Hanohano SUP Race 2012, Quick Notes on Course

Of all stand up paddle board races, the Hanohano is arguably one of the most important races in the calendar, due to the large turnout, easy entry level for race novices, and a highly scenic venue on mission bay.

Jim Terrell trying a different stand up paddle board at the Hanohano 2011 in Mission Bay, San Diego.

 

SAN DIEGO, California – Coming up this Saturday the SoCal Ocean Racing series will be holding its third event of the winter series, the Hanohano race down at Bonita Cove in San Diego, California. The race is open to multiple watercrafts, including not only stand up paddle boards but also outriggers, surf skis, traditional paddleboards, etc. Stand up paddle and traditional paddleboard racers will run the short course (4.9 miles) while the other crafts the long course (miles). Of all stand up paddle board races, the Hanohano is arguably one of the most important races in the calendar, due to the large turnout, easy entry level for race novices, and a highly scenic venue on mission bay. (Find a Sup Race on Events page of Supconnect.)

 

Some Notes on Short Course

Here are some notes on the course. First, starts are always crucially important but all the more so at the Hanohano short course. Standup paddle boarders sprint to a bottleneck left turn, hugging the jetty and facing lots of turbulence. Typically, paddlers come within inches of the rocks and the ebb and flow of the ocean, plus the tight pack of the start, make it really difficult to find a clear, calm opening, unless (of course) you are leading the start. So, sprint hard and try to hold a lead to find some clear water. Second, watch the currents. There will be a few turns and twists during the course, especially near jetties. And sometimes the shortest path is not the fastest. The course is close to the mouth of the bay and currents can be tricky, particularly in shallower waters. Keep an eye on the people around you and note whether your path is helping you gain, lose, or hold your lead around the bends. Drafting might be the safest strategy to hold your grounds in shallower water. Other than that, go out, have fun, and share the sup stoke! (Follow Supconnect on Facebook for lastest updates.)

 

Top Times from Last Year.

12-6 Mens Danny Ching SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:46:23 259 Anthony Vela SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:47:40 293 Matt Becker SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:49:27 347 Dan Gavene SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:49:53 315 Dane Morrissey SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:50:17 352 Chris Bishow SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:50:40 281 Brian Hagg SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:51:33 282 David Boehne SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:52:06 261 Karl Ring SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:52:26 337 Chuck Glynn SUP-12'6"&U-M 0:52:2

12-6 Womens Krisztina Zur SUP-12'6"&U-W 0:53:40 316 Maggie Hogan SUP-12'6"&U-W 0:55:16 332 Brandi Baksic SUP-12'6"&U-W 0:56:13 320 Elsa Harrison SUP-12'6"&U-W 0:56:54 350 Nikki Gregg SUP-12'6"&U-W 0:57:51 227 Kristin Thomas SUP-12'6"&U-W 0:57:56 326 Terri Plunkett SUP-12'6"&U-W 0:58:52 311 Leah Beebe SUP-12'6"&U-W 0:58:53 341 Emmy Merrill SUP-12'6"&U-W 0:59:51 277 Ruthy Vesler SUP-12'6"&U-W 1:00:19

14 Mens Eric Starnes SUP-14'-M 0:47:29 201 EJ Johnson SUP-14'-M 0:47:43 285 Jim Terrell SUP-14'-M 0:47:48 318 Tyson Popler SUP-14'-M 0:48:33 297 John Becker SUP-14'-M 0:49:18 356 Nathan SUP-14'-M 0:50:07 295 Mike Vaughan Jr SUP-14'-M 0:51:07 363 Lance Erickson SUP-14'-M 0:51:12 251 George Plsek SUP-14'-M 0:51:57 280 Brent Pascoe SUP-14'-M 0:53:06

 

Watch a 10-6 Raven on the course

 

See Complete Results from Hanohano 2011

See Gallery of Photos from Hanohano 2011

Read article about Hanohano 2011 Sup Race

Visit website for the Hanohano Race 2012

 

Do you have any other tip for the Hanohano course?