Connor Baxter, Recounts His Winning Paddle at the Ka’iwi Channel Crossing
Here is the race recap of Starboard team rider, Connor Baxter’s winning paddle at the Molokai-Oahu Paddleboard race. Let’s hear it straight from the winner of the Stand-Up Unl M 1 – 29 age group division.
Starting to paddle
When I first started the race all that went through my mind was – this was going to be a long, grueling day. My strategy was to follow Ekolu as long as I could. Which incidentally ended up not being very long. He took off immediately and left all of us behind. So now, my goal was to stay with the pack. About 10-15 minutes into the race, all the boats started looking for their “paddler” and boats started going every which way. They were going in front of me, behind, on the side – and their wakes created so much turbulence it was hard to stay on the board. Luckily I didn’t fall, but a lot of other people were falling left and right from the boat wakes, which allowed me to pass them and move to the front.
Catching a swell
In the beginning it was easy, because there were good trade winds and swells that were easy for me to catch. For the next 45 minutes I thought what great conditions for a crossing. Before the race there was talk of variable winds – so having the trades was a blessing. But then the conditions worsened. The wind got lighter and lighter and there were less glides and a lot more paddling. This lasted for another 4 hours – and I thought they were the worse conditions.
Boy – was I was terribly wrong. I had no idea what was waiting ahead.
I talked a lot to myself out there – mostly nonsense. But, it kept my mind occupied. While I was talking nonsense, it made the time go by quicker. When I would stop and looked around I would notice that I had paddled a long distance as the island of Oahu looked closer – and looking back Molokai was getting smaller. So, I would start talking to myself again – daydreaming about all sorts of stuff. This definitely passed the time quicker.
With my support boat
Having the boat close by with my mom and dad was a definite asset. My dad would dive into the water when I needed some nourishment and hand me a pack of hammer gel or hammer perpetuem. I also had 2 Dakine water back packs – so I always had one filled and on my back to keep me hydrated. My parents were my encouragement – their cheering me on kept me going.
When we got close to Oahu I remember thinking “I made it”. I yelled to the boat – “how much farther?”. The reply – only 8 more miles – only a Maliko Gulch run. I was tired and hearing this was not comforting, but I knew it was doable.
8 more miles before finish line
So, I am paddling – and paddling – and paddling. And, talking, talking, talking to myself. I look up – and I am in the same spot. Oahu did not look any closer. This went on for about 30 minutes. This was the most frustrating part of the race. This is the time when I started breaking down from fatigue, sunburn, exhaustion and my mind was taking over, playing tricks on me, telling me to give up. This is when I had to take back control. This is when you have to take over your mind and remind yourself – don’t give up – keep going – you can do it.
I took back over – and then I told myself I wanted to get out of the water – finish the race and be done. I suddenly got it back together.
Finally I noticed I was making progress and getting closer to the harbor and the finish line. Before the last mile into the harbor my dad gave me another hammer gel – but this time it was the espresso with caffeine – this gave me a boost of energy just when I needed it.
Winning is within reach
When I rounded the point I could see the finish – and now I thought again – I made it!! But as I started paddling it got windier and windier – but this time directly into my face. Exhausted, all I was thinking was – try and catch a wave so you can rest for a few seconds. When I finally caught this great wave inside – I realized with a 14’ point to point race board it wasn’t very easy – it was less work paddling – but a lot of work to stay on the board. But – I made it.
Coming into the finish, I could hear the announcer saying my name and the crowd started to cheer – which made me paddle even faster. When I crossed the finish and got to the beach I didn’t realize what I had accomplished. It took me at least a day to realize – I really did paddle the Ka’iwi Channel. I made it.
This was the most grueling 6 hours and 56 minutes of my life. And, now one of the greatest accomplishments of my life as well.
A big thank you to all those who supported me
I want to thank my mom and dad, my sister Ashley, all my friends that supported me, and my sponsors – Starboard, Nike, Dakine, Menehune Electric, MPG and SIC.
And a BIG Mahalo to all the people that put the event on – Mike Takahashi, Rainbow Sandals – Sparkey, Barrett, Gerry, Honolua Surf – Randy, C4 Waterman – Brad and Maui Jim Sunglasses.
Aloha -
Connor Baxter
Congrats Connor! Great effort. Come on out east and join us for next years CCBC.