JR has been training for a few months for the PAA Hawaii Kaiwi Channel Solo race. This race is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding races in the world. This year the conditions were absolutely insane with 30+ MPH winds and 15'-20' surf.
I was lucky to be invited to be part of his escort team along with Coach Kawika, Doug and Darryl. We departed Hawaii Kai boat ramp around 6:45am heading into the wind and swells. It was a gnarly ride over to say the least!
Once we arrived, JR was ready to go so we linked up and sent him off to the start line. Once the race started the escort boats had to stay back for a certain amount of time to let the paddlers spread out a bit before they were allowed to head into the pack to find their paddlers.
My first shot of the day, I took a huge sea spray directly into my lens! This was the most frustrating part of my day...keeping my lens clean! I have rain gear that keeps the camera and lens dry but not the actual lens. As the day went on, my lens was kinda foggy with salt film.
I wanna send out a huge congratulations to JR for competing his race and finishing this huge accomplishment. Way to Go Dude! I hope to paddle with you next year!