Follow my journey over the next 22 weeks to a day in July 2011 where I will be taking part in one of the most amazing journeys in my calendar. The Molokai to Oahu Channel Paddle, Hawaii. The channel crossing is 32 miles of harsh swell, currents, winds and tides. Just when you think you have made it across the channel, Oahu's south east point, Koko Head, dishes up some choppy water and strong winds. Also known as "The Channel of Bones", this will be my biggest adventure yet. Follow my preparations for this epic paddle.

Friday, 8 July 2011

The Plan for This Weekend

TWO weeks left now until I fly out.
Just a few more little but crucial things I need to sort out.
Firstly, I need to get my drink bottle system sorted out. Basically what this means is that in the race, I do not want to have take the bottle out of the bottle holder on my board unless I am changing the bottles over. It wastes times, stops me from paddling, and can put me off balance if I can't get the bottles out etc. So, what do I? Imagine a Camel Pack backpack that comes with that long straw thingo that a lot of ski paddlers, hikers, walkers etc use. Now replace the bladder part with water bottles!! Easy!!
 Well, to achieve this, what I will do is find the tubing/straw and cut it to length so that it will reach the bottom of my water bottles but also have enough length to reach me lying down on the board, which will be about a meter I think - will let you know!! Then, I need to get those funny little bite nipple things. And most importantly, more bottles that fit into the bottles holders!
Now, will all this gear, the actual setup starts. I need to drill holes in all the water bottles so that I can feed in the tubing, secure the bite nipples to the tubing (ensuring they fit properly), then I need to work a little device that I can tuck the tubing under so that it doesn't drop in to the water, flap about on the board etc.
The highly complicated utensils of a coat hanger and duck tape come into play here. Not 100% sure how it will work, but the plan is to set this up on Saturday (tomorrow) and test it all out on Sunday in the race at Botany Bay. A cheeky little 8km with westerly winds.

Now that I have bored (haha board) you will the drink bottle system technicalities, what else can I bore you with... Well, there is the matter of my board getting to Hawaii. Umm... I booked Air Pacific thinking I would be sweet to get my board on the plane, but I am beginning to have  my doubts. I have lined up a freight company as a backup just in case.

Now I think that covers my plans for this weekend.
Oh yeah, one and half hour massage tomorrow afternoon which will be SWEEET!
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