIL 24TH. PLEASE CONTACT JERRY HAYWARD BY PHONE ONLY IF YOU NEED ANY ASSISTANCE DURING THIS PERIOD. I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT THE KAUAI WORLD CHALLENGE ON APRIL 27TH. ALOHA DYLAN.

Hey Folks,

I wanted to give a shout out to Grant and Shawna Korgan for the awesome effort they put in to everyday. What a pleasure knowing you guys. If you haven't checked them out yet, go to youtube and type in Korg Movement.

There most recent Tedx presentations are just awesome.

Big MAHALO NUI LOA to the Korgans for being so inspirational.

A Hui Hou.

The first 2 races this year has seen some good turnout in both the ski community and the OC's (over 100 race entrants at each). 7 skis in the season opener at Sarento's and 12 ski's in last weeks Lulu Pali race. This year has seen 4 new ski racers join in the series. Please welcome Mike Owens (Epic V10), Brian Ross (Epic V8 Performance), Ani Alfaro (recently updating to Eric's old Fenn Elite from Larry's old V10S) and West sider Ron Perry (let me know if you want to upgrade Ron). Attendance by the West side crew at the first race was sadly missing. Congrats to Tony for becoming a Dad, Jordan - I am happy it is a little easier now with you off island (but pls hurry back), Bogar is now stationed on Molokai, and Carter, we know you are out there doing secret training sessions on Barry's old Fenn, but... While Svar has been flying the west side flag, it has been on the back of a SUP vs a ski, hopefully he will change back soon!... Last week westside had 3 more paddlers - season veterans Doug and Wally, and Ron competing in his first race. Doug, thanks again for providing the venue last week!

Conditions where favorable for both, with the lack of headwind being appreciated. So far the starts at this years races have been very controlled (a vast improvement on last year) which has allowed for the races to start fairly.

Ok, now a quick recap for the Sarento race.

LONG COURSE.. 37 crafts in all did the long course (6 of which were OC2's)

When the gun went off, Mike Owens, a newcomer to the Maui race scene (but not to the surf skiing having previously raced on the east Coast for many years) took off on the left side of the course. Chuck Santiago <Another ski paddler new to Maui from the big Island> teamed up with Biggie in a OC2 and picked up some speed up to the first buoy by the Pavilion. Not wanting to let Mike or Chuck get a favorable position I managed to squeeze around the first buoy. Chuck, Mike & I jostled for lead position up to mile 4. Mike was looking strong and jumped ahead of the OC2. My heart rate was screaming, and I was finding it hard to hang onto the lead 2 paddlers. Somehow through the annoying beeps of my Garmin, (reminding me that I was way above my upper heart target), I remember something about the speed advantage that the V12 had when the drainage plug was closed off. I had never really played around with it, as I was a little skeptical, but at this point I was prepared to try anything. Low and behold with the drainage plug closed my heart rate dropped, and keeping pace was now much easier.

Next we dropped the OC2 crew, and shortly thereafter, Mike ran out of steam with the OC2 team of Chuck & Biggie taking advantage of some small runs and overtaking Mike again with a mile or so to go. Was a shame the west side crew was absent this year as it could have been a fun race at the end again. Times were definitely faster this year with the winning time being 5 minutes ahead of last years. In the ski's first place was me (finishing 1st overall), 2nd place Mike Owens (3rd overall) and 3rd place to Eric Rohozinski.

SHORT COURSE.. Congrats to Ani Alfaro who after many years of paddling OC1 has now started paddling ski's. In his first race he finished very strongly over the rest of the Short course field, finishing 5 minutes ahead the 2 & 3rd places who were both OC2 Men teams. Brian Ross finished his first race ever.

Ok, now on to the next race at the Lulu's Pali race. 35 crafts in all did the long course (5 of which were OC2's).

The north winds held back till after the end of the race which meant last years conditions were not repeated.

A new beach start format was tried out this year by MCKC race officials, and although the field floated slightly off from the shore (amongst much grumbling by many of the competitors) , it did mean that a start was fair.

This race we were joined by Dylan Thomas from Kauai. Dylan in the Fenn & Stellar Surfski dealer and has been instrumental with the growth of surfski's on Kauai.

The horn was sounded the the pack surging closest to the wall. Dylan in the lead with Mike Owens, Eric behind. Frank Zajac and Pia Aluli teamed up on a OC2 and were hot on Dylan's heals as well. On the left hand side OC2 crew Ramone Mullen & George Dagard were setting their own race pace with Joey and Lee behind them. The left was the course I chose as well, with Ani initially surging over to this side of the course as well. On the inside route Keona (OC1) was also in the heat of things. Ani and the OC2 crew of Ramone and George joined back in behind Dylan, Mike Owen & the OC2 combo of Frank/Pia.

Unlike the rest of the field I selected going way off-shore in a similar route to that Carter Evans chose at last years race. Unlike last week where I wore my "Bob Fulkerson" Memorial Bright orange shirt, this week I chose an ocean blue jersey and successfully blended into the ocean. At about half way mark (start of short course) I had managed to creep in front of Dylan with the help of of offshore runs. Close in shore I could see Dylan in front of the main group, with Ramone/George a little way back, followed by Mike, the OC2 crew of Frank/Pia and then Ani showing that his form last week was not a one off occurrence.

At around the time that a escort jetski checked to make sure that I was planning on finishing at the Olowalu point and not Lanai, I hit some current and the start of the head wind. At this point I started to fall behind Dylan and the OC2 crew of Ramone & George. Triangulating a route back to Olowalu I clawed my way back to the OC2 team, but my final last ditch effort was not enough to close the gap. Dylan finished 1st about 1:30 ahead of me. I finished as the 2nd ski (third overall, 7 sec behind OC2 of Ramone/George), Mike Owens came in 3rd ski (5th overall, finishing a further 30 seconds behind the OC2 team of Frank/Pia). Dylan's finishing time was in line with Carters 1:15 from last years race.

Ani in his second race on a surfski finished a very convincing 4th ski (8th place overall), with Bram and Eric battling it out for the next 2 places. Like Ani, Brian Ross also stepped up his distance completing his first long course race.

This week I am happy to announce that Kauai Surfski racers outdid themselves winning with Line Honors both the Kauai Hoe Waa grueler, from Kalapaki to Poipu AND the Maui Canoe and Kayak PALI race from Maaleae to Olowalu.

It was a sad turnout of just two surfskis for the KHW race 2 but both Wes and Rico did well.

Wes Da Silva, in unsurprising fashion, leapt well ahead of the nearest competitor by a margin of 3 minutes and 9 seconds, crossing the finish line in 1.11.02 to take his season ranking from first to first. A seasoned paddler with a competitive streak Wes is an undeniably solid performer. Rico came in 13th overall in 1.20.25, Congratulations Rico, who raced a Fenn Swordfish for the first time. We'd like to get some feedback on your race Rico.

Kauai results can be seen at this link.

http://www.kauaihoewaa.org/KHW RESULTS.html

Over on Maui Dylan Thomas did the Kauai scene proud by storming the finish line a full minute and a half ahead of the next single competitor Richard Spork (3rd overall), also on a Surfski. The surfski fraternity can be proud on Maui, showing a solid turnout and securing the top 3 singles places with Michael Owens coming in 5th overall. Great results in excellently calm conditions on Maui's West side.

The Maui results can be seen at this link.

http://www.mauicanoeandkayak.org/pdf/2013Results_LulusPali.pdf

I highly recommend an inter-island race for local paddlers and I am actively encouraging participation by Kauai paddlers in the Maui to Molokai on April 13th, two weeks before the Kauai World Challenge. It'll be a great warmup for competitors entering this Kauai annual tradition.

NEXT RACE - FEBRUARY 3. KHW has cancelled there race so I am suggesting an unofficial Surfski ONLY race with a beach start followed by a braai. Suggestions on a race course can be emailed to me via the CONTACT page or phone me on 6397404.

Race 1 of the Kauai Hoe Waa series launched with some seriously awesome conditions. A spectacular launch at Waiohai with a number of carnage incidents followed by a rainbow decked start and winds gusting well into the 45 knot range. The swell was up also to keep it just that little bit more interesting.

Six surfski paddlers all in the long course and the unofficial race finish is as follows.

1. Wes deSilva - EPIC
2. Dylan Thomas - FENN
3. Bernard Matsumoto - HUKI
4. Andy Hoppenrath - FENN
5. Calvin Ho - STELLAR
6. Shaun Kajiwara - FENN

Both Shaun and Andy are visiting paddlers from Sonoma and BC respectively. Huge kudos to these guys who have never paddled this course but gave it there all and finished strong on solid FENN Swordfish skis. The perfect boat for that skill level and conditions.

A special mention to stalwart Calvin for his Pule at the race start and again to Calvin on a successful recovery after recently having a stint implanted. Go Calvin Go.

Well done to Bernard who heads off the 50 category for the season from race 1 and to Wes who maintains the lead for the 18-50 age group, by a mere 17 seconds. It was an almost comical affair sleigh riding West to Port Allen.

Next race January 19th. Thanks KHW for a great race and unreal water safety. a shout out to Gabe and Cheston. Great job.

ALL Racers,

Please note race course is the SAME. Race TIME has changed as follows. Registration is 8-9am and race start is at 10am.

Be there.

