Kilohana Winter Challenge 2025 🥇 - Vela OC1

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Mar 18 (edited) • Wins

I broke the biggest rule of race prep, which is to not do anything new for race day. Today, I took my brand new Vela Oc1 on her maiden voyage and also decided to wear my Shokz to listen to music during my race. Both ended up paying off.

Conditions were rough today. Strong storm winds the whole time. Against current with wind going out. With current but against headwind coming home.

I had a great start, behind Gapuz, Daven, and Dylan (top NorCal guys). I ended up falling back a bit and battling with Dylan for a while. By the time we got to the 2 pin (about 4 miles in), Daven and Gapuz turned. I stopped them and said that the course was further down. We sat there for a while debating what to do. We ended up continuing with the course and so waiting for everyone to get back on course. The downwind leg was fun! At the 12pin turn, I was behind again at 4th.

I chased and pushed the entire leg back to the channel. I came ALIVE in the upwind, wanted to see what the Vela could do. Was able to claw back up to the pack. Inside the channel, I decided that it was time to go! Was able to stay just a hair ahead of Daven and Chauncey. Kept it close all the way in. Very hard earned win. Very memorable for me! Thank you all for the push!

My 3W1H reflection:

What went well?

- Got my land warmup, band activation, and water warmup completed and was waiting at the front of the start line

What didn't go as planned?

- During the leg out, we got some GOOD surf. I needed to surf better toward the marker instead of following the way away from the marker

What surprised you?

- Had a strong headwind on the return and I was able to make up about 200m to catch back up to front pack over 2 miles

How will you improve?

- I want to improve to get a higher cruising speed

Thank you Al for the wonderful photos!

Scores are here: https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=383485&did=506264

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