5 Great reasons to do the Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge!
1. Flat Water Race
HanoHano is a considered a flat water SUP race, except for the beginning race start. You may have to paddle against an outgoing tide for part of the race, and winds can also be a factor! But no ocean racing for SUP.
2. Short Race
Only 5….. miles, although the website says 4.5. I don’t think in the last three years it has been under 5 miles!
3.Sharing the SUP Stoke
Many pro racers can be seen at this race just having fun! They might be riding tandem like Dave Boehne & Slater Trout did last year. You might find yourself paddling next to Candice Appleby or Danny Ching? Kai Lenny is usually seen scooting around on a Naish prototype. You’ll see many local peeps paddling this race as well. Some you haven’t seen since the last HanoHano race. Super FUN community event!
4. Race Start
“First, starts are always crucially important but all the more so at the Hanohano short course." This has to be the most entertaining part of the HanoHano race! The race start in Bonita Cove is not very wide. Some years there has been over 200 paddlers at the race start. We are crammed in the cove like sardines. The race start has been different every time I have done this race. The first year was a water start. Everyone standing on their boards waiting and drifting while we waited for the horn to blow. Another year we started in the water at waist level. Note that your waist may be higher than mine so you might have to go deeper or further in front. Some folks don’t listen and just do what they want-it is MAYHEM! Be ready to rock! This is the bumpiest-fall off your SUP board race start ever. But that’s Hanohano and you’ll LOVE IT!
5. Prizes
Winners in the top 3 age divisions go home with a commemorative beer glass. The raffle prizes are top notch with the grand prize being a HUKI OUTRIGGER CANOE. Note: I won this my first year for $20. Make sure you purchase some raffle tickets-you could be going home with an OC-1! All funds will support the Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club’s junior program and High School Scholarship Program.
HanoHano REGISTRATION: paddleguru.com/races/2017HanohanoHukiOceanChallenge