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The season has gone by so fast and you’re probably amazed that your first 9-man race is here. The following are just a few reminders, tips and pieces of advice to help you prepare for what lies ahead. Before you know it, the season will be over, so have fun, learn lots and kick ass!
9 Man races (distance races as called in Hawaii) are just that. Longer distance races with 9 paddlers, with 3 paddlers following on an escort boat to relieve those paddling on a regular basis. Changes happen in the water in real time, with relief paddlers climbing in, while those being relieved jumping out.
Many people find these races the most enjoyable due to the fact they get to see the drama of the race unfold as they move in and out of the canoe. There is also the strategic aspect of these races as the competing crews watch for signs of bad changes, or combos. These races are longer than the other races prior, but if you've done your homework, you will be rewarded.
What To Expect
If you are in the starting crew, you can expect to be paddling for a while. No changes can be made until about 20-40 minutes into the race- that means that some paddlers won't get changed out til 45-60 minutes into the race. After that, the changes happen at regular intervals anywhere between 10-20 minutes (which means that paddlers are in the boat 20-40 minutes between changes- paradoxically, it's often the top crews who change more often)
At that time, expect lots of commotion and a lot of boat wake as everyone’s escort boat zooms in to make changes. If you are making the first change, be aware of your surroundings. There may be a lot of canoes around you (don’t panic), protect your head at all times. If you are not changing, stay strong and focused.
Changes
Water changes can be poetry in motion, or a flat tire in your race.
If You Are The Paddler Getting Replaced...
- Juice it up, you're getting out
- The person calling changes should setup the boat so that the majority of seats getting relieved is on the left side (so if it's a 1,2,4 change, have 2 and 4 on the left side). This prevents the paddlers from having to stop paddling to avoid paddlers in the water
- Don't jump early, but don't wait til the person getting in is in your lap. It's preferable that the steersperson call when to set the blade and jump, so that everyone gets out together.
- Set the blade, preferably in a paddle holder if there is one, but don't just drop it on the floor of the canoe, and don't kick the blade out as you jump out. Watch the water so that you don't land on a teammate who may already be in the water. Seats 1 and 2 should watch that they don't push the boat as they jump out, as that may cause the boat to veer out of the reach of the person getting in. Watch the paddles in the water as you surface.
- Wait for your escort boat to come to you to pick you up (you may have to swim towards it). Make sure that everyone knows where you are and that the boat is in neutral before you approach it- never assume- you don't want to be on the business end of a moving prop. The escort boat may or may not have a line that they can throw to you.
- If you at any time need assistance, DO NOT HESITATE TO LET ANYONE KNOW.
If You Are The Relief Paddler...
- Make sure the escort boat driver lines up with the oncoming canoes, and make sure there's enough time for you to set up for the change.
- Jump in the water after the escort boat skipper gives you the ok
- Swim away from the boat so that the canoe doesn't have to maneuver around the boat.
- Line up in the water in the same order as you're entering the canoe. Approximately an arms length for each seat. It's important to be spaced correctly so that all paddlers enter the boat at the same time.
- Splash or throw water in the air so that the steerperson can see you in the swells. Yell out the seat combo getting changed to the approaching boat (1-2-4 or 3-5, etc)
- Get in the canoe in whatever way works for you- some people pull up and swing over, or pull up and step over, or grab and hook their leg. GET IN THE BOAT. Preferably within 5 strokes, you should be in the canoe and paddling. The important key is to be EXPLOSIVE. The canoe is moving fast, so you have to swim TOWARD the boat and grab the gunwale and kick with your legs to get off the water.
Tips:
- Swimming and getting into a canoe with a camelbak is not the easiest thing to do
- Chilled cut up fruit such as watermelon, and mangos or grapes can taste pretty nice
What to Bring and What Not to Bring...
You can expect to be racing anywhere between 2 to 3 hours for the Dana and Pao Pao races. Catalina will run from 4½ to 5 ½ and maybe up to 6 hours. You want to be prepared. You DO NOT want to pack for a three day cruise! You never know what size escort boat you will have and you will be carrying other people’s stuff on and off the boat. Keep it to the essentials. Think about getting a wet-dry bag from REI (or any sporting good store) or a small soft cooler with straps for easy carrying. NO BANANAS IN THE BOAT!!! (yeah, this is a fishing thing, but some skippers are superstitious)
Consolidate all food, water, and clothing. Get together with your team before race day and consolidate all food items. The less you carry onto the escort boat, the less you carry off, and it may give you more space to move around. One or two coolers should do the trick. Take an extra bag to put all your slippahs, and share a dry bag.
Water is the most important.When you are in the escort boat you should be taking in fluids. Don’t forget about power drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade (cut down with water). Each person is different, so know how much fluid you’ll need and what sits well with your stomach. If you have a hydration system like a Camelback, use it- it cuts down on clutter on the boat. Tip: Freeze one of your waters the day before. By the time you race it should be nicely thawed and will serve to keep your food cool as well.
Food. This varies greatly for each paddler, but please do not bring your refrigerator/kitchen. Everyone should eat something during the race. Bring your favorite kinds of energy bar or gel (Balance, Cliff, Power, etc.), fruit, pasta, PB & J sandwich (pack light). Don’t eat too much though, avoid cramping. You may also want to coordinate with your crew for each person to be responsible to bring a food or drink item for all.
Sunscreen and lip protection. Bring and put on sunscreen before you race or get in/on the boat (either canoe/escort) in the early morning. Some people hate getting it on their hands before a race so ask someone to put it on you. Lip protection is essential. If you forget, your lips will shrivel up!
Clothing. You never know what the weather is going to be like. The water is usually chilly. Nine man is not the time to work on your tan! Be prepared to cover up while on the escort boat- the wind can chill you very quickly. Bring a towel and/or windbreaker to keep you warm and/or out of the sun.
Remember
Treat your escort boat driver with respect at all times. Treat their boat as your own. And help him or her out whenever possible. When leaving the boat, make sure all items are removed and the boat is clean. Those finishing the race should quickly take care of their canoe, and hurry on back to the escort boat to help. REMEMBER! Finish as a 9-man team – do not leave the clean up for the three left on the escort boat.
BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!
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