Thursday, July 26, 2001
Jones set No one would question how tough Sunday's Quiksilver Silver Edition Molokai-Oahu Paddleboard race is.
to labor
The three-time runner-up
hopes to finally win Sunday's
Molokai-Oahu Paddleboard raceBy Grace Wen
gwen@starbulletin.comThe mental and physical test of competing in the 32-mile race while lying on your stomach draws comparisons to marathons and other rigorous competitions.
But not everyone would draw the same analogy as Dawson Jones.
The 35-year-old pilot from Pupukea likened the challenge of the race to enduring child birth. Though Jones obviously didn't give birth to his two daughters, he was in the birthing room watching his wife, Dussy, endure the different phases.
"It goes through all the same emotions," Jones said. "First it's exciting. Then after a while it's like 'Can I take some drugs so I don't feel the pain anymore?'
"And then you start getting down to business. You realize (you) have a job to take care of, (and you) have to try to get it done. Then you do what it takes to finish."
The soft-spoken Jones will be competing for the fourth time in the race's five-year history.
It could be a breakthrough year for Jones, who placed second in 1997, 1998 and 2000. (He didn't race in 1999 due to a knuckle injury.)
But he is cautiously optimistic as the field has become more competitive.
"It's a punishing race," Jones said. "And the competition is probably the strongest field ever. If I could get second again, I'd be stoked."
The unpredictability of wind and water conditions as well as equipment performance adds to the challenge of an already difficult task. So what keeps Jones or anyone racing?
"Probably the fun of the competition," Jones said. "And knowing that there's a lot of anticipation involved.
"A lot of times, not necessarily the best guy wins but the guy who was best that day. But some guys get lucky."
Thirty-six soloists and 17 pairs hope to be lucky enough to catch waves as they cross the channel.
Mick Dibetta still holds the course record he set in the race's first year with a time of five hours, 22 minutes and 48 seconds. He's back this year for a shot at breaking his own mark.
Two-time defending champion Sean Monahan of Honolulu will also be racing, as will Haleiwa lifeguard Guy Pere, who has placed in the top three the past three years.
The race also features top Japanese paddler Takuji Araki. Jimmy Austin, the youngest participant in the 2000 race, will be the youngest again as he looks to improve from last year.
Former lifeguard Kanesa Duncan is the only female solo paddler in the race. The UH graduate student has a good chance of breaking the 7:56:55 record set by Helene Phillips in 1998.
In the pairs competition, former professional surfers Tom and Nick Carroll lead a strong Australian contingent.
There are two other sets of brothers in the competition: swimmers John and Kevin Flanagan and Mark and Brian Rocheleau.
What: 2001 Quiksilver Silver Edition Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race Paddleboard
When: 7:30 a.m. Sunday
Where: Across Kaiwi Channel. Start line -- Off Papohaku Roadstead in front of the Kaluakoi Hotel and Golf Club; Finish line -- Off Maunalua Bay Beach Park.
Recordholder: Mick Dibetta, 1997 -- 5:22:48.