Perspective
The Molokai to Oahu paddleboard race took place this past Sunday, and for the first time (since I have known about the race), I didn’t paddle. Instead, I was given the opportunity to be on the escort boat supporting Patagonia surfing ambassador Jeff Denholm. Jeff is a pretty amazing guy, and not just because he just paddled the Molokai channel with one arm(for the second time); he has a good outlook on life, and is pretty good at putting things into perspective.
If you aren’t familiar with Jeff Denholm and what he is all about, here is his story:
Perspective is an interesting thing. For me, watching someone else muscle their way through the Kaiwi channel was somewhat of an eye-opening experience. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the support team that we had with us along the way. It isn’t easy to be on the boat. You spend your time stressing and worrying that the line is right, that the paddler is fed and hydrated, and that you are doing everything you can to make sure that frustrations are minimized in the middle of the channel. There is a helpless feeling when conditions aren’t right, or the board isn’t perfect, and when you know the person that you are supporting is hurting. It breaks your heart a bit to watch it happen, and all you can do is try to figure out the right thing to say to make it better, even though the reality is that there isn’t a right thing to say. I know there were times when we weren’t exactly pleasant to deal with during the crossings, but the crew on the boat handled everything and made the paddles go a bit better for us.
In short, I wanted to make sure that I said thank you to all of the people who got us across those channels. Whether you were feeding us, taking photos, telling us a joke, it was all so helpful. We needed you and your support, and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. So, thanks to Gregg Hoesterey, Chris Aguilar, Shannon Switzer, Jen Holcomb, Ryan Lopossa, Anders Jonsson, Wayne Schaut for all of the support. Also thanks to Jeff Denholm who showed me what a real crossing looks like and for reminding me to smile through adversity. Get ready for Tahoe and the Jay race Denholm, I’m coming to get ya, ha ha.
Looking Back and Moving Forward ….
It’s been almost a month since our last channel crossing from Kauai to Niihau, which by the way, I do not recommend to anyone unless you feel like experiencing hell…but I will tell you all about that in my next blog! I am back in Kona and after taking a week off from paddling, I got back into it. I have a busy summer ahead with races and traveling so I didn’t have much time to rest and relax. I was back in the gym the day I returned, which felt GREAT at the time but left me aching for the next few days. After taking time of from paddling, it felt good to get back into it. It’s different training for sprint races after having done so much endurance paddling in the past few months but I’m enjoying not having to worry about going on 20+ mile paddles.
Next week is the Battle of the Paddle Hawaii. I’m excited to see everyone in the community and check out the race course. It’s going to be another great event and if you live nearby you should really come check it out! After that, I’m planning on competing in a couple of local races this summer, including the Molokai to Oahu race and then traveling to Europe for a couple of races there.
Looking back on what we did in April, it still hasn’t fully sunk in. It was an absolutely amazing experience and I am so excited to have been a part of it. We worked hard for so many months to make it happen and the best part was seeing it through and successfully completing what we set out to do. It would not have been possible without the help of sponsors, friends, family and so many others who supported us throughout the adventure. I will never be able to express how grateful I am to every person who played a part in making our trip a success but I want to say THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Putting together a trip like this is not an overnight process and it took months of e-mails, phone calls, skype meetings, brainstorming etc to make it happen, but most of all it was largely due to the people who believed in us and our crazy idea and said yes. I have come away from this realizing that it does not matter how many times you hear the word “no”, you keep trying and if you believe in what you’re doing, someone will say yes.
Thank you to everyone who believed in us and said YES
Paul and Cassandra
Brazen Hazen Kona Coffee
Gordon and the team at Horny Toad Clothing Co. and MFA.
Curtis at Dakine
Hilton Hotels
Karen and Jeff at WetFeet
Michi at Naish
Joe Bark
Thank you to these great companies:
Pelican, Kaenon, Sweet Waterwear, Tiem, Watermans, 2xu, Vertra, Surf Stronger, ACR Electronics
Pure Paddles, QuickBlade, Del Mar, Infinit, OnIt, H20 Audio, Rite in the Rain
Our Wonderful Captains:
Mike, Nue & Earl – Big Island to Maui
Layne – Maui to Lanai, Maui to Molokai
Mickey & Kawika – Molokai sea cliffs
Jeff & Matt – Molokai to Oahu
Scott, Matt and all of the crew from Maggie Joe Charters – Oahu to Kauai
Steve G. – Na Pali Coast
Peter, Scott and Linda from Bubbles Below – Kauai to Niihau and Lehua Rock
Thank you to the Koppes and Garfinkle families for generously loaning us your boats!
