HISTORY UNDONE: Reverse Molokai (April Fool!)

Entry fee - comment from the organisers

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:19:21 +0100

Yep, the entry fee has increased from last year. I asked Charles Brand, part of the race organisation team about it and he sent me this response: "Higher entry fee this year The race was run on a total shoestring until last year. The result was that the prize money actually came from entry fees as opposed to the entry fees being used to run the race. As an example, the second placed surf-ski paddler in 2006 got a voucher for a carry bag from a local sports shop as his prize, NOTHING else for a world class athlete! Basically, we are trying to elevate the race to give some respect to the incredible performances that we are witness to. This is where surfing was about 15 years ago, and we are committed to enabling the top paddlers to be able to earn a living out of this, soon. Have a look at the entry fees for the top and amateur surfing events, and the $180 we are charging looks very reasonable." - Rob Mousley

Logistics will be easier

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:21:01 +0100

This new course will make it easier and more economical since we can just fly back to Oahu from Molokai instead of booking the apartments for 3 nights minimum. I'm stoked! ;) - Kenny Howell

No wind

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:01:32 +0100

If it's anything like last year it won't matter! Haha ha :D It would actually be a downwind, because the last bit in 07 was into a light head wind and current. Good luck to all the 08 edition athletes. Cheers Chopper out - richard von wildemann

not all BS

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:49:14 +0100

Since this is a joke, are they going to change the entry fees back down to $90 or is it really $185? Seems like the joke is on all of us. - DeAnne Hemmens

Ridiculous

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:36:01 +0100

This is ridiculous. How can you give such short notice of the course change? I wasn’t planning to go to Molokai but with the new course I am as keen as a bean. Now I have to make some fast arrangements. The start looks awesome; you are bound to break your ski getting through the surf which means you will be paddling upwind with a leaking boat. What a sneaky challenge, you guys are smart! My river paddling experience will come in handy and I will be sure to pack some duct tape and a few branches to splint the ski. - Alain Jaques

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Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:50:31 +0100

alright, i come clean on this most hallowed of holidays: rob mousley made me write this cruel hoax. in fact, he had Mr. Foreshore tell me that I'd not be able to enter Molokai unless I contributed to the story. It's all Rob's fault. Promise! - Joe

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Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:38:46 +0100

Nice one guys especially the start picture! - phil jaques

Perfect.

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:06:25 +0100

I am not going - so this course is approved. - Gavin Dickinson

This Could Narrow the Field?

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:14:34 +0100

I wonder, for example, if the Egyptian National Team still want to participate? - Gib Bintliff

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Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:21:05 +0100

ha ha ha i was seriously convinced for a while...was going to write a really critical comment until i read the other comments.Good one. ;D - Brett Dorman

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Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:39:02 +0100

Rob you are a magician bein able to predict swells and winds two mths in advance :) - michael baker

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Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:13:51 +0100

Best April Fools I've seen in a while!!! - Dwight

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Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:27:58 +0100

Isn't surf ski races supposed to be downwind in most part of the course? What's the strategy now if you're going against the wind? - MFB

Great Idea !

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:13:46 +0100

And with the REVERSE theme,the beer party will now be before the race! - I.P. Freely

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Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:05:21 +0100

Going upwind will be great.....cheers Lirpa Loof - superted