Today I did a downwind paddle to practice for the up-coming Olu Kai race on May 15th. On the way to Maliko Bay (our starting point) we called up Dean Christener and Kody Kerbox to come along. When we started the race I figured that I would probably be able to keep up with them and maybe try to pass them. But as soon as we got around the jagged cliffs Kody was gone and I was trailing after him! I was constantly paddling trying to catch up, but he kept pulling away! I had to find a way to create more speed. How? By simply having more wind for glides. Thats when it hit me, I had to go to the outside where there was more wind and in turn bigger swells to ride. After that I was able to pass Kody but it gave me a big wake-up call. If we would have both been on the outside he probably would have won! Now I’m really focused on working harder so that come race time... I’ll be ready!