The funnest paddle race in the world!

Race was on today, so many people were driving around with long race board this morning.
Even though I didn't participate in the race , I went to watch the start of the race. pretty amazing view to see 200 people racing down the big blue water.

There are many of world class top racers like Kalama, Jamie Mitchell, Scott Trudon, Aaron Napoleon, Thibert Lucciaa, Kiva Rivers and so on.
There are also many beginner local riders or doing it stricktly for the fun of it.
It is known as the funnest race ever because if the strong tradewind pushing from behind the whole course so 9 plus miles long doesn't seem too long and you can enjoy catching the wind swell the whole way.

I am not sure what exactly happened but Dave ( Kalama ), the one to beat wasn't on the list for results, I just heard he was leading almost till the end and Scott passed him, he just didn't finish . doesn't sound like what he would do , though.
I would love to see events like this happening more often, friendly , not too serious so that beginners wouldn't be intimidated and still races with top racers so we can get inspired. Maui has so many talents in so many sports and it would be great to see those top performance more often.

our Japanese crew Yoshi Nagamatsu and Tomo Murabayashi did well, too. when they first arrived they were shocked how all the locals were so tuned in with the downwind and they couldn't keep up. but they must learned a lot in the last couple days of last minute practicing. They both got within top 3 in their own divisions! way to go, guys!

My paddle mentor Devin kicked ass, too. I had told Tomo to watch out for her because she is fast, and he told me she was ahead of him all the way till the end and finally he muscled his way paddling and passed her but it was only 15 second away. Devin is very small and not muscular but she is super good at utilizing the swell and she was way ahead of many of the unlimited class guys even. I am fortunate to have her as paddling buddy and someone to follow all the time. She will be doing the molokai crossing in couple weeks which is the real big boy race. I hope she kicks ass in that event as well.

I love contest and racing , noy because of the feeling of winning but the great focus everyone has to push his limit and meeting new people who shares the same passion.
This race has both great top performances and the very ｆriendly smiles everywhere. Well done everyone!