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Friday, July 28, 2000

Money isn’t
everything for
paddleboarders

The winner of Sunday's
Quiksilver Molokai to Oahu
race will receive $1,000
and be called the world champion

By Steve Murray
Star-Bulletin

Mike Dibetta didn't even ask about prize money.

The Australian flew to Hawaii to compete in Sunday's Quiksilver Silver Edition Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race "to catch up with friends," he said. "The race is a bonus. I didn't even ask if there was a prize."

But should Dibetta, the course record-holder, finish the 32-mile event first, he'll earn $1,000 as well as the title of world champion.

Dibetta, who won the inaugural race in 1997, will be joined by an international field of 25 solo paddlers and 17 two-person teams in the race across the Kaiwi Channel.

Dibetta said he's spent about $2,500 on airfare, lodging and rental of an escort boat. Even if he does win, he'll still come up about $1,500 short.

There is also a price for competing solo. While tandem paddleboarders can trade places on the board every 30 minutes, individual participants have little chance for a break.

"It's really hard on your neck, back and shoulders," said Hawaii lifeguard Sean Monahan, the defending champion. "It's an awful lot of pain. And it takes about a week to recover."

To prevent cramping, Monahan said he tries to keep hydrated during the race, drinking about a gallon of fluid to keep him going.

"I usually have Gatorade, water and Coke," he said, adding that the caffeine in the cola helps boost his energy near the end of the race.

With a good easterly wind, racers can save energy by surfing the open ocean waves. No wind means no surf and no rest as the contestants must paddle the entire length of the course.

Race director Mike Takahashi said he expects 20 mph winds and 3- to 4-foot swells, which are ideal conditions for the race.

"We could see a new record this year," he said.

The record for the race is 5 hours, 22 minutes and 48 seconds, set by Dibetta.

Among those expected to challenge for the record is Dawson Jones, who finished second in the inaugural event and missed last year due to an injury.

The event begins at 7 a.m. off the beach at the Kaluakoi Hotel on the west end of Molokai and finishes at Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai.