Name: Mario Mausio Age:33

Club: Nga Hoe Horo: Herberts on tour (NZ), Hui Nalu (HI) 

Q. Recently you competed in the” PAA Molokai Solo 2014”, could you give us a brief description of the race? (where, when, how far, what kind of waka, how many people?)

A. Hawaii, on May 25th. The race was approximately 52KM. Most of the waka were OC1’s. There was only 1 V1 entry. There were about 102 entries.

Q. Why did you decide to do this race?

A. This race is a world championship race for OC1 canoes. This is also the final and probably the most challenging and toughest race in Hawaii. If the winds are right i.e. Trade winds, it is a great course. Epic swells, and fun surf.

Q. How much training did you do? (How long was your preparation, how many times were you paddling per week, How many hours/km’s per week, what other training were you doing?)

Q. Did you think you were well prepared?

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about your race? (Registration, the start, what was hard, what part you enjoyed, the finish, the level of competition)

A. Registration is very simple; most of it is done online. The start of the race is very crucial, because this is how you would set yourself up for the entire race. Where, and who you place yourself amongst would have a effect on your performance during the race. It is a long race and depending on the conditions faced, It is important that you decide whether you want burst out front and battle early, or hang back, start steady and build up to a strong finish. This year’s race was brutal because there were no trade winds. There were winds from the south and almost felt like a head wind. The entire race was a constant battle especially with 5 top Tahitians competing. The last 2 miles is also very tricky. If you don’t know the right course through the bay, you could get passed by a lot of people or end up losing your canoe in the surf break. Competition this year was extremely tough. Some even say that it was the strongest field since the history of this event. This was proven when 2 hrs into the race it was difficult to pin point who exactly was winning the race between the top ten paddlers.

Q. What was your result and were you happy with your race?

A. this year I finished 12th overall. I am very pleased with that result and extremely stoked on my performance during the race.

Q. Would you do it again?

A. Absolutely

Q. Was it hard to plan and organise the logistics for this race?

A. After doing it for a couple years, Its becoming easier.

Q. Would you recommend this race to other paddlers from NZ and what advice would you give them?

A. Yes. I would definitely recommend this race to any one in NZ. If you want to do this race, be prepared to do a lot of long paddles. And also prepare yourself well and ensure that you make arrangements in Hawaii well in advance.

Try spending a week in Hawaii before the race so that you can learn the waters, canoe, and the course. Also helps to acclimatise you to hot weather.

Q. Lastly, we know that competing in a race like this is not possible without the support and help from family, friend and sponsors. Is there anyone you would like to thank?

A. I would like the thank my Support Boat driver, Kenneth Kimitsuka. He did a tremendous job keeping me on track.

Kekai Kamakawiwoole, my boat coach who kept me honest and pushing me across the whole channel.

And to my wife, Kalisi Fa’anunu Mausio. She coached me, supported me, kept me strong, and put up with me for the last 4 months as I prepared myself for this race. I truly thank her for her understanding, kindness and support.

Name:   Stephen Roulston      Age: 29                    

Club: Mitamitaga o le Pasefika Vaa' Alo

Q.  Recently you competed in the Molokai Solo could you give us a brief description of the race? (where, when, how far, what kind of waka, how many people?)

A.    Hawaii  25th May 2014, 52kms, Pueo, about 105 entrants

Q.  Why did you decide to do this race? 

A. Thought it would be fun.  Then fortunate enough to have won a scholarship based on this race, so had the opportunity to go.

Q.  How much training did you do? (How long was your preparation, how many times were you paddling per week, How many hours/km’s per week, what other training were you doing?)

 A. Had a 3 month programme of long, low intensity and short high intensity sessions. Paddled average 4 times per week on the water, 9 hours per week.

 Q.  Did you think you were well prepared?

 A. Yes, felt fit enough. 

 Q. Can you tell us a little bit about your race? (Registration, the start, what was hard, what part you enjoyed, the finish, the level of competition)

 A. Rego was very easy online process.  Start was good, just like any other race just on a bigger scale.  Hardest part was the last hour or so when everything starts to get sore. Enjoyed the whole race, good parts throughout, riding the boat wash. Level of comp was massive.

 Q. What was your result and were you happy with your race?

 A. 20th. Stoked!

 Q. Would you do it again?

 A. Yes

 Q. Was it hard to plan and organise the logistics for this race?

 A. It would have been hard if I didn't have the help of a friend living there, who has done the race and knew what was involved.

 Q. Would you recommend this race to other paddlers from NZ and what advice would you give them?

A. Yes would recommend, advice would be prepared well, Get to Hawaii as soon as possible to train to get use to all the conditions, temperature, water, canoe.  Have a good support crew on your escort boat and at home. 

 Q. Lastly, we know that competing in a race like this is not possible without the support and help from family, friend and sponsors. Is there anyone you would like to thank?

 A.  AMP scholarship, Roxanne Kelly (sponsorship), Mario Mausio, Paul WIlford & Michelle Chapman.

You can also read about Stephens race here:  http://m.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503448&objectid=11269266

Thanks guys for sharing your story! 

 (Photos courtesy of Hayden Ramler, Cory Nakamura & Michelle Chapman)

Thanks guys for sharing your story! 

We look forward to bring you all more stories and experiences from our paddlers who attend and take part in International events!.