Thank You To:
Pat Caldwell, Wayne Schaut, Jack Gillen, Reid Inouye, Jerry Bess, Barrett Tester, Odie Sumi, Pete Stirling, Chris Wyman, Katie Beers, Mary Edmonds, The Trout Family, Danny Haserot, John Immel, Jared Vargas, Nichole Madosik, Jeff Dietrichson, Stacy Spilman and Sanja Du Plessis.
To my family for showing me the beauty of following your dreams – Fortuna Favet Fortibus.
To Our Support Crew:
Ryan – worlds best boyfriend (biased? no way), board caddy, EMS, cook
Gregg – photographer, board caddy, joker, fisherman
Anders – board caddy, Swedish meatball maker, chauffeur
And a Final Thanks To:
Morgan – For dreaming up this crazy adventure
Jen – For the creative writing, proof reading, support
Chris – For filming and editing throughout and working hard before, during and after and most of all, for putting up with 4 girls.
Shannon – For the beautiful photographs
And of course thank you to all of our fans who followed us, whose comments motivated us throughout the journey and those who donated to our cause, Algalita Marine Reseach Foundation.
Thank you for being a part of our adventure!
Jenny K.
Time to Change
When we first started planning this adventure I was unfamiliar with the problems plastics are causing on our oceans. I had heard about the fight to save the whales, the battle against fishermen in Japan killing thousands of dolphins and the horrific shark-fining that occurs around the world but I was clueless about plastic contamination in the ocean. I’ve seen bags in the water and garbage on the beaches but I never knew the gravity of the situation until Morgan introduced me to the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. And while at first I really wanted to raise awareness for the whales, dolphins and sharks, I realized that no matter how hard we fight to save what lives in our oceans, if we don’t stop polluting the water, our efforts won’t matter. There are problems all over the world that seem out of our control and we ask ourselves, “what difference will I make?”. If one person changes their ways, that alone will have an impact. Every year at least 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles die because of plastic pollution. That number will only increase unless we change our ways.
5 Ways to Make a Difference
1. Say NO to Plastic Bags
Carry re-usable bags in your car and bag. Check out Chico Bags They make environmentally friendly compact bags and totes.
2. Reduce Your Plastic Bottle Use
Carry a reusable bottle like Klean Kanteen and refill it at home or on the go.
3. Choose Glass
Avoid buying plastic products as much as possible. It may seem like everything is made of plastic these days but if you look around you’ll see that there are still options out there. Instead of buying plastic tupperware look for glass storage containers.
4. Tell Your Friends & Family
Share these tips with people you know and let them know why it is important to change our habits. The more people who are aware of the problem, the more likely it will be that we will see a change. Check out the film Message In The Waves and share it with people you know.
5. Donate
If you have some extra cash laying around donate it to Algalita Marine Research Foundation, the money goes toward education, research and restoration of the marine environment. If you’re strapped for cash, look into local campaigns that are raising awareness against plastics and volunteer. If you’re a Hawaii resident check out the Plastic Free Hawaii campaign.
Jenny’s Journal: Lanai April 12th-15th
April 12th
‘The Pineapple Isle’
Paddled across the Au’au channel today – we were nervous about the wind but it was SO fun! There was a slight side wind in the beginning but there were still some bumps that were easy to catch. Slater Trout joined us for the paddle. Fun to have someone else along. We had a great line all morning and were able to surf downwind for most of the crossing. I was so happy to be able to surf and not just paddle. I couldn’t stop smiling – I was having a really fun time. After 2.5 hours we paddled in to a beach – it was covered in plastic trash. We picked up what we could and paddled back out to the boat.
We’re camping at Hulopoe Beach Park on the South side of Lanai and it is absolutely beautiful! Keawe trees surround us and a white sand beach/turquoise water are just steps away. There is a surf break out front that works on a South swell – hoping we get lucky and get some waves!
April 13th
The wind was blowing last night. The trees were creaking as their branches swayed – it was an eerie sound. This morning the dolphins showed up in the bay. I have never seen dolphins so close to shore before – it was amazing. I swam a little ways out and was surprised when a pod swam right over to where I was. No matter how often I see dolphins, it never gets old. They are beautiful.