Dylan

Aloha Everyone,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Surfski Kauai family to yours. We are hoping to host as many of you paddlers possible out on Kauai this year at some stage and an EARLY reminder that the biggest and best annual race can be found here on Kauai in the KAUAI WORLD CHALLENGE relay. This year the event will be held on April 27th. Call me or email if you'd like to arrange ski rental and race entry etc. We will have Fenn, Epic and Stellar boats available.

A hui hou.

Dylan

Winter swell, reinforced trade winds and the might of Mahaulepu's stoney grimace made for some exciting and challenging conditions as only Kauai's most experienced and intrepid (some would say insane) paddlers took on the famous Kalapaki to Poipu run last weekend.

The race never changed its tone from start to finish and all 17 of the stalwart paddlers pushed through the testing conditions, 6 foot swell, 12 foot rollers (over the shallow offshore reef areas), and 25 knot trades.

The efforts of the paddlers were justly rewarded with massive sled rides, the likes of which Santa could only dream of, every now and then. Linking was an exercise in concentration, control and good fortune since the bucking effects even a mile offshore were noticeable.

Congratulations to everyone for making it safely south. The track was laced with carnage and mayhem but no broken boats (some leakages however) and no chase boat assistance is always a sign of a solid field.

Proceeds from the entry fee went to the Kauai Food bank and big mahalos as always to the Kauai Hoe Wa'a committee for putting it all together once again.

Well it's taken longer then most other areas, but it is KAUAI! Anyway the good news is that Surfski Kauai is adding another two new boats to its fleet in the well known and proven FENN SWORDFISH, being supplied by Ocean Paddle Sports. I am expecting them on island in October sometime so will have them for the next demo day for all to try.

Also FENN South Africa is releasing three new designs in 2013 which should be available for demo March-June here on Kauai.

Anyone interested in a new surfski or accessories from FENN please call me asap. Free shipping offered on most everything.

Aloha

Dylan

With a very busy summer and the end of the Kauai Hoe Wa'a Summer series behind us I invite all Kauai paddlers to attend the North shore SURFSKI SATURDAY and test run the Surfski Kauai fleet of boats. We have both FENN and STELLAR skis available to test run with great pricing on a new ski for the upcoming race season.

Advanced 9-11
Entry 11-1

I will also be rotating out my demo models so be ready to buy and start your paddling year off with a new addition.

More to come.

Click on the SUP pic on the right to see the LAST FOUR SPECIAL from our Fiberglass partners ADRENALINE HI.

http://surfskinorthwest.com/2012/08/13/2012-us-champs-update/

OVERVIEW

A big year for this event with its tenth anniversary and a big year for the growth of Surfski paddling on Kauai. Most notably in the efforts of competitors, local and national, at the Kauai world challenge in May (won overall by Epic Team Zsolt Szadovszky and Ed Joy of Oahu) and local representation for Kauai at the Molokai challenge (Dylan Thomas and awesome human being - Grant Korgan)

The biggest event of the year for US Surfski paddlers, hosted annually by the Wavechaser group, led by Mike Martinez and Helen Workman and their team of volunteers, takes place in the idyllic conditions of San Francisco. Although this years winds did not nearly match previous years experiences, the currents and cold kept competitors, from the distant corners of the globe, guessing, calculating and jostling to reach the warmth of the Berkeley marina finish site.

REPRESENT

Representing the state of Hawaii in the 2012 event were, initially 4 competitors in the form of Abey Hedlund, Patrick Switzer, Francisco Arango and Dylan Thomas. Jim Foti of Paddle Sports International, the newest major sponsor of the event, hailing from Maui, was coaxed into a last minute entry. Fortunately so for Tahitian paddler, Eric Deane, he did because in the hustle of the start and the surf launch that ensued Eric's Allwave CX was damaged and Jim surrendered his boat so that the Tahitian could charge down the top of the mid pack paddlers finishing a respectable 29th. Sorely missed was 3rd place Molokai finisher and Oahu local Pat Dolan and 1st placed overall Molokai Doubles partner with Greg Barton, Zsolt Szadovski, also from Oahu.

As a mid pack paddler this event is more then just the biggest event of the year it is a chance to immerse yourself into a world of paddling giants. Rubbing shoulders with ex-Olympic athletes and champions like Greg Barton (USA), Philipe Boccara (France and USA) and Deanne Hemmens(USA), world champions like Dawid Mocke (South Africa) and Jeremy Cotter (Australia), international greats, Jasper Mocke and Sean Rice (South Africa), Joep van der Merwe (Holland) and US mainstays like Patrick Hemmens

THE BUILD UP

As the weekend approached and paddlers flew in from far and wide the training runs failed to disappoint with general content at the decision with the new course layout beginning at Rodeo beach. The only downfall of the entire weekend was the start which failed to control paddlers resulting in a recall to the start line after the inevitable creep ensued. It's a difficult sport with a technical start affected by wind, wave and current. See my sidenote.

DAY ONE. SINGLES.

The race lurched off west into the oncoming wind and wave and it was awesome to watch the power of Simon van Gysen and Dawid Mocke tear it up like there was no tomorrow. As they dashed for the $1000 hotspot prize sponsored by Fenn located at Fort Baker, the rest of the fleet focused on the same point with as much determination albeit with a slightly lesser speed. Dawid pipped Simon and banked his first of many prizes.

Current, as always was inevitable and together with it eddies and eddy lines were sought out and either avoided or used wisely to the benefit of the rider. On this matter varying reports exist but it seems that the middle line with a sharp turn to the north just at the gate was the best option but this varied with your position in the pack. The race turned the hotspot buoy and the the spirits of the racers were buoyed too by the screams and shouts of support from the shoreline giving a much needed boost to each and every paddler facing the final 9 miles, in two legs firstly down to the Angel island buoy and then onwards to the marina finish. Still the slog continued for the pack since the inevitable westerly winds had failed to show. As the tide surged forward speeds of 14-17kph were regular but it was all work with little rest on what would be considered a fairly flat race course compared to previous years. Only until about the 3km marker did the wind show itself and this made the end a very pleasant affair indeed with some reward for the previous 11kms of hard work. Coming into the final approach on the finish line in this race is such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment with the knowledge that you have just conquered some serious water in cold conditions against a formidable opponent.

It must be noted that the US Surfski Champs event offers a short course option which presents the finest part of the course to paddlers in the building phase of their Surfski lives, running directly from Fort Baker to Berkeley excluding the wild waters of the Golden Gate approach. A total of 30 plus competitors enjoyed this event immensely with line honors going to Brent Reitz.

DAY TWO. DOUBLES

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

With Epic having launched their new double earlier in the year, the V10, competitors worldwide have willingly latched onto this format and noticeably so in this years doubles event which ran from Fort Baker down to the same finish site at Berkeley. An awesome sight to behold on the morning of day two as twenty teams registered at the chilly Fort Baker grounds and entered the waters with excited anticipation for the race start which brought with it benign conditions other then the ubiquitous current and chop. Together with new boats were new sponsors. For the first time ever a hotspot was introduced for the doubles event Sponsored by SURFSKI KAUAI. As if this event was not fast enough the players at the front edge of the spear had even more reason to round the Surfski Kauai hotspot with $500 up for grabs.

WHICH LINE DID YOU TAKE?

The start, a blitzing affair, had a pod of skis zipping out of the coast guard basin in drag racing style only to face the spiders web of fishing lines at docks end. Mixed doubles team Huki Carter Johnson and Nicole Russell, ended up coming to a dead stop in trying to avoid physical harm as did a number of other teams. Lost hats and lost positions lead to a frenzied scramble to get into the slipstream headed out next to the gate. Swampings, 'hulis' and clashing blades all accompanied the rapidly spreading field.

THE STORY

Dawid and Jasper Mocke were pumped as they snatched up more rewards rounding the Surfski Kauai hotspot first and made a bee line for Berkeley. They were chased the whole way by a field of formidable paddlers eventually taking line honors. In the mixed doubles the race could not have been tighter with reigning champions Pat and Deanne Hemmens on there reliable Fenn Elite double under fire the whole way by last minute team Carter Johnson and Nikki Russell on the Huki double. With dogged determination and years of experience paying off the Hemmens pipped them at the finish line by just 20 seconds.

FUTURE.

With such an enthusiastic response to the doubles event, this event will continue to build year after year as boat options become more available and the sport continues to grow here in the USA. As for the US Surfski championships it will continue to grow too with awesome support in the form of 'new' sponsors who build on the foundations of the 'old' sponsors who have tirelessly led the sport to this point and continue to lead the way.

AWARDS, MONEY AND RESULTS

With such awesome event management it was great to have a low key, well organized prize giving and sponsored meal hosted at the Berkeley marina after both days events with the awarding of highly sought after medals and prize money amounting to $21500, the biggest pot in existence in the USA currently.

Special mentions must be made of South African Dawid Mocke, who has now won this event three years in a row. Also to Fish Hoek Surf lifesaving for breeding all of the top three finishers and the first four finishers in the top six prize pool.

A very special mention to Gabe Newton of the PNW Surfski group. This year Gabe had his heart and soul set on being the first US finisher and his efforts paid off finishing ahead of Ex Olympic Gold medallist and iconic US paddler Greg Barton. Next year is going to be unbelievable for the US field with a challenge like this in existence.

For the first time ever in the US Champs a womens doubles team was entered fielding the victorious women's singles champion Kristen Podolak and newbie Heather Davis.

A warm welcome to 23 year old Austin Kieffer, hailing from North Carolina, with very little heavy water exposure who took on the big guns and delivered the goods in style finishing 12th in his San Francisco debut. Austin is the start of the future generation of US paddlers and we hope to see more youngsters arriving to fight for podium space next year.

