What is going on with the black socks these days? Wherever I go on Maui, I keep seeing those terrible black socks with shorts and sandals. What a relief to find a big group of good looking people at the “I love Maliko, Valentine’s Day Race” with no black socks in sight. Well hardly any. The Queensland Australia contingency was representing in traveller attire as they came out to cheer on Richard Spork. I will give them a pass as they are on their way to Mount Everest - Brrrrr! They will be needing those socks!

First, a big thanks to all the sweethearts who let their paddlers race on Valentine’s Day instead of having those racers hand feed them Bon-Bons and champagne. Oh wait, that's what happened after the race, except it was Maui Brewing Company Beer and Costco cookies. I overheard “I love you man,” so the beer was working, but was that actually romantic? Maybe “Bromantic” as there were only a few girls left and they weren’t near the keg siphoners. Their luck that Monday was a holiday, so there was time to make-up for a Valentine’s day spent “racing”.

Same story, different day... Congratulations to our winners who continue to dominate this season on Maui! Coming in first on Surfski was Kai Bartlett, followed by Felipe Gomes on OC-1. First woman was Lauren Bartlett on OC-1 who “chicked” many, many guys coming in 6th overall. Also of note is Kekoa Cramer, Maui racing star, who finished just behind Feli on OC-1. 

Over from Ohau was Kekoa Kau winning the Junior division and finishing an impressive 4th overall for OC-1 paddlers. He was just beat out for 3rd place overall by JB Guard when a breaking wave took Kekoa off course and into shore just a few feet short of the finish buoy.

Race conditions were tough with light winds and a strong current going against the paddlers. On top of that, there was a huge swell to contend with. Those who chose the faster, safer outside line, faced a big battle into the harbor at ebb tide when the harbor mouth makes a river heading out to sea. Too far inside also had its perils as well. Bruce Baptiste either caught or was caught by a huge bomber at pier one where his board was snapped. Maliko Bay claimed Colin Lindeman’s rudder when he hit a rock. Luckily, Kai Bartlett graciously loaned him a boat.

Board member, and longtime MCKC supporter, Eric Rohozinski raced Maliko for his first time as an American citizen. Congratulations Eric! Wonder if it was any different than the 100’s of times he has done that run before?

The OC-2 rivalry between team Ed and Kas versus team Barb and Carla continues. So far, Ed and Kas are managing to maintain their manhood beating the girls by only seconds this race. 
Whales, whales, whales! Right outside the harbor the whales were going off. Rick and Noah Herrera reported seeing a whale breach six times in a row near them. Dave Burt was at whale ground zero, but lived to tell his tale of going too far outside and regretting it as he ran the whale gauntlet while battling a huge current into the harbor. 

The food was ono. Thanks to Johnson and Vicky at Johnson’s Surfside Deli in Kihei for cooking up a great lunch. Kegs were provided by Maui Brewing Company; cookies, veggies, and drinks thanks to our board members and volunteers. Hammer Gel gave out great prizes. All the racers are grateful for the sounds of Kaimana’s drums which mean you’re almost there. See you for some fun at the relay! Got your team?
Brandis L. Sarich, V.P. MCKC