Maui Jim Molokai Challenge… The Build Up

May 26, 2014

Maui Jim Molokai Challenge… The Build Up

I can't even to begin to tell you how many times I have sat at my computer, blank screen, trying to figure out how to put what just happened into words that even make a bit of sense. Replaying what will only be stories that I will be telling when I'm 90 and still doing what those stories are about.
One of the main reasons, for me, for the Fiji trip on Compadre was to train for the 32 mile iron race, Maui Jim Molokai Challenge & Surfski World Challenge. The race starts on the island of Molokai to the island of Oahu. Well, as some know, due to the rough seas that the South Pacific had graced us with, paddling in 35 knot winds wasn't at the top of our list. Before we even got into our home harbor of Hanalei, ending our 2 month journey, I was planning our training for the race. Which probably wasn't even on Dylan's radar yet, seeing that he had heaps of life to catch up on. Having the Kauai World Challenge a week and a half away and Molokai Challenge a month away, we were not in our paddling shape. We were in shape… round… that's a shape.
After pushing myself even harder after a no wind KWC, a broken paddle a mile from the end of the first leg… I made it work and learned from what problems came up in the race. Always smiling and always something to carry on to the next race!
The time came and Dylan and I were off to the races!!! We arrived late on Oahu and were greeted at my friend Caryn's place with hot pizza, wine and the best hospitality and warmth that anyone could ask for. She also reminded me after I was a bit hesitant to the wine, that most athletes enjoy a good drink, so therefore peer pressure works… kidding.
Caryn herself is an inspiration, not only as an amazing Olympic "Amazonian" athlete, but her determination. Looking up to her, she makes me feel like I am invincible and that if there is a bump in the road… dig that shit up and get it the hell out of the way and keep giving it horns!!! She's a sister from another mister! Love you Caryn!
After a good night sleep, never enough, Dylan and I were on the go! Had to pick up our ski at Young Brothers, load onto the car and drive it over to the dock to drop it off. That was a chore in itself just trying to find the place in the heat. As we say back home, it was hot enough to breed sheep. There wasn't a breath of wind. A prelude to what was about to happen. Thank God we stopped to eat before hand… you don't want to see me when I'm hungry. Not pretty and I will rip someone's face off… if need be. After dropping the ski off, back we went to get some rest before we had to come back and load the boats. Dylan was very excited to get back to his bed… he couldn't stop talking about how comfortable his bed was. He would speak of his bed with such joy, as if a boy talking about his pride hunting dog… you get the idea. It was cute.
We got to the boat right on time… The boat was mostly loaded with about 45+ surf skis! What a sight… like an urchin with it's spines flattened. We loaded up our boat as well as a couple others and shot the breeze. Well, Dylan did, I just watched the mad men at work. By work, I mean badgering each other. Hilarious, simply hilarious.
Caryn had invited us to dinner with she and her friend that she hadn't seen in 10 years. They used to row together back in the day. We got to the Outrigger Canoe Club after pulling a Superman and showering/changing in our closest telephone booth… do you know how hard that is in Waikiki? Not many phone booths……. ah yeah anyway. As soon as we made to the Outrigger Canoe Club, we were mobbed by a group of men! Not that I, of any people, would ever complain about that…. especially because I didn't know any of them! This big man come walking towards me while I was talking to a dream, goes straight for my throat and grabs the tiny sunrise shell I have around my neck and says," That's one of those sunrise shells, cool."
Me- "Yup it is," with a smile of course.
He offers out his hand and introduces himself, "Oscar," he had giant paws and a big ole smile on his face. This was Oscar Chalupsky, the man, the myth, the legend of surfski. Looks to me like a big ole goofball to me! I liked him already!
"Sarah, nice to meet you!" Smile still on my face, but honestly it was there the whole time, just changed size depending on conversations. My mother always said… Never trust a person who's handshake is weak, or their ears are too small for their head. Oscars handshake was a good one, solid. I did meet one man that night with a weak handshake…. just one. I went back to a conversation that sent me in a whirlwind, and seemed like it could go all night, then Dylan popped out from the crowd of eager men that were happy to meet us. It was quite to warm welcoming to someone, like myself, who just got into surfski and gets to meet this table of power. Such a high concentration of absolute talent and strength… like the Knights Round Table, but paddles instead of swords and surfski's instead of horses… ahhh.
So, an hour later, we met up with Caryn and her friends. Laughed, did we laugh and ate a great meal. I have to say, their is nothing like hanging out with a bunch of athletes. You feel such power and strength. God I love it!
Then… we went home, to rest for our 0445 wake up for our ride over to Molokai…. Too early!
More to come!!!!