I was wondering if you could assist me with recommendations on training for the Molokai to Oahu race. I am not sure how to train for such a race from paddling schedule / training, nutrition / supplements, weight training / schedule, schedule of races to do in preparation for the race, and strategy. I will be doing it in an OC-1 and not on a stand up or prone board. I am new to OC-1 racing with my only races being 2 Maliko Downwind races this past season. I have competed in 6 man outrigger teams so being in the open ocean is nothing new just the canoe, OC-1.

Training for a solo channel crossing is close to 100% the same whether your vessel is a SUP, prone or OC-1.  Overall workouts each week (Intervals, Long, tempo, recovery) as well training program periodization, strength training and nutrition all follow an extremely similar plan. The only real difference is the vessel.

Our SUP or prone programs have all of the workouts we recommend and would help guide you during your 4 month final preparation for the event. The only modification you would need is to  swap out the SUP sessions with your OC1. Additionally, if you wanted, some of the cross training we recommend could be on a SUP or Prone board.

What we could not help you with is the technical side of OC-1 in the bump. While we do paddle OC-1 we don’t have the experience in the bump and/or skill level to guide you and suggest you find someone who has done the crossing and or is experienced in the bump on an OC-1.

What we can tell you, as we do with anyone we coaching on a SUP or Prone board, is that you need a good combination of overall fitness and skill in order to have an enjoyable/successful crossing. We have had very good athletes training completely in flat water thinking that their fitness alone will get them through but realize ½ way across that this is nothing like the Catalina crossing and the skill of riding the bump is invaluable.  Same goes with some paddlers that solely rely on skill to get across and physically blow up well before the wall.