A book could be written about all the success stories that began as nothing more than a group of friends sitting around and talking about an idea. That’s exactly the case with the 12th Annual Hanohano Ocean Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 26.
“The event all began with about 25 people who really were just a bunch of friends,” said Dan Van Dyck, a member of the Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club and race director for the Hanohano Ocean Challenge for the entire 12 years. “We would paddle in the ocean and then have a barbecue on the beach. Last year we had over 200 participants.”
One aspect of the event that makes it unique when compared to other similar races is the ability to have both a beginner race in the bay and an advanced race in the open ocean.
“We welcome all levels of competitors, even if it is your first time in such a race,” Van Dyck said.
The race is promoted as open to all human-powered watercraft. Both races attract a wide range of craft and experience levels of entrants. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are just some watercraft used in the race.
“We are one of the few races of this kind which caters to youths as well as adults. Last year we had a 6-year-old boy race in a boat with his father,” Van Dyck said. “Those in the 18-and-under age range can race in the open ocean if they are qualified. Anyone under the age of 14 must stay in the bay.”
The open ocean race draws world-class athletes.
“We usually have winners of the Ironman, professional athletes, Olympic hopefuls using a surf ski and other elite athletic performers,” Van Dyck said.
Race registration is scheduled for 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The short course race in Mission Bay begins at 9 a.m. at Bonita Cove across from Belmont Park. The length of the short course is 4.75 miles.
The open ocean long course is 9 miles and begins at 10:30 a.m. outside the bay near the jetty.
The entry fee is $15 per person and includes a T-shirt, breakfast, lunch and a raffle ticket.
For spectators, the best spots to watch the race are Bonita Cove and Ingraham Street.
For the long course, organizers recommend watching the race from the jetty.
For more information visit www.eteamz.com\/hanohano.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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