Let’s be honest – signing up for your first OC1 race is intimidating. I’ve done the local NAC races (which seem less intimidating because they’re local), but none of the others. Although I’ve been paddling OC6 for several years, I was never really interested in the small craft winter series races. A chronic overthinker, I was concerned about too much self-inflicted pressure. After relentless encouragement from teammates and friends, I finally registered for the short course in Santa Barbara earlier this month, and then Hanohano.
When I saw the entry list for Hanohano, my stomach dropped: over 500 boats! I had heard stories about this race and the vast number of participants, but seeing my name on the start list with everyone else was a bit scary! I was a little worried; the race takes place in the harbor. I had visions of bumper boats, tangled amas, and getting pinched on the first turn.
Thankfully, it was a staggered start, and about half were SUPs and prones, who started after us. Still, that left over 200 C1s, K1s, surfskis, V1s, OC1s, and OC2s. I took everyone’s advice and started very wide.
Bruce called the start, and I was off! I shot out ahead of my section of the pack fairly quickly. However, while I was heading straight, I realized everyone else was making their way left towards the first turn. Oops! I headed over there but still made sure to be on the outside. I took it as wide as possible, with no one on my right.
The incoming tide was with me, and I found a good rhythm. The main channel towards Sea World was still crowded, so I paddled on my left a lot to avoid amas and boats everywhere. My strategy became simple: find a gap, fill it. Spot the next canoe, catch up, and pass it.
After the first buoy turn, the race stretched out a bit and I could tell I was in the front quarter of the pack. My lines weren’t always perfect – I was passed by a SUP (that guy was fast!) and a women’s OC2 crew, but I held my own. As we rounded Vacation Isle, I kept pushing. Going against the tide now, I hugged the edge, which let me pass a few more boats.
I crossed the finish line feeling accomplished: no crashes, plenty of room on my turns, and solid racing experience gained.
About 10 minutes before the awards, a friend called to congratulate me. That’s when I found out I had won my division! Wow! I had no idea. There were so many boats in the race, it was impossible to tell how I stacked up against the others because I wasn’t familiar with most of the paddlers I was competing against.
A huge thanks to the Willie Workout crew who show up on weekdays – you push me to be better and share invaluable tips and tricks along the way. And to my NAC Outrigger teammates: thanks for pushing and encouraging me to get out there. Your support means everything <3
Stacy Mason
Great job Stacy! I had no idea you were not a veteran OC1 racer. Congratulations! Chris Blank
Stacey, what a beautiful story about your winter series adventures, congratulations and may you continue on this fun and adventurous path you have created for yourself.