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April 2006, Puerto Rico: [Warm water, a 20 knot following wind, six foot waves, a twenty four mile race across open ocean… could this be surf ski paradise? Are we talking Hawaii? Well, actually no – but the organizers hope that this race, the Culebra Kayak Challenge could grow to become a “Caribbean Molokai” and be included in future race calendars as a World Cup event.
The 1st annual Culebra Kayak Challenge was held April 9, 2006 and this race report was sent in by DeAnne Hemmens who was there with husband and fellow competitor Patrick.
The spectacular photos are couresy of race organiser Greg Hernandez - look out for a video clip in the near future.]
Course
The course went from Culebra Island, 24 miles west to Puerto del Rey, Puerto Rico.
 Finish at Puerto del Rey, Puerto Rico
A 20 knot downwind and moderate 6’ swell was predicted…guaranteed was warm water, warm air and friendly local hospitality. The strong wind and swell did not materialize, but the experience was like nothing else.
Costa Bonita
After a day of touring the forts of Old San Juan, we traveled by an escort boat to Culebra. The surf skis were transported earlier by barge to the paddler’s hotel, Costa Bonita.
 Costa Bonita Hotel on Culebra Island
Here the skis waited for us on the beach in front of the pool at the hotel. As one of the race sponsors, Costa Bonita provided discounted rooms, a huge pasta dinner and full buffet breakfast for all paddlers, escorts and crews.
Similar to the Molokai channel crossing, escort boats were required for all paddlers.
The Start
The most incredible and unique part of the event was the paddle to the start line. All competitors left the hotel beach together and headed towards town through a small waterway, and under a drawbridge to the start buoy.
 ...and under a drawbridge to the start
Here the escort boats met us to begin the race.
The noise from the helicopter with a photographer and film crew woke the locals and tourists who stood waving and clapping as we made out way past.
 Waiting for the start...
The Race
The race started on time and after 5 minutes we were out of the bay on Culebra and into the blue swells of the Caribbean. The 3’ seas and 8 knot wind gave us a slight push to the marina.
 Frank Fifils - winner
Frank Fifils of Guadalupe and most others took a slightly southern route, while Patrick Hemmens and I and a few locals headed North.
 Greg Hernandez
We were hoping to hit the small North swell we saw the day before on the ride across. Fifils’ line proved more direct and he paddled a very strong race to a 1st place finish.
 Pat Hemmens
Patrick also paddled well, but suggests the heat zapped his energies. By the time he realized the North swell wasn’t coming, he could not catch Fifils to the finish line. It was significantly hotter than Molokai, so hydration strategies played a big role in race preparation.
 DeAnne Hemmens
As for the only women in the race, I was thrilled to participate and even happier to finish well for the grueling distance and conditions. The heat was not a factor for me as I much prefer it to the cold.
Thanks
Many thanks to Greg Hernandez, Harry Negron, Hector Alfonso, Kayak Federation of Puerto Rico, El Convento Hotel and Costa Bonita.
On a final note, The Hotel Villa Montana Beach Resort, one of the race’s major sponsors, offered post race relaxation in Isabella. This site is being considered for a possible day 2, downwind, along the North coast. This is the most perfect setting to surf, snorkel, and swim. Check back to this web site for information on next year’s event.
Results click here courtesy of the Canoe and Kayak Federation of Puerto Rico…
Hasta luego..Es un buen viaje!
DeAnne Hemmens
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Stuart Knaggs