And last but certainly not least this year saw the entrance of a team of a different sort. Having challenged the Molokai channel earlier in the year and with the support of Epic Kayaks, with thanks to Kenny Howell of California Canoe and Kayak and Greg Barton and Zsolt Szadovszki of Epic Kayaks, Grant Korgan and Dylan Thomas set out to race in the new V10 Double. Although finishing 19 out of 20 the humbling achievement of paddling with Grant under the Golden Gate bridge and enjoying every minute of it, crossing the line to the cheers of friends and family is one of the most uplifting experiences I have ever had.

The official results can be seen here www.wavechaser.com and thanks go to all the official sponsors of this fine event.

MAJOR SPONSORS (Alphabetically)

ALLWAVE
EPIC KAYAKS
HUKI OUTRIGGERS AND SURFSKIS
OCEAN PADDLE SPORTS
PADDLE SPORTS INTERNATIONAL
PADDLE ME SPORTSWEAR
THINK KAYAKS
WAVECHASER PADDLE SERIES

HOTSPOT SPONSORS

FENN KAYAKS
SURFSKI KAUAI

KHW SUMMER SERIES RACE 2

All paddlers to take heed of the notice that Kauai Hoe Wa'a Summer Series Race 2 has been changed from a relay event to a single course race running from Anini to Haena. Event date is still July 15th and race starts promptly at midday. The conditions have been favorable all summer and we are looking to receive the same downwind beauty again for this event. There will be lunch included in the race entry fee and ALL Surfski, Prone, SUP, OC1 and OC2 paddlers are encouraged to attend. Call Margie 6393568 or Dylan on 6397404 if you have questions about the event.

Hey Everyone, Cut and paste the link below into your browser and check out the Kauai World Challenge article and pics in Pacific Paddler. Mahalo to Robin Jumper for arranging this segment.

http://www.nxtbook.com/trade/pp/0612/index.php#/8

Hey Everyone,

Short Surfski fun run Saturday afternoon Anini to Hanalei. Meeting 1.30 at Surfski Kauai Rack on the Hanalei RIver. Call for more info. 808-6397404.

Aloha

http://korgmovement.com/blog/?p=109

Paddle Fest 2012
Poipu Beach Park
Sunday, June 3rd - 10am-2pm

Races include Outrigger Canoes -OC-6, OC-1, OC-2- Surf ski, Stand-up and Prone Paddle Board
$30 individual entry fee - $150 per OC-6 crew
-
Long Course: Kalapaki to Poipu Beach Park - 12 miles
Expert paddlers and OC-6 only
Long Course Registration at “Pine Trees Inn” Kalapaki Beach 8:30-9:30am;
Safety Meeting at 9:45am - Race Start 10am
-
Short Course: Poipu Beach Park to Kukui’ula Harbor – 2.5 miles
Short Course Registration at Poipu Beach Park 9:30- 10:30am
Safety Meeting at 10:45am – Race Start 11am
-
Beautiful Medals awarded to each first place winner of each division!
T shirts, Food, Fun and Prizes following the race at Poipu Beach Park Pavilion
Public is Welcome to join in the excitement at Poipu Beach Park!
-
For more information go to
www.kukuiulaoutriggercanoeclub.com
Call: Mac 808-482-0038 Email: macmcdonald@hawaii.rr.com

- Mahalo to Our Sponors -
Capt. Andy’s Sailing Adventures - The Parrish Collection Kauai -
Holo Holo Charters, Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, Keoki’s Paradise Grill & Bar,
Casa Blanca at Kiahuna, Living Foods Market, Kalaheo Café & Coffee Co., C-4 Waterman
Kona Red Coffee Fruit, Hawaiian Optics, Seasport Divers
-
Bring your Paddle and be ready to Fest

The surfski results are available under the Molokai Results page. Nice job Richard on making the event happen and so successful.
Congratulations to Zsolt Szadovski for winning back to back events. Kauai World Challenge and M2M.

On Sunday, 3 surfskis (Wes, Ron and Dylan) and a couple of OC1's
(Lauren and Cameron) had an unreal run from Anini to Haena leaving
Anini at 11am. The conditions were ideal with revitalized trade winds
and with prearranged shuttles, thanks to Terry Wells and Michelle
Thomas we dropped into the awesome run with excitement and anticipation.

Turning down toward Haena the wind kept its strength all the way down
with a directional descrepancy in the blast coming over Hanalei bay
pushing the swells offshore in that area as opposed to in to the reef
(as usual).

We were all having so much fun we all almost missed the turn off. Some
surfing at Tunnels ensued and thanks to the lifeguard station for the
fresh water hookup for wash down.

Thanks very much to Wes for taking these awesome pics.

Winds were around 20 knots all the way West.
Distance - 17.44 KM
Total Time - 1.25.07
Top Speed - 21.5 KPH
Ave Overall Speed - 12.37 KPH
Ave Run Speed - 13.65 KPH

Friday 20th April 2012, and seven determined Surfski racers convened at the house of another Surfski enthusiast, and host for the night, Terry Wells, with his lovely wife Carol. The excitement was in the air as the night drew on and the frisky paddlers chattered like sixth graders on a school outing. The event dawning with the rise of tomorrow’s sun was to be the 10th Annual Kauai World Challenge 34 mile relay race.

With dinner down, details ironed out for shuttles, designated legs assigned and nervous energy the group of paddlers from Oahu, Newport, Sausalito, Berkeley and Kauai bid their host adieu and reached for there dreams.

Fast forward to 8am Saturday morning and the start horn sent Michelle Jackson plowing forth in the first leg of the day to meet her race partner Kristen Podolak. With winds on the beam as suspected and a distinct chop the paddling was technical and challenging. Not much after, with an earlier then advertised start, at 8.50am, whilst Carter Johnson was taking a cooling dip next to his Fenn Elite and Wes De Silva was plugging his waterproof ear buds in, the elite start took place and Ed Joy raced into poll position. Ed was en route to change with Zsolt Szadovsky, Carter was set to change with Rich Sprout and Wes had his sights set on meeting Dylan Thomas.

The first five mile legs, a rapid succession of sprints whizzed by without too much incident barring a few swamping’s and knockdowns from rogue breakers on the inside reefs.
As the race progressed into the 3rd leg, the first of two 12 mile legs, the ladies held the second position in the women’s start and Surfskiers held positions 1, 5 and 6, in the elite start and they would continue on to cross the line at the Salt Pond finish in the same order.

For Kauai based Surfski paddlers, it was both honorable and rewarding to paddle with offshore paddlers. Thanks goes out to all those who aided in making this a reality for Surfski paddlers longing to join this enjoyable annual event. A special note of thanks to shuttlers Pam de Silva, Michelle Thomas, Jules Cannon and Ron Winegar, and our dinner hosts Terry and Carol Wells.

To all mainland paddlers an early note that direct flights to Kauai originate from LAX, SFO, SEA and many other hubs and I encourage you all to make this a calendar race for yourselves.

And Finally a very big CONGRATULATIONS to Team Epic - Ed Joy and Zsolt Szadovsky – Kauai World Challenge 2012 Overall Winners.

A hui hou.
Dylan

Today, April 17 four days out from the annual Kauai world challenge a 34 mile coastal relay race, hosted by Kauai Hoe Waa , Kauai paddlers welcome the arrival of three formidable paddlers from the mainland. Richard Sprout, Southern California and Northern California's 2011 Surfski champion, Carter Johnson reigning champion of the Molokai world challenge open men's doubles team and Kristen Podolak, Silver medalist in the world freestyle kayaking competition. This is a sure sign of the growth of Surfski paddling here on Kauai and throughout Hawaii over the last few years. Together with Zsolt Szadovszki and Ed Joy from Oahu as well as many other local paddlers this year 2012 promises to be very competitive Surfski kayaking challenge. Local paddlers include Wes DeSilva, Dylan Thomas and Michelle Jackson,all regular competing paddlers here on the island of Kauai.

A warm-up paddle is scheduled for Thursday 1 PM from Anini Beach to Hanalei beach. All Surfski paddlers are encouraged to attend this race regardless of entry to the big event on Saturday.

For more information please contact Dylan Thomas on 808-639-7404

We are so incredibly honored and grateful to be in the healing energy of the beautiful island of Kauai! Taking Grant’s recovery to the next level is the name of the game and yesterday he had the amazing opportunity to race with our friend Dylan in a 11.5 mile Surf Ski race…They did awesome taking 19th overall out of 45 teams! Not too bad considering this is their first race, only their second time in the Surf Ski in over a year and they had about a 3ft swell to contend with too! Not only is this amazingly healing for Grant and his recovery, to be on the water, in a “kayak of sorts”, and to be in the competitive game again, it is also in preparation for the big race…the Molokai World Championship Challenge. On May 20th Dylan and Grant will race from Molokai to Oahu, 32 miles in a tandem Surf Ski crossing the Kaiwi channel to arrive in Hawaii Kai. The race can take anywhere from 3:21:26 being the record set by Dean Gardiner through the cut off at 7 hours depending on the conditions.

Throughout Grant’s recovery we have believed in and based it upon an “activity based recovery.” Moving the body, reminding the body that it can heal and doing it in a way that is emotionally and mentally fulfilling as well is what keeps us moving forward in his healing and everyday progression. That is why we are so honored to have been a part of such projects like the Reno River Festival, going to the South Pole, and now the Molokai Challenge. Combining these activities with the everyday working out that we do at the CR Johnson Healing Center at High Fives, Spine Nevada and above all else the amazing humanity, love and support that we continue to feel everyday, fuels our spirits with HEART and FIRE!!! Thank you…MadLuv.