Drove over to the North side to check out Shipwreck beach. I was really looking forward to paddling near the wreck but the walk/paddle out looked difficult, not to mention how ugly the conditions were. We explored the beach instead and were blown away how much plastic trash there was on it. Rubber sandals, fishing line, toothbrushes, combs, glue sticks, WATER BOTTLES (so many!). It’s sad to see all that trash in such an isolated, beautiful place.
April 14th
More exploring today. We managed to get lost on our way out of town, difficult to comprehend since there are only 2 roads. We did however, find the local dump and there were HUNDREDS of plastic bags strewn all over the nearby fields. It’s going to be a very powerful image for people to see. Yesterday as we picked up trash I realized that all we could do is pick it up and take it to the nearest garbage – and then what? It gets blown away again or sits there forever. The problem isn’t picking it up – the problem is that so many plastics exist. We need to find a way to decrease the production. We can start by changing our habits… no more plastic bags or bottles.
Drove up to Lanai city. It reminds me of the Pacific Northwest – it was rainy and chilly and there were pine trees everywhere. It even smelled a bit like Canada. It’s a beautiful town. I loved it. It was neat to find something so different on the island – it didn’t feel at all like Hawaii. Stopped by some great local shops and chatted with the owners/managers. Great people. Talking to them made me realize that this is what our trip is all about – interacting with people and sharing our story and cause and listening to them. It was a great afternoon.
As the sun was close to setting Morgan and I saw a freak set roll through the bay. We jumped at the chance to surf – ran to the campsite, grabbed our boards and paddled out. We only caught one wave, it was shallow and freezing cold but it was gorgeous. The colors in the sky were amazing – shades of red and purple.
S’mores by the fire after dinner. Last night on Lanai – really enjoyed this island.
April 15th
Left Lanai today. Sad to go but excited about the rest of the trip. Moving is always interesting – 6 people, 5 boards, 20 pieces of luggage and pelican cases. All things considered, things went pretty smoothly today – well, except that Chris and Jen got left by the ferry.
Layne was supposed to pick us up on his boat to take us back to Maui but the conditions were not looking good and we decided to take the ferry instead. It’s a good thing we chose the ferry over the 30′ raydon because it was wild in the channel. Riding the ferry was like being on an hour long amusement park ride. The boat was rocking all over – I cannot imagine how bad it would have been on Layne’s boat. We would have been soaked, sick and most likely stuck on the boat for hours.
Maui to Molokai is up next, forecast is looking good!
Looks good for Molokai to Oahu too!
Cannot believe how quickly this trip is going by.
Jenny’s Journal: Maui April 8th-11th
April 8th
Well, we made it!
It feels good (really good) to be here and have that channel behind us. We woke up at 3:30AM and drove up to Waikoloa to meet the crew, loaded up the trucks and drove up with Jack Gillen to meet the boat at the harbor. It took longer than expected to load the boats (we have SO much gear) and so we were behind schedule to leave but it all worked out.
Jack prayed for us before we left. It was nice to have him there. He always has such good energy. The funny thing about the crossing was how calm I felt. I didn’t feel nervous or afraid like I thought I might. It was like deep down I knew that everything would be ok. And it was. It was the perfect day to cross.
Within minutes of letting go of our offerings we saw a whale breaching in the distance. It continued to break and then went into a tail slapping routine. I didn’t think we would actually get close to it but within 10 minutes we were a couple hundred yards away and my line was taking me directly to the whale. As I approached it continued to tail slap and then suddenly disappeared. I scanned the water expecting to see it nearby when Morgan shouted that it was under her board. Sure enough I saw it pop up right next to her and then swim right up to our escort boat, tail slap once more and disappear. Looking back it was pretty cool that he popped up and gave us a show as we started out.
The channel itself was mellow in comparison to what it can be like. We really lucked out – that is all I kept thinking. I remember stopping myself from having that thought too often in case I jinxed us. A few times I had to ask the captain if we really were in the channel or still in the shadow of the Big Island because of how surprised I was by the conditions. Not that I minded – it was much better for us to have crossed the way it was than anything else.
