I had an extremely special Spring Break this year! I just got back yesterday from Hawaii, spending a week on Maui to train with downwind professional and coach Jeremy Riggs. I did so in order to prepare for a series of races taking place in July; the Maui to Molokai, Maui Paddle Championships, and Molokai to Oahu. They're all downwind races, which requires a really different skill set from the flat water racing I'm used to. I headed out to Maui to see if I could be ready for this trio of extremely difficult and technical races.
I was lucky enough to stay and train with pro downwinder and trainer Jeremy Riggs. He is an incredible teacher and an even better host!! My first day the wind was cranking perfect for the Kihei run. I not only paddled one perfect bump-catching run, but two! It was a great start and I learned so much. The next day I did my first-ever Maliko run. It was supper different from Kihei, but the wind was still super strong and I had a great time. Learning to downwind is a really tough transition from flat water paddling and there's a lot to think about. But I'm going to practice my best at home and train to the best of my ability so I can be ready come July.
One of the highlights of my trip was my 2-man OC Maliko run with Dave Kalama! I was so stoked when he texted me inviting me to paddle the OC with him. It was pure fun to catch all of the bumps that Dave could in the super fast canoe. In my week there, when I wasn't pulling downwinders twice a day, I was surfing! Because the time of year is between winter and spring, I even got to surf both the north shore and the south shore! The waves are so fun on Maui. It was incredible to be in a place where any conditions bring fun. No wind? Surf. High wind? Time for a downwinder. All of the possibilities are amazing and endless on Maui.
The week went waaay too fast and pretty soon it was time for me to leave. I went straight to the airport after a Kanaha surf sesh and arrived at home early next day--just in time to do homework for school Monday! Still making college decisions, but I can't wait to graduate in June!! My next race is this weekend, and I have Carolina Cup later this month. Can't wait!!
Bailey