Gratitude!

Aloha Everyone.

TODAY - KHW 2012 RACE 5 - CANCELLED. Flash floods, road closures and
inclement weather. Next race the 18th.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwisweb/graph?agency_cd=USGS&site_no=16103000&parm_cd=00065&period=7&format=gif

NEXT RACE. March 18th - KHW 2012 RACE 6 - Poipu (LC) and Kukuiula (SC) to Port
Allen.

Stellar announces the New Stellar 18' Surf Ski (S18S). This boat is a
cross-over and promises to have broad appeal to those aspiring racers and
surf ski paddlers and those who also want the versatility and capacity of a
touring boat. The S18S is designed to be an entry level Surf Ski, yet still
a capable racer if so desired. The hull of the S18S is the same to that of
the S18R, so it is a very fast boat with great secondary stability and
compliant with the USCA Fast Sea Kayak rules. The S18S comes standard with an under-stern rudder, but is also outfitted with steering and rudder tubes to accept and over stern rudder for those who paddle in shallow waters.

I have a demo model coming in just after the Molokai challenge which will be at future Surfski Saturdays and available to demo any time.

Aloha

Dylan

Visiting paddlers, DJ, Kristen and Kirk, from Whatcom county who joined in our KHW Race 2 posted a great report of Kauai's awesome paddling. Check it out here.

www.surfskinorthwest.com

Please NOTE course change for tomorrows race 1/22. NEW COURSE

POIPU - salt pond (LC)
Kukuiula -salt pond (SC).

Registration at POIPU 10-11.
Race starts 12. Meal plus beers after.

A hui hou.

Dylan
KHW Acting Race Director

LONG COURSE 11 MILES Poipu to Port Allen 01/08/2012

1. Wes de Silva - EPIC V10
2. Dylan Thomas - FENN Elite

SHORT COURSE 8 MILES Kukuiula to Port Allen 01/08/2012

1. Ben Owen - EPIC V10 Sport
2. Mac McCreedy - FENN XT

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to let you know that early in 2012 I am changing my look to something a little more streamlined. Please take note that these changes are occurring so you do not get confused when you land on my revised site.

Happy Holidays.

Dylan

Hi All paddlers,

This weekend was busy for paddlers here on Kauai with the monthly November Surfski Saturday being held at Kalapaki beach. A number of local surfskiers congregated in the windy and choppy conditions to get in some group paddling and some open water exposure. Well done to the Horn's for pushing out to the lighthouse in very technical conditions. The surf shoulder at Kalapaki was great fun as usual and as the experienced paddlers breezed through an enjoyable two hours the Demo Day section began. We were thrilled to have five first timers try various surfskis and NOT fall in. Kalapaki sure is a perfect setup for testing out the sport and a new ski.

On Sunday seven of the surfski fraternity congregated (all for the long course) at Waiohai for the KHW fundraiser down to Salt Pond. Bernard, Calvin, Dylan, Jules, Kenny, Ron and Wes. The conditions couldn't have been better. Strong easterlies with a hint of north and a good wind swell pushed up from sustained winds left the run looking like a sled ride. The anticipation was visible in the eyes of the soon to be sledding paddlers.

And the seas and winds did not disappoint. Long connecting runs and a fresh breeze all the way west to Salt pond made for a great ride. Since it was an un-timed fundraiser I can only tell you that Wes blew the field apart again and took first place and line honors.

Everyone else reveled in the conditions and had a very enjoyable time. One person in particular faced an extra challenge when his rudder pedal snapped at the hinged and he was left without steering in large following seas and very good wind. Jules, always up for a challenge, managed to jury rig his drinking hose to secure his rudder and made it safely back to the Port Allen harbor, not without some effort. Thanks to Koi who aided and confirmed his safety before proceeding on to the finish to let us worried paddlers know he was alright. Hopefully we will have some footage on www.surfskikauai.com in the next few days! Come on Jules hand it over.

Please visit

www.photobucket.com/kalapakisurfski10-22-11

to see all the fun from this great event.

$15 event CD's available directly from Jay at armbrdmn@aol.com

WOMENS (All Ages)
1st - Krista Horn
2nd - Mariko Strickland
3rd - Lynn Ham Young

MASTERS MENS (50 and up)
1st - Junior Hoopii
2nd - Jeff McBride
3rd - Kamaki
4th - Bob Horn
5th - Ron Winegar
6th - Terry Wells

OPEN MENS (18-50)
1st - RIchard Sprout
2nd - Dylan Thomas
3rd - Jeremy Grosvenor
4th - Bernard Matsumoto
5th - Jules Cannon
6th - Luke Evslin
7th - Ben Owen
7th - Scooter Sagum (tie)
8th - Benny Ferris

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS FOR DONATING SUCH GREAT PRIZES. MORE NEXT YEAR!!!!

Although we had a missing local contingent of 10 paddlers the field at this years event still amounted to 19 very eager and enthusiastic paddlers, including visiting sprint kayaker, Richard Sprout. The surf conditions and weather conditions were perfect, allowing for the race course to be placed perfectly, ensuring some thrills and spills and lots of fun.

Three divisions resulted from the entrants, being OPEN MENS, OPEN WOMENS and MASTERS MENS.

Races beginning on the beach left in heats of no more then 10 and paddlers dashed for the turning buoy in hot pursuit of "The Engine" aka Richard Sprout. Rounding the buoys, paddlers instantly headed for the wave-line to gain any benefit they could from the 2-3 foot sets. Some benefitted, some crashed and ALL had fun.

Highlights included a massive HULI on the start line by Dylan Thomas, a T-Bone thriller when Krista Horn's surfski got away from her and ran right into Jeff McBride and an attempted tackling incident by Jules Cannon on Richard Sprout.

The races had a beach sprint finish where paddlers would leap off their boats at the shore break (seconders helped by pulling the race boats from the water immediately - thank you) and then ran with paddle in hand to the finish line cheered on by the spectators.

Final results will follow. Thanks to everyone who participated and we look forward to seeing you all there again next year, as the event gets bigger and better.

Aloha.

Dylan

A BIG THANK YOU to all our supporters who donated gifts certificates and prizes making the 2nd ANNUAL KAUAI SURFSKI CHAMPS a raging success. A full report will follow with pics to boot. Aloha.

Kauai’s fastest watersport, Surfski Racing, is set to hold it’s Second Annual Kauai Surfski Championships,, Saturday 22nd October, in the idyllic location, that is Kalapaki Bay. Together with the 6th Annual Kalapaki Kanu Surfing Challenge this will present a feast of entertainment and excitement for locals and visitors alike.

Although the sport is predominantly offshore racing, this event focuses on the sprint technique and surf skills of the paddler, and brings the sport to the public eye by being short course oriented and within view at all stages of the race.

A beach start with competitors lined up on the waters edge, leaping into their Surfski kayaks, at the sound of the start, followed by the initial sprint to establish position before turn one, then followed by a sequence of two legs of chase and jostling for position, ending off with the last leg being run right through the surf zone as the competitors head for the beach and a short sprint across the sand between the finish flags.

Sure to be exciting, the event couples with the 6th annual Kalapaki Canoe Competition creating a visual spectacle for visitors and locals alike.
Bring the family and come enjoy the bay for the day.

A hui hou.

Yesterdays run was exciting and fast in the great downwind conditions we had off the north shore of Kauai. Warm, windy and a nice swell running left everyone completely stoked.

A big thank you to you all for coming out, especially those of you who came in from East and South side.

The BBQ after was great and it was good to see the extended families of the regular paddling faces.

A big thank you to Mike Sheehan for hosting us again, right on the river. The perfect location ever.

The NEXT event is the Big Fun Small prizes, event that it the KAUAI SURFSKI CHAMPS.

To be held on the 22nd at Kalapaki bay, right in front of Kauai Beach Boys and Dukes. It promises to be a day of fun in the sun. Teaming up with the KANU COMPO and an SUP EXPRESSION SESSION there will be action all day long for everyone to get involved. $10 entry and $5 for extra divisions guarantees you lunch and a t-shirt from our line of great sponsors.

More info will follow but the day kicks off at 8am with the first 4-man canoe surfing heat. Usually wrapping up at around 5pm with the prize-giving.

Thanks to all our sponsors.

Questions? Call me 8086397404.

Dylan

Hi Everyone,

I want you all to know that the holding period for the KAUAI SURFSKI
CHAMPS has been moved due to a clash with other events. Kauai DLNR has
approved our event to run on the weekend of October 22nd and 23rd. The
decision will be based on better surf conditions at that period.

At this stage I am calling ALL Hawaii based paddlers to come on over
and join us for this super fun event. Together with the 4 man Kanu
surfing compo your day will be filled with fun and excitement. Bring
the family and all your friends.

More info will be available online at www.surfskikauai.com and through
our facebook page.

Aloha

Dylan Thomas

Hey Guys and Gals,

Surfski South Shore FUN RUN this Sunday 9/11/2011 kicking off at 11am from Waiohai beach park.

POIPU to PORT ALLEN.

Leashes mandatory
Lifejackets optional
Fun Guaranteed.

Bring your water bottles and your protein shakes and lets have some fun.

Call for more info and please text or email your attendance.

