Travis Grant, last year’s runner-up at the OluKai Ho’olaule’a. Photo: Facebook 808photo.me.
The OluKai Ho’olaule’a is set to kick off today on Maui’s north shore. 600 of the world’s top paddlers from 18 different countries will be competing on the 8-mile Maliko Downwind Run this weekend, with the SUP division racing tomorrow and the OC1 & OC2 divisions competing on Sunday. Conditions are expected to be near perfect, with winds blowing 20 miles per hour and open ocean swells rolling down the coast. We caught up with last year’s SUP division runner-up and world #2, Travis Grant, about what he’s been doing to prepare for this big race.
For readers who might not know much about this race, what makes it so unique, challenging, and prestigious?
The OluKai Ho’olaule’a race is honestly one of the best races on the race calendar. It’s the one I make sure not to miss. What’s so unique about it, is that it is kind of a sprint, an 8-mile downwind sprint. It just so happens that it’s also located in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and the downwind run itself (on Maliko Bay) is as good a race course as it gets anywhere in the world.
The course itself is a perfect distance for elite level racers, and it’s not too long for the intermediate either. It’s perfect for everyone; however, you do need to be confident, experienced, and skilled in open ocean downwind racing. That’s the challenging part, but it’s also what make the race so fun and exciting. Also, all the best players travel to Maui to participate in the race, which makes placing really rewarding.
What have you done to prepare for this race physically? What do your workouts (paddling and otherwise) look like in the weeks and months leading up to this event?
This race is kind of cool because it requires more skill then fitness. It takes the leader about an hour to finish but it’s kind of like an hour-long snow board run. It’s hard but that hour just flies by. It’s a series of sprint then surf, sprint then surf, sprint then surf all the way. The best training for this race is big, open ocean, downwind runs. If you haven’t done open ocean paddling then you’re going to be in trouble. You need to work on your skill for this type of race.
This race for me is timed at the peak of the OC1 (1 man outrigger canoe) season and the start of the SUP season. That means I’m already fit and in paddling shape,but it’s the surfing I need to practice in order to perform well in this race.
How do you prepare mentally for a race like this? What mindset do you need to succeed in this race?
Mentally preparing… That’s a good question. You need to be confident. You need to know the course in order to know exactly what’s going on, so you can attack it as soon as the gun goes off. There are no real strategies in this particular event. It’s kind of a mad-dash-first-guy-to-beach wins. My main tactic for this race: don’t miss the start!
What do you do for nutrition in terms of training and game day? Is it something you focus on, or do you keep things simple?
Nutrition is also a big factor in most SUP and OC1 racing. But for this event it’s not going to make or break your race. I normally pay close attention to my nutrition, but for this event as long as I eat a good breakfast and I’m really hydrated, I should be good for the race. I used to take water with me years ago, but now the race goes by so quickly I feel like I don’t have time to drink. But if you are new or not experienced, I would advise bringing water as it can get very hot out there. Remember that we’re in Hawaii.
Can you imagine a more beautiful place to race? Photo: Olu’kai.
What other sports do you do for cross-training if any?
My two main sports are exactly what this event celebrates: OC1 canoe and SUP downwind racing. These two disciplines are my favorites, so in part, that’s why I never want to miss this event. Apart from these events, I love to swim and of course surf when I can (who doesn’t love to surf?). I also compete strongly in OC6 canoe racing.
What skills does this race put to the test compared to other races?
This is a pure downwind battle. Downwind skills are a must. You need to be fit, but the guys who always win are the downwind kings of the sport. It’s so short in comparison to other races we do that if you make a mistake or fall in you will have a hard time catching up. Like I said, it reminds me of a snow board downhill run, no room for error if you want to win. But fun either way right?
What do you think is the most difficult thing about this race?
Winning haha. Again, the short course is probably what makes this most difficult because you have to be perfect to stay ahead or even in sight of the other top guys. Additionally, logistics are actually kind of hard since we are on an island. Getting a board or canoe can be difficult but it’s worth it, so I just call around and make it work.
What are your personal goals for this race?
I would love to win it. Like you said, simply just a personal goal, nothing else.
It’s hard to win as the local guys have a huge advantage with the race course being in their back yard. A bit of local knowledge out there goes a long way. I feel I would have to move here to get the run dialed if I want to compete against the top local guys like Connor (Baxter). Don’t get me wrong, I still have a blast out there, and I’ll be happy wherever I finish…but to beat a local in their own water is always fun.
To win would just be bragging rights for a year. Every year I have done this event I have placed second in SUP and second in OC1 every time. I’m super happy every year, so to win just one of the events would make my smile just a little bit bigger.
Any advice to younger competitors or aspiring SUP competitors?
Oh yeah. See you on the start line. Don’t forget your leash/leg rope. There is no training like race training. It’s amazing how much you learn every time you race. I feel like I still learn something new every event I do.
My advice: Learn to walk. Work on your technique and skills first, then look for speed. Speed will come. I don’t like it when I see kids just going as hard as they can with really bad technique form; it’s setting up habits that will be hard to break in the future.
Most importantly, you need to enjoy what you do and have fun. This event is all about that, it’s fun, it’s a blast. So if you feel ready to tackle the open ocean on Maui, then I look forward to seeing you at OluKai’s Ho’olaule’a.
You can find out more information about the race and 3 day ocean festival here.
