THE MOC 1 (Marianas OC1) races will return in 2007. One man, 2 man outrigger canoes, kayaks, surf skis and paddleboards will all be welcome to race in 2 Sprint events inside the reef and 2 offshore Distance relay races. Hosted by MPRA, this will be the 10th anniversary of the traditional start of the paddling season on Guam. The Sprint events will offer divisions for ‘Nene’ (8 to 12 years old), ‘Manhoben’ (12 to 15), ‘Sotteru’ (15 to 17), Open (18 and up) as well as Masters, Senior Masters, etc.
The Sprint races will be held on March 3 in Tumon and March 17 at Port Authority Beach. Canoes will be provided for the youngsters and the heats will have both straight away races and slalom style courses. The distances will be commensurate with the paddlers ages. There will also be surprise novelty heats for everyone.
Shifting offshore on April 7, the more experienced paddlers will race the original Umatac to Agat and back relay race with Men, Women and Mixed divisions. The relay series will conclude on May 12 with the challenging Tuimon to Agat relay race, in six legs. The teams will start in Tumon with the paddlers changing at Hagatna Boat Basin, USO beach, Family Beach inside Apra Harbor, an inner harbor loop to the Yacht Club and back and finishing in Agat. Each paddler will race 3 times in this true test of strength, seamanship and determination.
In both the Sprint and Distance series points will be accrued from the 2 races and division champions will be awarded medals. There are more OC1s and OC2s on island than ever before, more paddlers training for SPG, the High School season is getting ready to begin, and new crews are starting up all over. The Junior paddlers are out in force and gaining in experience on OC1s and kayaks, they are eager to train and race and will be pressing the old veterans quickly.
Entries will be available soon; plan your calendar now and for further information contact race Director Rick Appleton at 688-6105 or ‘svcmgr@ite.net’