Mahalo

Hey All,

The pics from Day 1 and 2 of the Paddling clinic held this weekend have been posted to the Surfski Kauai facebook page. Thanks to RON WINEGAR for his help with hosting Zsolt and being part of the clinic, Also thanks to Terry Lilley, who provided filming assistance and Mike Sheehan, who generously provided our location.

Day 1

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.242404809135956.56229.112347325475039&amp;type=1

Day 2

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.242411369135300.56231.112347325475039&amp;type=1

Dylan

So Richard took a lot of flack for this situation at the wedge last Thursday, but all said and done, he handled the situation perfectly and we look forward to having him out on Kauai, his training grounds, in the winter. See pic alongside.

Also view the link below

http://youtu.be/XWwW5_3jbJ8

As Richard says

&quot;You can do so much more with a surfski than just paddle in a inlet or harbor, just be smart about it.&quot;

Yeah Richard you Beaut.

A Hui Hou from Kauai boet.

Thank you to everyone who joined the two day clinic at the Surfski Kauai base, on Hanalei River, this Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to Zsolt for traveling over for the weekend from Oahu and congratulations to everyone for making it a huge success. I will be loading the video footage of both days on to the web and will let you all know when that is done by placing the links on www.surfskikauai.com. Please review the footage and apply the technique improvement tips recommended by Zsolt.

Don't forget this coming weekend is the SURFSKI FUN RUN from Poipu to Port Allen. We will meet at the Waiohai pavilion for an 11am start. Please arrange shuttles before hand. If you are looking for someone to shuttle with please feel free to call me on 8086397404 to get in touch with other paddlers.

Lastly an EARLY heads-up to you all for the Annual Kauai Surfski Champs, to be held, as per last years format, at Kalapaki Bay, October 16th. Running in conjunction with the Kalapaki Kanu Compo, the concept of the day is BIG KINE FUN SMALL KINE PRIZES. $10 single event entry fee. $15 double event entry fee and $20 triple event entry fee. That means for just $20 you can win prizes in the SUP, Surfski and Kanu divisions!

Come for a race, stay for the day, bring the family and PLAY, PLAY, PLAY.

We have firmed up available dates and the BEST weekend for Zsolt Szadovsky to visit and run a coaching clinic is Saturday the 3rd September.

If you are able to attend and are keen please confirm with me immediately.

Sorry to those of you who already took time to respond to the last blast.

Hope you all can make it.

Regards,
Dylan

Surfski Kauai is planning a paddling clinic with Oahu based Zsolt Szadovski, on Saturday the 20th or 27th of August.

Please contact me directly if you are interested in attending these valuable lessons. I have limited space and need to firm up the arrangements asap.

Zsolt will be unavailable for the months of September and October so we need to firm this visit up immediately.

Anyone interested please email me at dylan@surfskikauai.com

Mahalo

Yesterdays Fun Run from Kalihiwai to Haena was a blast. Winds had dropped to 15-20 knots and the swell was running well. It was kind of sticky for the mid-section though so there was some grunt work but in the end the Surfskis enjoyed a relatively easy cruise down the north shore with a cosy potluck at the Haena beach park. Thanks to Steinlager for the beers, and to the Bartletts for their ceaseless energy.

Saturday 23rd April 2011. Two weeks before the Kauai World Challenge, a sweltering morning in Hanalei Bay, water temp - about 85 degrees - crystal clear, and the surfski fraternity took the day off. A casual Surfski Saturday (the first 'summer' SSS) with loads of test runs by locals and visitors alike, along with a gentle rolling swell at "The Bowl" made for a very enjoyable build up to the Potluck and Prizegiving.

Salads, meats, vegetables and a few beverages to boot, made for a very relaxed atmosphere, after which followed the prizegiving. The overall winners received the much sought after SSK trophies, hand made by none other then Pam Woolway and expertly mounted by Jeff Schott.

Although we serenaded the competitors (see photos above) I'd also like to take a moment to thank all those who made this year successful from the sidelines. A special mention to Ron Winegar, whose continued support during the year has aided in building Surfski Saturdays to what they are.

During the forthcoming seasons we will continue to build on our momentum, and I look forward to the continued support of all of you and the extended community.

Very well done to you all and a very big THANK YOU to you all as well.

NEXT UP. 3 race KHW Summer Series

Aloha for now.

Dylan

Hi Everyone,

I want you all to look at who you could partner up with to get as many surfski entrants supporting this excellent event right here on Kauai. When we meet tomorrow for SSS and the Potluck I'd like to get the names of everyone who is interested in competing and turning this event into the biggest paddling event in Hawaii. I know that everyone of you is capable of doing at least one leg so we should be able to field no less then 4 teams. Come on guys. Lets get amped.

Dylan

Following on after the FIRST Summer Surfski Saturday, being held in beautiful Hanalei bay (9-12), will be the first ever Kauai Surfski Prizegiving to be held at Surfski Kauai's new premises at the end of Weke Road in the Old Clubhouse on Hanalei River.

DATE? Saturday 23rd April, 2011
TIME? 12 noon
FORMAT? Potluck BBQ
WHAT TO BRING? Pack as if you were going for a picnic BBQ with the family at the beach. Salads, Side dishes, Meat, Rolls, Drinks.
HOW LONG WILL IT BE? As long as Danny deVito. Short and Sweet!
WHO CAN COME? Everyone is welcome, wether you paddled or not. The more the merrier.
ANYTHING PROVIDED? BBQ with gas, Paper plates, plastic cups, knives and forks. Chairs and tables, Private toilets, showers and parking, the coveted trophies, spot prizes and more.
ANYTHING ELSE? Bring your camera and spread the word.

Since I am looking for a head count, please RSVP with me by email, text or a phone call, no later then Thursday 21st, midnight.

Mahalo and looking forward to seeing you there.

Dylan

FINAL KAUAI STANDINGS 2011

LONG COURSE

1st - Wes de Silva - 50 points
2nd - Dylan Thomas - 46 points
3rd - Steve Cole - 34 points
4th - Ken Denton - 18 points
5th - Michelle Jackson - 14 points
6th - Rico Pettigrew - 9 points
7th - Jimmy Jasper - 7 points
TIE - Jonli Alo - 7 points
TIE - Bernard Matsumoto - 7 points


SHORT COURSE

1st - Rick Hayes - 40 points
2nd - Jules Cannon - 27 points
3rd - Jonli Alo - 20 points
4th - Bernard Matsumoto - 19 points
5th - Rico Pettigrew - 10 points
6th - Ron Winegar - 9 points
7th - Kelvin Ho - 8 points
TIE - Terry Wells - 8 points
TIE - Michelle Jackson - 8 points
10th - Will Spiegelman - 6 points

Surfski Kauai and its Ohana want to welcome to Kauai, Grant and Shawna Korgan, a fellow kayaker from Nevada. Why the special mention you may ask, well check this out for perserverence and overcoming the steepest odds. Grant and his wife Shawna, are an inspiration to us all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI9rw-SxVD8

Hey Everyone,

A confirmation of the KHW Island Championship race has been received and it is on, this Sunday, with Registration taking place at Kalapaki (the long course start) between 10-11, and race start as usual at 12 noon sharp.

The wind conditions still look very light so take plenty of water and food.

See you all there. You can also register online at www.kauaihoewaa.org

A hui ho

A special mention today to a firm favorite around the beach, and pretty much everywhere she goes, as well as the creator and donor of our Surfski Kauai Island Champion Floating Trophies, none other then Pam Woolway, www.pamwoolway.com. Her glazed trophy plates will be mounted free of charge by our very capable carpenter, Jeff Schott and the finished product will be awarded to the paddler of the season. The trophies themselves will be held by the individuals for one year only and will become the prized goal of the series entrants each year. Big Mahalo to Pam and Jeff for making this a reality.

The conditions could not have been more enjoyable for the 6th race on the Garden Isle's Kauai Hoe Wa'a 2011 Series. Reinforced trade winds, white caps aplenty, seemingly mountainous swells rolling dead downwind and a course that was pure perfection, promised the fleet of paddlers, both long and short course, a memorable sleigh ride to the Salt Ponds finish line.

As usual the start of the KHW races left something to be desired with the start line, in the windy conditions, being anything but straight and fair! Nevertheless the surfskis in the field, a miniscule 4 of 36 in the long course, showed their prowess and supremacy from the start. Within the first half of the race three surfskis and one OC1 held the top four posts. Maui the invincible, being the conductor of the OC1, making us 'weekenders' realize the true depth of talent he has.

The prevailing conditions played into the hands of the experienced and just on the half way mark after a real pleasant downwind cajole, Maui and Wes, dropped the hammer, at the perfect moment leaving Dylan and Steve, enjoying the battle for third place. The sideways glances continued all the way west until the final approach to the beach, and up front Maui put his foot down and kept his lead all the way to the finish line, much to the dismay of Wes.

On arriving at the approach to the final turn Steve and Dylan were faced with a tussle against the formidable Tyrus Siale, who had very professionally run the inside line and ended up in third place for the last mile slog towards the podium. Steve managed to ride a last minute lump on the inside pushing himself 50 feet ahead of the chasers and Dylan did the same about 100 yards from the buoy finishing in fourth overall, making Tyrus wish he could jettison his Ama, against the forceful upwind finish line conditions.

Bernard, on his new Huki, facing a learning curve, did very well to finish up 13th in the demanding conditions off the southern Kauai Coastline.

A very solid performance by the surfski fraternity in this OC1 dominated series, placing in 3 of the top 4 positions.