Overall, I didn’t find that channel to be difficult for me. I say that with the utmost respect of that and any channel – I know we were fortunate to be blessed with calm conditions. Mentally, I was prepared for the crossing and expected the worst…I think that helped. Physically, I felt great for the majority of the paddle. My arms started to ache at hr 6 and 7 but nothing that I couldn’t handle. My pinkie nail hurt toward the end and my hands ached but after stretching and mixing up my stroke, it felt better.
It took 9hrs, a few more hours than I would have liked but we made it and that is what matters. The hardest part was about 13-15 miles out from Maui. For awhile, it didn’t seem like Maui got any closer. It took 2-3 hrs of staring at the same house and mountainside before I finally saw a change. I kept telling myself “only 2 more hours” and when those 2 were up, I’d tell myself again, “only 2 more hours”. I never lost focus, I tried to maintain a positive mindset throughout. There was one moment when in the pit of my stomach I feared that were drifting south and simply bypassing Maui without actually getting closer to land but that feeling didn’t last long. It is important to stay positive. The mind is a powerful thing.
When we first started paddling one of our captains, Mike Nakachi, said to me “look back and check out Mauna Kea, the valleys, the waterfalls… take it all in. Enjoy the moment – this is why you’re doing this!”
Too often we forget the moment. I stopped, looked back and it was beautiful.
On April 7th, 2010, Morgan and I became the first women to stand-up paddle across the Alenuihaha channel.
Pretty cool 
Thanks to Mike, Nue & Earl our captains for the trip!!
April 9th
Rest day today. Tomorrow we paddle to Molokin crater for our 2nd channel crossing. Unfortunately, we will not be able to paddle the entire channel to Kahoolawe because we were not given access to the island but we’re making the most of it.
Early morning snorkeling and free diving near Maken landing. Saw reef sharks, turtles and found some neat “swim-throughs” and underwater arches. Drove up to Haleakala for sunset but it was overcast and drizzly so we didn’t get to see much but it was still really beautiful.. and COLD! I’m glad we went.
April 10th
Maui – Molokini
This morning we paddled from Makena landing on Maui to and around Molokini crater. It was a beautiful morning and it didn’t take long to paddle over. We were amazed by how beautiful the crater is…the red cliffs, carved out from wind and waves. It reminded me of the Grand Canyon – or what I imagine the Grand Canyon looks like.
Once inside the crater we went snorkeling. The visibility was amazing. There were fish everywhere. We stayed for an hour and then headed back to shore.
Another fun day. I can’t believe how quickly time is going by. I’m excited about camping on Lanai and seeing Shipwreck beach. Up next, Maui – Lanai (10+miles) then back to Maui.
April 11th
Well, we didn’t get out for much of an adventure but we did drive up the coast toward Lahaina to check the conditions and our course for Lanai. It was a spectacular day. We could see the valleys on Molokai and Lanai. Everything was so clear because of the strong winds – which is why we drove up in the first place – we wanted to see how the winds were going to affect our paddle. I heard that the North winds could make our paddle more difficult because it would be side on. I was nervous that we would have to change our plans or delay our paddle so we decided to drive up the coast and check things out for ourselves. The winds were strong but we decided that if we left farther North we would be fine. It could even be fun! Happy that we didn’t have to drastically change our plans we headed back to Kihei to pack our things.
Looking forward to Lanai – excited to check out a new island and explore.
Can’t believe this is all really happening – so much planning but we did it!
Jenny’s Journal: Big Island March 30th – April 7th
March 30th
The team is here! It is hard to believe that after 7 months of planning, e-mails, phone calls and skype meetings, it is finally time to go!
It is almost hard to believe. It didn’t really sink in until I got to the teams hotel rooms and saw everyone and ALL the gear. We have SO much gear. Cameras, video cameras, pelican cases, computers, cables, clothes, flashlights, stickers… so many things!
It’s a bit stressful now that we are all together and we have only a week left to get everything ready to go. We had to come up with a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate for the Alenuihaha channel. I really don’t want to have to use our backup plan but the weather is beyond our control. We have to learn to go with the flow – I guess this is what makes it an adventure…
One week and we will be on our way.
March 31st
The winds are gale force. Our forecast isn’t looking promising. We need a break in the trade winds Tuesday or Wednesday or we have to go to our backup plan.
We haven’t given up hope. Things can change. I really believe the winds will back off enough for us to go. We have to believe.
