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May 18th will
see Hawaiian resident Maggie Twigg-Smith tackling the Molokai crossing in a
surfski for the eleventh time. She's
also done no fewer than thirteen in OC-6s, and another four or so in OC-1 relays.
 Maggie Twigg-Smith on her way to victory in the 2006 Molokai
She won the
women's race in 2006, came 2nd in 2007 (behind Megan Quayle) and has been
dominant in the races this year, winning the 16 mile (26km) Hawaii State Champs
in hectic conditions.
Given her current
form and local knowledge, she'll provide some great competition for the likes
of Katie Pocock (NZ), Alexa Lombard (SA) and DeAnne Hemmens (USA). (The women's race looks one to watch this
year - and we'll be putting GPS tracking units on their boats so that you can
watch them in real-time...)
 Maggie and husband Tim cross the line together - hot, flat Molokai 2007. Maggie was 2nd female to cross the line.
We asked Maggie
some questions about her paddling...
Could I do a profile on you?
Yes, but
I'm not very good at interviews. I'm
just really thankful that I have the ability and opportunity to race and be out
on the ocean. I do it as more as a
lifestyle than anything. I like to try
and be competitive but mostly I'm just grateful to be on the water.
I noticed that you won the Hawaii State Champs
a couple of weekends ago - how did it go?
The race
was a lot of fun. The conditions were
sloppy at first and then once we turned the corner at Makapu'u you could start
surfing and the hawaii kai run was really good.
How old are you?
33
What weight?
115 lbs; 5'4"
tall
How long have you been paddling?
13-14 years
How long have you been paddling surfski?
Same
How did you get into surfski paddling?
There was
an old junky surfski laying around at our canoe club and I started fooling
around with it and really liked it
What ski do you use?
I usually
paddle a c-ski but i just started using a huki about 3 weeks ago.
What paddle?
An epic mid
What are you best results?
4th in the
na wahine o ke kai, and 1st in the molokai solo
What's your favorite win/race?
My favorite
races are any around makapu'u and the kaiwi channel
How many Molokais have you done?
13 in the 6
man, 10 in the kayak - solo, and about 3-4 on a oc-1 relay
[Editor: Maggie won the women's race in 2006.]
Do you get to paddle overseas?
No, not
really; I've done the Havaiki nui a few times and Hamilton once, but all in a
six man.
Who do you train with?
Always my
husband (Tim) and sometimes friends
Do you have a coach?
No
What are your favorite conditions? E.g. flat water/raging downwind?!
Raging
downwind definitely!
Many thanks!
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