Meanwhile in the short course young Jules Cannon faced the fleet of 22 alone. This being the roughest conditions on the calender this year posed a challenging scenario and Jules reveled in the trundling chaos we call 'downwind' taking a veritable 10th position.

Congratulations to you all.

This Sunday brings with it the penultimate event of the KHW 2011 series. Whatever the outcome of Sundays race the current standings on island for both the short course and long course, particularly the latter, are closer then any year prior and so it places even more weight on the finish line standings come Sunday afternoon. The three long course leaders will be at it again with a variety of outcomes based on line positions, however right now, as it stands, Wes de Silva is one point ahead in the lead on 30 points after 5 races. Dylan Thomas, in second is closely tailed by, Surfski Master Steve Cole, just 4 points back. In the short course division the series is all but wrapped up for series leader Rick Hayes, but a double win from Jonli Alo and this may change the season podium positions.

The weather predictions are looking up finally. The season has been a dismal affair in terms of downwind classics, and so the fleet is poised for some true exhilaration and a real test of skill.

Spectators are invited to witness the finish line festivities at Hanalei Bay between the pier and the river mouth. The first arrivals in the short course could be expected from 12H45 onwards with a midday start.

See you all there.

A hui ho.

Hi Everyone, I have exciting news to share with you all since Surfski Kauai has secured its official logo. Please excuse our maintenance as we integrate the new logo into the website format. Big thanks to Thomas of Wailua Graphics who did the work for SSK.

Kauai paddlers who own carbon fiber surfskis, who will NOT be racing in the KHW year end Kauai World Challenge, on May 7th 2011, and would like to rent out there skis to visiting racers are to please contact me to enter your boat into the pool.

I will be asking visiting racers for a $250 one day rental fee which will include drop off at the race start and pick up on the Sunday at the race finish (your part of the job) However I will not take one penny of your earnings and you will receive the full $250 rental fee. I will just facilitate the rental procedure and liaise between visitors and locals.

The official procedure will be for Surfski Kauai to:
1. Obtain a list of available skis and publish this through the various avenues available. (Ensuring that local boat for offer is seaworthy.)
2. Obtain full payment for rental no less then one month BEFORE the event i.e. 4/7/2011, with 14 day refund policy. Cancellation allowed until 4/21/2011
3. Have renter sign rental agreement assuming all responsibility for ski during rental period entering into a binding contract between you the owner and them the renter.
4. Put locals in touch with visitors to discuss drop off point and time. (Saturday morning at Wailua beach.)
5. Ensure that all skis have race numbers on them.
6. Ensure that ALL skis are collected by owners at race finish.
7. Issue checks immediately to ALL owners.

Also if there is sufficient mainland demand I will be looking at bringing in extra elite skis. If you would be interested in buying one of these race skis after the race please let me know. I will be having a race special offering all skis at cost discounting your final sale price with the rental fee. This will allow you to purchase a new carbon elite ski for $3200 and $350 shipping charge.

If you wish to be considered for the purchase list you must be prepared to:
1. Purchase and pay for the ski by no later then 4/4/2011. No exceptions
2. You are willing to accept all responsibility for the boat during the rental period, i.e. in the unlikely event that the ski was to be damaged during the race the repair costs would be wholly and solely yours, to negotiate with the renter as per the contract specifications.
3. It is your responsibility to collect the ski at the end of the race from its final finishing location.
4. You would NOT collect any rental check at the end of the race since this would already have been discounted to your original purchase price

So if you would like to get on either of these lists please get back to me no later then 3/15/2011

Email - dylan@surfskikauai.com
Phone - 8086397404

Mahalo

Dylan

KHW Race 4 - Poipu to Port Allen - 12NM - 2/19/2011

The long course, a firm favorite amongst Kauai paddlers for its usually consistent downwind perfection failed to deliver the goods this past Sunday when three Surfski paddlers pitted there mettle against an armada of one manners totalling a field of 26 racers. The short course (9NM) with its contingent of two surfski paddlers found themselves with similiar odds in a field of 21. A grand total of 47 racers.

With the prevailing conditions, mercury waters and liquid sunshine, it was a grind the entire length of the course for both short and long course paddlers.

The only help came in the form of a US coast guard vessel passing by and the ripples from the very proximal splashing baleen whales! To top it off the dangers continued to escalate when lightning began tearing down from the heavens and scaring the living daylights out of the focussed field. Two paddlers retired in fear of their lives but the remaining fleet made it home safe and sound and the race presented a formidable challenge regardless.

From the outset of the long course the field was led by the three surfski paddlers, Wes, Dylan and Steve. With little help from anything at all it promised to be a all out test of stamina. The doggedly determined and brazenly relentless Maui Kjeldsen (OC1) did not fail to disappoint once again, slowly but surely creeping up on third placed Steve Cole passing him around the half way mark, and once again applying his years of technique and experience Maui, continued to creep up on second place, Dylan Thomas. Wes de Silva, lying in first, continued to maintain his formidable lead and proved once again that his hours of training and extreme focus on technique perfection resulted in some serious competition. The three paddlers split away in the last third of the course and when it came down to the final turn after just over and hour of hard work, Wes, who had taken the outside line, was beyond a minute ahead, of both Maui, who rounded second and Dylan, who rounded third, the latter having taken the inside line (that close to the rocks that he could pick Opihi). It was an all out sprint for second for the last half mile and Namolokama's Surfski paddler managed to close the gap but in the end the two paddlers crossed the line simultaneously according to the finish line judges, tying for second place.

Steve Cole finished in fourth making for a very solid score sheet for the 'Boys without Wheels'.

In the short course the story was the same with the two surfski paddlers Jonli Alo and Rick Hayes plying forth into the lead for the first half of the short course. Jonli with his skill and experience maintained that lead and crossed with line honors whilst Rick Hayes, always improving, continued to show his persistence and strength by jumping 4 spots from his previous race to finish 7th overall.

So even though the wind did not provide much entertainment the field certainly did. A big congratulations to the two LINE HONORS WINNERS.

SHORT COURSE - JONLI ALO - FENN XT Carbon
LONG COURSE - WES de SILVA - EPIC V10

The pre event weather predictions once again played havoc for event organizers on the beautiful Garden Isle of Kauai. In the end the course for the KHW 2011 Race 3 event was reversed for the second time in as many races.

On race day the conditions did not bode well for the unprepared since the predicted 18 mph winds failed to show up, calling for an all out slog in very light glassy conditions which finally turned into some angled choppy Easterly mush.

The race took off in a blitz of pace with very few paddlers heading outside and most of the fleet opting for the belly of Wailua bay in search of something, anything, that would give them a lift on their rivals.

In the end after a lot of glassy water it came down to two. Maui Kjeldsen, of Kia Kaha and Dylan Thomas, of Namolokama Canoe Club. The push began about two and a half miles out when the two paddlers had each other within their sights and had the finish zone ahead, and involved both a deep dig into the fuel reserves and tactical navigation of the reefs off of Kapa'a before heading in between the channel markers to the finish line.

Maui, who had taken an inside line, had a lot of work to do to get out in front of Dylan, coming on the downwind angle from the outside line. The race along the back of the wave line resulted in a couple of swift offshore veers in an attempt to avoid disaster for both paddlers. Rounding the last corner Dylan pushed ahead on the face of a wave and put a solid 300 yards on Maui, only to face a bigger challenge, finding the finish line!

Maui had the finish line in sight all along and ended up crossing the finish line 35 seconds ahead of Namolokama paddler, Dylan Thomas.

A great race and a great finish. This result means the KHW series has had three races and three winners, setting up for an exciting season of racing here on Kauai.

The next race takes place February 20th on the south side.

A hui ho.

There will not be any SSS this Saturday the 5th due to the 2011 KHW race 3. I encourage you all to come down and see the flotilla off on the long course race (Race begins at 12pm from Kalapaki) or the short course race (Race begins at 12pm from Poipu beach Park) However due to current wind predictions this could change so please watch the website for details.
Mahalo Dylan.

DONT FORGET WAILUA WEDNESDAY, TODAY AT WAILUA RIVER STATE PARK. 5.20. SEE YOU THERE.

SSK is happy to announce that WW1 (Wailua Wednesday) and TT1 (Technique Thursday) were both a success. The East side paddlers are happy to know that there is a weekly get together at the Wailua River State Beach Park, and North Shore paddlers were excited to meet at Namolokama for the new regular Thursday training session.

Both sessions were held in idyllic conditions with glassy rivers and calm seas. A good turnout, good training and a good laugh all result in success. A special mention, and warm welcome back, to Diane Danielson, after 20 years of hiatus from surfski paddling. You did great.

Both of these sessions are completely FREE and open to anyone who has a surfski/kayak.

More info

Call me, Dylan. 8086397404

Please check out this great article on the sport of surfski paddling and share with your friends.

http://tsunamirangers.com/

Enjoy, Dylan

Hey Everyone,

Along with Wailua Wednesday SSK is calling all paddlers to meet every Thursday afternoon at Namolokama Canoe Club for training sessions up the Hanalei river.

On the water at 5pm.
Come one come all.
A hui ho

More info? 8086397404

Surfski Kauai is happy to announce an East side weekday workout for all local paddlers, meeting every Wednesday at 5.30 at the Wailua River State Park. Workouts will focus on technique, distance training and race etiquette.

ALL paddlers welcome.