April 1st
The key to surviving this trip is accepting that nothing will go as planned…
We were hoping to check out South Point today but with the strong winds we decided it would be better to go to Kealakekua Bay and the City of Refuge. It was an AWESOME water day. We explored underwater caves and arches. The visibility was phenomenal. We got great shots and video but I doubt it will do justice to how beautiful it was. At City of Refuge, Morgan and I paddled around the bay. Had a pod of dolphins play with us for a bit. I regret not having my camera with me – I need to keep it attached to me at ALL times!
The morning and afternoon were great. We had lunch at the Coffee Shack – so good and hung out with the Kona Boys crew.
VERY STRESSED AFTER THAT!
All of a sudden it is hitting me that I have so much to do and so little time. Pat (Caldwell) thinks our chances are best for Tuesday morning. So all of a sudden I have a million things to do and nothing seems to work out. Couldn’t find a jet ski for Keokea on Saturday, didn’t hear back from the cultural advisor about a blessing on Monday. The banner still isn’t printed and no luck with the shirts. In a few hours my day went from great to overwhelming beyond belief.
I am hoping tomorrow will bring better news.
I trust that everything will work out – always does.
April 2nd
Talked to the boat captains about our departure date. Feeling a bit discourage by their reactions. They seem worried about Tuesday because it is sandwiched in between two very rough days. They are concerned that the window is too small. I trust them and know they know what is best for us.
I just hope we can get a good day to cross.
I was supposed to meet the team and go to Mauna Kea but I had a physical therapy session for my shoulder and didn’t have time. I was bummed I couldn’t make it up there. Maybe we’ll get another chance!
Keokea downwind run tomorrow – conditions should be good!
April 3rd
KEOKEA
We drove up North today to meet Jerry Bess at Coastguards and then up to Keokea. The wind was smoking! We could see some big wind waves – not a good day to cross. It was rainy and gusty as we drove further north. Got to Keokea and it looked MESSY! With the help of Morgan’s dad we were able to safely time the sets and make it outside.
It was a good run! Not the most fun I have had in regards to surfing but it was challenging. The groundswell was hitting us side on which made it difficult to stay on our boards but we did well. I’d say it was average 6ft with sets over 10ft.
Saw a shark (similar to the one I saw at the race 2wks ago). It was small (luckily). Also saw the largest turtle… I was sure it was something else. I don’t know how a turtle that size has survived along that coast.
It’s always a long day to paddle up there but it is so worth it. The sights, the conditions – every time I finish I feel great. It was a good training run.. especially for Morgan on her new board. I could tell she thought we were crazy when we first paddled out. It was not the most inviting conditions.
Looks like we could leave Tuesday! Crazy. Can’t believe we’re days away from our first crossing. Excited and nervous but ready to go!
April 4th
Kiholo Bay.
Met the crew and we 4wd down to the beach. It was a fun afternoon – lots of photos/video. Hoping we get some good shots. The water in the lagoon was beautiful – turquoise, aqua – it reminded me of Lake Tahoe. So many turtles – they were everywhere. Checked out the Queen’s bath on our way out… didn’t hang out because there were other people in it.
Tomorrow we find out if we leave Tuesday or Wednesday!
Excited to know… a few more days.
April 5th
Wednesday April 7th forecast for Alenuihaha channel : wind 20 kts, wind waves 6-7ft
“We boogie” – Capt. Mike Nakachi
So, it looks like we will be departing on Wednesday. I’m really happy about that because we still have SO much to do. It was a productive day – still have some things to do tomorrow but hoping it will be quick!
I need to remember to hydrate and rest… Wednesday is a BIG day!
Worked out with Mary this morning. Last workout for a few weeks. It felt good to be in the gym.
ONE MORE DAY!
I am feeling surprisingly relaxed. I’m not as nervous as I had expected. Maybe it is because I know that everything will be alright.
Our dream is about to become a reality….
April 6th
It’s late – so I will keep this short. I NEED my sleep.
Busy day. stressful. So many logistics – no time to be nervous about tomorrow. Can’t believe it’s really time to go.
It’s going to be amazing.
I know we can make it across. Let us be safe and enjoy the experience.
It’s going to be a beautiful day.
Dinner with the team and Paul and Cassandra from Brazen Hazen. Nice to spend time with them and forget about the stress for a little while.
CANNOT BELIEVE TOMORROW IS THE DAY!
This is it!!
April 7th
ALENUIHAHA CHANNEL