The First Day

90 something boats and the river is not much wider that the mouth of the Hule'ia next to Niumalu. We are told the most challenging part of the race can be the start. Staying upright is a challenge as there is no ama to rely on. Core strength, hard paddling and a good steersman is all you have to keep you upright. And when you huli (tip) you have to swim your canoe to the banks of the river no matter how far out you are. No mid channel self rescues on a canoe. To add to the excitement, the Maaga Ting is VERY TIPPY...fast but tippy. 

The first day we have to contend with hopeful paddlers, a fast shallow river and a low lying bridge which has to be crossed safely just to start the race. We practiced once with no one else in the river and it was challenging making it through the bridge pillars without hitting the canoe or getting swept up in the current. On the other side of the bridge is a small rapid which also requires masterful navigation.

Our strategy is to survive. The horn blows and it is a free for all. Even though there are different divisions (recreational, men's women's, mixed, masters) we all start at the same time. This alone presents dangers as recreational paddlers (literally families in pleasure boats going sightseeing) have a hard time steering their much bigger and heavier canoes. Everywhere we look canoes are tipping, smashing into one another as the bridge gets closer. We have to stop, back up, push canoes away, scream our way down the river. Amazingly we make it through. You will have to ask Laurel for the details because it was all a blur for me. 

Day one is hard... nothing really else to say. This part of the river has the most rapids so all the skill and technique falls on Laurel. I have never been on rapids so I am useless when it comes to front side steering. I am even having a hard time getting all the terminology down. Draw means kahi, not stop... we get wedged in a rock, hug some branches but all in all we fair pretty well. It is sunny and hot which makes an already long grueling day even tougher. The shade underneath the trees is a welcome rest from the beating sun. I feel like I am getting delirious. Two hours to go and I start having some doubts. What if I don't make it? Why am I doing this... and tomorrow is even longer... 

Then I start getting scared because i think Jacinta is reading my mind. I think "my back hurts" and Jacinta says "sit up and breath". I think " I can't do this" and Jacinta calls out "you can do this". I think I won't last another hour and Jacinta says "It's only an hour... you can do anything for an hour". So I give up... not on paddling but on the negative thoughts because (one) it is not helping and (two) Jacinta is freaking me out. Is she telepathic?... I knew she was observant but a mind reader?

So six hours go by. Bend after bend, tree after tree and then we are done. I try to get out of the canoe and my legs fail. Jacinta and Laurel are pumped up. We come in 2 minutes behind the Belizians which is really good considering this is their home turf. As Laurel told us the first 2 days is river knowledge the last to days is pure strength and determination. Supposedly we have the advantage on last two days but after 6 hours of paddling I am having my doubts... not about my teammates but about my strength and skill. That night I pray for strength, cool weather and our health. I ask Grampy for support as I know he is with us every moment. 

The next day, our prayers are answered. 

P.S. It is Laurel's birthday and I don't think there is any other way she would have wanted to spend her special day. The river is in her blood! Happy Birthday Laurel.