Call for more details 808-6397404

Hey Everyone,

Check out the results from yesterday race on kauaihoewaa.org or on waterhound.com at the following link:

http://www.waterhound.com/paddling/paddling-news-event-report

A special mention must be made of Steve Cole, owner of kolegear.com, who took to cross dressing for yesterdays race and paddled the course on his somewhat 'used' Millenium. After 11 miles of hard grinding and placing eighth overall it was not hard to see why Steve has always been a formidable paddler in both the surfski and OC1 division. The old millenium, recently pulled from the dust covered racks, suffered from the ingestion of approximately 5 gallons of water, which &quot;bulldog&quot; Steve pulled the whole way. Good work you beauty. Also to Rico Pettigrew, reveling in the recent upgrade to a carbon Fenn Mako 6, placing 5th overall, and to Jimmy Jasper completing the course in 24th overall.

Special mention in the short course race also to Jonli Alo for taking first place, to Ron Winegar, who just began paddling surfskis 4 months ago and took fourth overall, to Terry Wells, who ended up 11th overall on his home built 40lb wooden masterpiece, and to Rick Hayes, who did way better then he thought he did, finishing 17th overall out of a field of 23 paddlers.

Looking forward to seeing you all again for the next race.

Aloha

KHW 2011 Race 2 - Kapa'a to Kalapaki (11 miles)

The race organizers had there hands full trying to predict exactly which way the wind was going to blow and just when the front was going to pass through Kapaa, in the hopes that the timing would lead to an unbelievable downwinder. As it happened the timing of the buster northerly wind was off by about 3 hours.

The long course start was pushed back half an hour in the hopes of better conditions but in the end the competitors left the starting blocks heading to windward and abeam to the swell.

The race course fluctuated from very calm oil slick conditions, to lumpy, bumpy, sticky swamps through to the occasional assisting run with 70 percent of the race being paddled upwind.

Kauai's current top surfski paddler, and winner of the KHW 2011 Race 1, Wes de Silva, was out of the running due to some wrist problems but this did not stop the field of eight surfski paddlers lining up in both the short and long course and taking line honors in both short and long courses. A really great showing and some noteworthy results.

Official race results will be up soon.

Thanks to all the paddlers who attended and looking forward to Race 3 in the KHW 2011 series Saturday, February 5th 2011. Race details to follow.

Aloha

Hey Everybody,

Don't miss Race 2 of the KHW 2011 series. This sunday 16th starting at Poipu beach park. Registration from 10-11. Race start at 12 sharp. BE THERE.

Hey guys,

Check out Waterhounds race report. Well done Wes you beauty!!!

http://www.waterhound.com/wes-desilva-on-top-at-kauai-hoe-waa-paddling-race.html

Sunday the 2nd of January, brought the first event of the KHW 2011 series, which was held under very favorable conditions. A solid downwind experience from Poipu to Port Allen, with a solid competitive field and a head to head battle all the way to the finish line. Ultimately the surfski prevailed and Wes de Silva crossed the line ahead of Maui Kjeldsen just 23 seconds ahead. The full results can be found on:

http://www.kauaihoewaa.org/

See you for the next KHW 2011 race. Register and pay online.

A hui ho.

Jan 2nd Race#1
Longcourse- Kapa’a ball park to Kalapaki
Shortcourse- Wailua Beach to Kalapaki

NOTICE TO MARINERS: CANCELLED! NEXT RACE DECEMBER 19 IS CANCELLED

Please note that Surfski Saturday will not be held this weekend due to my departure for South Africa. Keep training for the KHW series starting 2nd January 2010 and see you all in the new year.

Aloha Dylan

SSK is happy to announce FREE online registration for all events in the future, using www.signupgenius.com. This will make planning and preparation for our regular races a whole lot easier. Please help us continue to build this sport here on Kauai by simplifying the chores and using ONLINE registration. Big MAHALO. Dylan

Thanks to all those who came out for the fun, bumpy SSS event in Kalapaki yesterday. Well done to those guys who braved the rough waters and pushed the boundaries a little. You all did great.

Today conditions on the island were fantastic for downwind training. We had surfski runs taking place out of Poipu on the SOUTH SHORE and Kalihiwai on the NORTH SHORE. Fantastic.

This weekend, the 4th December, is Race 4 in the Surfski Kauai Sprint Series event. See you all there.

More info? Call me Dylan 8086397404.

Race notice to all Surfski paddlers on Kauai.

Meet this Saturday for the long or short course race down to Port Allen. Registration takes place at Poipu beach Park next to the Waiohai from 10-11am with race start happening at NOON sharp.

Long course from Poipu to Port Allen
Short course from Kukuiula to Port Allen.

Good luck to you all and remember

THE MORE THE MERRIER!

Call for more info. 8086397404

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder to be down at Kalapaki for the second event in the Surfski Kauai Sprint Series - Winter Edition - with race 3 and 4 happening in Kalapaki Bay, Kauai.

Meet under the beige SSK tent which will be located down on the beach in front of Dukes Restaurant.

Registration for this event will take place from 9.30-10.30
The race course briefing will take place at 10.30
The first heat will be at 11am

This event is open to everyone who can paddle and everyone is reminded that SSK will have pooled race boats for the event so you don't even need your own ski.

Come on down and join the fun.

Aloha

Dylan

Questions? surfskikauai@ymail.com or phone me on 8086397404

Hi Everyone,

It has been a chilly arrival here in SF. EVen the locals are claiming the coldest summer they have had in many years. This does not bode well for us fair water paddlers who live and train in balmy Hawaiian conditions! It does present a very worthy incentive to remain in the surfski though since a dunking would result almost certainly in hypothermia.

As far as Hawaiian paddlers being represented at the US Surfski 2010 championships it looks like it is just Jeff Graff (Oahu) and I but I will update on this later.

I have only ridden past the water at this stage but I can tell you the clouds are low and grey and the wind seems to be very light. Hopefully the regular afternoon breezes will not disappoint this year.

Loads of International talent expected. Sean Rice, Dawid Mocke etc. etc. It should be fun. Singles on Saturday and Doubles on Sunday promising to be an exciting weekend of racing.

Keep you updated.

DT

The paddlers, racing this final event of the KHW winter season circuit, were treated to the best downwind event of the year. Seas that were not confused, but still had enough drive and strength from the trades, Sunny skies, Trade winds that kept up the entire length of the course and a fierce pack of enthusiastic paddlers made for a very enjoyable downwind event.

A total of 38km or 23 miles of sheer exhilaration with the backdrop of Kauai's East and South shores, made for happy faces at the finish line in Port Allen. Thanks to the Port Allen fishing club for hosting the prize giving, which followed the tremendous plate lunch.

Surfski paddlers did the surfski fraternity proud this year during the KHW series events and this race was no exception. Taking Line Honors in the Long course event, once again, was none other then "The machine" WES DE SILVA. Following closely behind, with a Third place line finish was, Dylan Thomas. In the short course event Kelvin Ho did us proud with a quick finish crossing the line in 18th position.

See the results page for final times.

Well done to everyone who paddled the events this year. Lets strive to make surfski paddling a trademark here on Kauai in 2011.

A hui ho.

Congratulations goes to all surfski paddlers who competed in the Kauai Hoe Waa series races this season. It is great to see the number of surfski paddlers out on the water these days and I know this sport will continue to grow here on Kauai. The Surfski Saturdays events have been well attended for sure but for me the reward lies in the stories coming from you guys about your additional sessions. "Meeting at Kalapaki", "Doing a couple laps of Wailua together". These are the real stories.

The overall winner for the KHW Series, very deservedly, was WES DE SILVA taking poll position by accumulating 18 points through out the 8 race series. The only race that remains is the 2010 Kauai Island Championship race on April 10th 2010. The course is still to be announced.

Final placings for the season look like this.

1st - Wes De Silva - 18 points 4 races
2nd - Dylan Thomas - 16 points 4 races
3rd - Kenny Denton - 13 points 3 races
4th - Bernard Matsumoto - 7 points 2 races
4th - Calvin Ho - 7 points 3 races

Next season I hope to see all your names up on this list.

Well done ALL of you and see you on Saturday.

D

Today, Saturday 20th, all surfski paddlers are invited to join us at Kalapaki for a morning of surf/ocean exposure. The 6-man circuit kicks off there annual racing circuit out of Kaiola canoe club so we will piggyback the races planned for those canoes. This is an UNOFFICIAL event so please be sure to bring leashes and safety gear accordingly!

All surfski paddlers interested in a warm up paddle/event should meet at Kalapaki, in front of JJ's restaurant at 7.30am for an 8 am start. We will have the option of joining the racing fleet for the ladies race which may kick off around 8am. Or if we wish we could warm up in the bay. We will discuss this and make a decision based on who is present.

At 10.30 is the mens 6-man event which will be a great upwind-downwind course starting at Kalapaki beach. This will be the REAL unofficial race event for the day.

All welcome.

See you there.

You will all be very excited to know that the FENN DEMO boats arrived on island and have been unpacked and are ready to go. These DEMO boats will be available every Saturday at the SURFSKI STAURDAY events on a first come first serve basis!

Check out any info on the skis/kayaks by visiting the merchandise section. I have an XT, an ELITE, a MAKO 6 and a spec style TARPON, along with a range of FENN paddles to suit all techniques and styles.

Call, text or email me ASAP to reserve your DEMO. Private DEMOS can be arranged as well so just let me know what will work for you.

A HUI HO

Dylan

Hey All,

Surfski Saturday, this Saturday March 20th, will be held at Kalapaki bay and will start at 7am. I know it is an early start but it will allow us to warm up and join the womens 6-man canoes racing from Kalapaki to Poipu, weather dependent for their 8am start. If the race does not take place due to weather conditions we will do surf skills in the bay for the morning.

