Just like many others I did my first, and only, Maliko run last August and can't stop thinking about doing more!  Soooo... I just booked a trip back April 28 - May 5th with plans to get in as many downwind runs as the wife will allow and paddle the Olukai race on the 2nd. 

The run I did in early August was with Jeremy Riggs using his 14' x 30" SIC board on a day with howling wind and some big bumps, and while I was terrible at reading water and paddling efficiently, the board felt very stable and I only swam a few times between Maliko and the harbor.  When I go out here in San Diego I paddle a 14' x 27" Naish Glide and when it's calmer a 14' x 26" Naish Javelin.  Of course most of my time here is spent SUSurfing rather than paddling distances.

Anyway, now I am looking for some recommendations on what to rent for that week on Maui.  Stick with the 14' fixed or try something bigger - have no experience with a rudder.  Seem to be a lot of options for rentals but I am guessing things book up pretty early for that race.

It's been a good winter here in SD but I am really looking forward to this trip!

Yeah, what PB said ^^^^.

I was up at Ding King last summer getting some surplus EPS foam and the guy gave me his card, which of course I lost. But I'm sure they know which guy it is. He was intending to expand his board inventory for this year's race season as there is a pretty strong demand.

Awesome plan to come do the race. The Olukai is a lot of fun. Check for Paddle Imua as well, maybe you will be here for that. It's also on the Maliko course but finishes in the harbor. Olukai finishes at Kanaha. It's important to scout your route in through the reefs in advance of the race. If there's any surf rolling in, you want to know you're on a relatively safe line. Last year was small but one of my close competitors got rolled going over the reef. I was glad he was ok but I was also happy to get an opportunity to stay in front of him.

Boyum is great for that (headmount), and I think he'll still do it for folks that are reasonably experienced. Or Jeremy again.

Just want to follow up in case anyone is searching for a rental board for Olu'kai week - this year or next.

Scott came through for me and I have SIC Bullet 17V1 lined up for the week! 

For future reference, looks like SIC Maui has started their rental  program and now has boards in stock.  If anyone is late(r) to the rental game this year it sounds like Andres at SIC may have a board or two.

If I had waited I may just have bought a board on Craigslist and worked out storage!  Look to be some crazy deals to be had on Maui.

And the finish at Kanaha now has a "gate style" finish - still have to run, but less choice about the line to take across the reef
http://cdn.olukai.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/race_map.jpg