Please RSVP with me by email at surfskikauai@ymail.com or by text on 8086397404.

Thanks

Dylan

Yesterdays Race, (Race #10 Kauai Hoe Waa Series) was well attended and although the wind was not great for the last half of the race (basically upwind) it was a good result for surfskis taking first and second overall. There were flat seas and very calm conditions other then the short bumpy upwind start to the turning buoy.

The trade wind swells wrapped around the point nicely and set up some great runs along the south shore even though the field confronted headwinds and chop to boot. With little or no ocean swell the field was able to hug the coast line and make use of the waves.

It was a 1H11M finish followed by a great lunch at the Waimea beach Park.

Once again it was great to see the field of surfski paddlers on the rise with Wes back in the racing this week, that meant there were 4 skis in a filed of 40. Well done to Bernard and Calvin for racing so hard. Ultimately fun was had by us all and I look forward to seeing you all at Surfski Saturday this week.

Aloha DT

Calling all experienced paddlers (surfski and one-man) to join us for a Molokai warm-up. We will be doing an extended downwind run SUNDAY 7th March 2010. Course TBA - most likely Kealia - Poipu or Kukui'ula (wind permitting). Anyone interested call Dylan on 808-6397404 asap. Rides to be arranged accordingly depending on numbers. Bring on the wind!!!!

A reminder to all of you to be down at the boat ramp, Saturday 6th, 9am for a good surfski workout, with hints and tips, technique and advice freely available. ALL WELCOME. No booking required - Just show up with your ski. See you there. Any questions CALL 808-6397404.

It was the day after the tsunami that never was (thankfully) and the wind decided to turn it on for Race 9 of the Kauai Hoe Waa series. Long course ran from Kalapaki to Kukui'ula with a solid field of around 30 paddlers. 3 of those were surfski paddlers. Gusts of 15-20 knots lead to top speeds of 22 kph and a super fast 14 mile long course. Official results will be posted soon. Well done to Dylan, Calvin and Bernard who enjoyed the primo conditions.

Welcome to JONLI ALO of KAPAA, HI, our newest Profile member. Thanks for taking the time to register with Surfski Kauai Jonli. Jonli recently picked up his new FENN XT surfski from Bernard and we are looking forward to seeing you in the lineup at the races Jonli. Soon we will be welcoming Jonli's wife to the fold as well. Yeah. See you in the water Jonli.

ALOHA,

Please be advised that the Kauai Hoe Wa'a race date has been changed from Saturday to Sunday for this weekend. The course is still currently the same. The official race date is now SUNDAY 28th February 2010.

This means that we will still have Surfski Saturday this weekend meeting at the boat ramp at Wailua River State Park at 9am.

Check out the Wavechaser Official report on the RESULTS page. Also, loads of new photos via the ARCHIVE page.

Hey Guys and Girls,

Just a reminder to be down at the boat ramp at Wailua River State Park at 9am for the Surfski Saturday event. All paddlers welcome. Lots of fun, exercise and education all bundled into a solid morning workout.

See you there.

Dylan

Valentines weekend in San Francisco and the weather would have made cupids' heart flutter. Besides a foggy start to Sunday's racing the event went off as planned and all contestants had a great time and an enjoyable competition. The main sponsors were Ocean Paddle Sports and Huki Canoes and prizes were aplenty for the racers. This event is the annual double header with a race around Angel island on Saturday and then a race out to Point Benitas on Sunday in store for the long course paddlers. This years event was adapted to accommodate that fog I mentioned earlier but still the racing was fun. Check out the results page for final placings.

Anyone around the Hanalei river area tomorrow evening wanting to go for an early evening paddle for about an hour meet at the ramp between 5.30pm and 5.45pm, to launch asap. D

Welcome to RICK HAYES of Kapa'a, HI, the newest member of the Surfski Kauai team (see the PROFILES page). Our Ohana continues to grow and I personally am enjoying being a part of it. ALOHA. D

Welcome to JULES CANNON of Lawai, HI, the newest member of the Surfski Kauai team (see the PROFILES page). Please could all of you complete the profile form in an effort to streamline communication, between Surfski Kauai and all paddlers on island and beyond. Mahalo, Dylan.

Hey Guys,

Check out the Archives page and click on the 2008 Discovery Health Races held in Durban, SOUTH AFRICA for some great pics and some serious inspiration. I will add more of my favorites under the archive section in the near future. D

Hey Guys,

It looks like our sport has gone JUMBO sized. Having a recognized international body will allow surfski paddlers the world over, including our fraternity here on Kauai, to be part of a movement that will ultimately apply for Olympic status. Based on how popular this sport is worldwide, right now, I can guarantee that the newly formed ISPA will be lodging an application to be made in to an Olympic event in the near future!

Written by ISPA Press Release
Thursday, 28 January 2010 09:12
Following a unilateral declaration by the International Canoe Federation that they intend creating surfski World Series, concerned race organizers from all over the world came together in the last week to form the International Surfski Paddling Association.

Read more of this story under the newly created NEWS WORLDWIDE section. This section will focus on highlighting all important news broadcasts from all the surfski sources worldwide. Feedback and suggestions welcomed.

Dylan

Hi Everyone, Firstly sorry for the late update! Should have been posted yesterday but I was delayed.

What a turn out again. It was really great to see such a big field of boys at the river. Welcome to the first timers, Peter, Bernard and Jules, and welcome back to the repeat customers. We missed Rico, Mark and JJ but I know we will see them again soon. JJ's new FENN XT arrives in another weeks time so needless to say he is going to be a happy camper!

TO READ FURTHER AND SEE THE PICS PLEASE CLICK ON THE 'SURFSKI SATURDAYS' PAGE.

Hey All,

Any paddlers who might be interested in getting together for a downwind paddle today on the Eastside please give Dylan a call on 808-6397404. I was thinking of paddling from Kealia to Kalapaki launching at around 2-2.30pm.

Leashes compulsory!!!, Water packs optional, Experience advised, Fun GUARANTEED. A hui ho.

This is a late call out to anyone who will be around the Hanalei river for a 45-60 minute paddling session focussing on technique. We will meet at 5.45 at the boat ramp. See you there. D

See Surfski Saturday pics posted under the Surfski Saturday Icon. Also please could all paddlers complete the paddler profile form when they can, so we can create a local database of paddlers! Mahalo. D

Hey Guys,

What a fantastic morning out on the river. A really great turn out. I am so excited to see such enthusiasm and energy from the guys that were there this morning. In all a field of seven. I am absolutely thrilled. The river was quiet and allowed us all to really focus on stroke and repetition. A few finer points being bandied about was the order of the day and hopefully everyone took something positive away with them from todays training session. It was a perfect example of what Surfski Saturdays was designed for. A good gathering of paddlers ranging in age, ability and fitness, all learning from one another and pushing hard for a really strong work out. Next week we meet at 9.15 for a 9.30 start. Please do your stretching before you arrive so we can be in the water at 9.30 sharp. Thank you to all of you for making the effort to get down and I personally am looking forward to seeing you again next Saturday, D.

I am glad to report that my new Fenn Elite arrived in perfect condition and has had its fair share of workouts already. I have yet to take her for a full-on down wind run which will most likely happen this weekend. Stay tuned to surfskikauai.com for more info.

In the meantime we await the arrival of a new Fenn XT for Jimmy J. Yeah Jimmy J, you are going to be so stoked my good man. See you Saturday at the river.

Also check out the new photobook posted next to each event under the results page. Enjoy. Thanks to Wes and Pam for the photos.

Surfski Kauai will be actively promoting the SS (that's SURFSKI SATURDAYS) to be held at the Wailua County Park, each Saturday (except Race Days) for a 9.30am start. Experienced paddlers will be offering coaching lessons to beginners and refining stroke technique, balance and all the finer points of surfski paddling. For more info contact Dylan on 808-6397404. See you there.

Hey Guys, Check out Patrick Hemmens getting some great exposure for surfskis on the local news channel! As you hear on the report a six man outrigger got smashed and ended up initiating a rescue. Yip stick to surfskis is what I say! Cut and paste the link below into a new window!

http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=125373@kcbs.dayport.com

THE UPCOMING RACE SET FOR SATURDAY 1-23-2010 HAS BEEN CHANGED. COURSE IS NOW GOING TO GO FROM PT.ALLEN TO WAIOHAI/POIPU BEACH PARK, LONGCOURSE WILL GO FURTHER OUT AND TURN ON A BUOY THEN PROCEED TO FINISH. REGISTRATION IS GOING TO BE AT PT. ALLEN 9-10AM, RACE STARTS @ 11AM. ANY QUESTIONS CALL MARGIE @ 639-3568.

What a glorious day to go for a paddle. That is what I was thinking on my way down to meet with a couple boys on Wailua River, the biggest river here on the Garden Isle of beautiful Kauai. Water temp - 65, Outside temp - 78, Cloud cover - 0/8. Verdict - PERFECT. Intention - Paddle trial of two QUICKBLADES paddles. (See the product review page). Surfski Kauai encourages all Kauai surfski paddlers to join us for the Saturday morning run, meeting at 8.30am at the Wailua State Park. Call Dylan for info on 808-6397404.

After much deliberation Surfski Kauai has launched successfully. We invite you all to share this site with your friends and family and ask that you send us as much advice and lend us as much support as possible to create a more user friendly service and website for all.