South Seas Outrigger Jubilee (Everything Thread) [OPEN]

by **Costa Aluria** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 11:15 am

The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee is a six day, five leg open
water outrigger canoe race where paddlers face a number of
challenges, including enduring race fatigue and taking on
massive waves like those seen above.
The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee, also known as the Outrigger Jubilee, and within Costa Aluria as simply the Jubilee, is a six day, multiple leg collection of outrigger marathon races. As one of the longest distance outrigger races in the world and a race course that offers multiple paddling challenges, the Outrigger Jubilee is a true test of grit, determination, endurance, teamwork, and mental and physical fortitude. Paddlers battle some of nature's most extreme elements as they honor the historic cultural identity of Costa Aluria and outrigger canoe paddlers on a global level. The event begins at sunset the night before the race officially starts, where paddlers are welcomed and honored in Costa Alurian island style. Then, at 10:00 AM local time the next day, paddlers begin the five day race which reenacts important trade routes from our island history. After each leg of the race, paddlers will be allowed a rest period until 10:00 AM local time the next day, when the following leg of the race will begin. The 193+ miles of open ocean that paddlers must face make the Outrigger Jubilee one of the most grueling outrigger canoe races in the world.

The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee race course.
The course is described in detail below.
The Outrigger Jubilee began in 1975, when five teams of paddlers came together at Bishop's Beach in Callipygia. Some of them had been paddling the tourist routes along the beaches of Costa Aluria, some of them were more traditional paddlers of Polynesian ancestry who had been practicing their cultural heritage. But one thing was certain; they wanted to bring the sport of outrigger canoe paddling to the forefront of Costa Alurian headlines. Their goal was simple—a race from the island of Anuenue to the black sand beach at Punaluu on the island of Himeni, a traditional course from some of Costa Aluria's first settlers. Some nine hours later, the first canoe reached the beach. With the first incarnation of the race in the books, the teams decided this should be an annual get together.

Wanting to bring a bit more fame to the event itself, the team decided that the second year a different course would be set. Looking again at the historical significance of the islands' trade routes, the second year took them from Himeni to the island of Wailele. With each year, the course changed. The third year brought the course from Wailele to Costa Aluria's most populous island, Kihapai, and the fourth, from Kihapai to Ku'uku'u. In it's fifth year, the team had switched from Ku'uku'u to the island of Hualau. And with that, the event had moved systematically from west to east. It was at this juncture that the organizing team, unable to come to a definitive conclusion on where to host the events, decided to combine the individual legs into one five day marathon.

Now in its 34th year as the combined legs totaling the full event, the South Seas Outrigger Jubilee would like to cordially invite members of the global community to our islands, to paddle the open waters and compete against, amongst, and alongside our canoes.

Each team is allowed the use of one outrigger canoe hull weighing at least 400 pounds. Teams may also bring one reserve hull meeting this specification, for use should the main designated hull become damaged during a leg of the race. However, hull substitutions will only be allowed at the beachside checkpoints between each leg of the race.
Each canoe must utilize at least one outrigger fastened to one side of the hull. Teams have the option to include a second outrigger on the opposite side of the first. Teams may bring up to two reserve outriggers which may be switched only at beachside checkpoints between each leg of the race.
Canoes are prohibited from containing keels or fins.
Teams may use only single bladed, wooden paddles to propel the canoe during the race. Use of boat motors, sails, or any other auxiliary propulsion equipment is banned during the Jubilee. Paddles may contain an edging on the sides and bottoms made from other materials, and used to protect the paddle and the hull. Teams are allowed to bring as many extra paddles as desired, and may choose to carry as many as desired within the canoe during each leg of the race.
Teams are prohibited from carrying any "pump" or mechanical means of bailing water from the canoe.
Teams have the option of covering their canoe with canvas or other covering material.
Teams may carry one radio system to communicate between canoe and escort boat.
Teams are allowed to utilize one electronic GPS system within the canoe to help in setting course.
The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee Committee will have the final approval or disapproval of any canoe or equipment used during the race.

Each team is responsible to provide one escort boat which will monitor its canoe progress and assist in relief and rescue efforts should they become necessary.
All escort boats must be assigned with a Jubilee ID number. Any powerboat not in possession of a Jubilee ID number will be asked to leave the race course.
All escort boats must provide a copy of the boat's registration to the Jubilee committee before the race begins.
All escort boats must meet Costa Alurian Coast Guard regulations.
All escort boats must be equipped with a marine grade VHF radio communication system and GPS system.
Escort boats may not travel within one hundred meters of their canoe team except in rescue situations, and must follow behind its respective canoe except in cases of rescue.
Each escort boat must be rigged with towing equipment suitable for towing a team's canoe, and must be equipped with a red flag with minimum dimensions of one meter square to identify it while use in rescue operation.
Escort boats may be called in to assist in rescue efforts of any team nearby.
Coaching from the escort boat is permitted.
The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee Committee will have the final approval or disapproval of any vessel used as an escort boat.

Each team must provide Costa Aluria Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices for each person aboard the escort boat and each paddler in the canoe. Note that Costa Alurian regulations require personal flotation devices used on the open sea to contain an emergency positioning locator which signals a user's position once activated.
Each team is responsible to abide by applicable Costa Alurian and Costa Alurian Coast Guard regulations and requirements.
It is the responsibility of each team to ensure its members are water safe and trained for adverse water situations.
The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee commissioner, committee, or designated authority will place at least one race official on each escort boat. The committee reserves the right to include on each escort boat further officials or Costa Alurian Coast Guard personel.
Each team is responsible to provide food and liquids for all canoe crew members and each person on the escort boat, including race officials and/or Costa Alurian Coast Guard personel.
The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee committee reserves the right to disqualify any crew member or team if it determines in its best judgment that a team is unable to participate in or finish a race leg within a resasonable time frame.
Each leg of the race is subject to postponement or cancellation by either the Costa Alurian Coast Guard or the South Seas Outrigger Jubilee Committee.

Teams will consist of nine paddlers who are no less than 16 years of age at the start of the race. There is only one category for racers during the Jubilee; there is no distinction for paddlers based on skill level, age, or gender. Teams may use paddlers of any gender or age above 16 years at their discretion.
A maximum of six paddlers may be in the canoe at one time. Unlike many outrigger canoe races, the Jubilee does not allow paddlers to rotate into the canoe during a leg race. Each team must select its six paddlers who will compete in each leg of the race, and substitutions will only be allowed at beachside checkpoints between each race leg.
Each team is responsible to ensure the physical capability of each paddler to compete in multiple long distance races. Each paddler must submit proof of medical clearance from a certified medical professional attesting to the physical fitness of the paddler.
Each paddler must sign liability and publicity waivers.
Paddlers must be in team uniform at the beginning and end of each leg of the race or be subject to penalty time.

The overwater bungalows at Callipygia mark the start of the race.
The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee consists of five legs of long-distance paddling courses, with each leg representing important trade routes taken from Costa Aluria's Polynesian history. Each leg presents specific challenges to outrigger teams, and the combined challenges work together to create the full course. Only teams with the greatest training in multiple long distance legs will perform well, and many lesser experienced teams may not finish the race. Failure to finish any of the five legs will result in disqualification from the race.
Disqualification from the race is not a set parameter within the scorinator. It is simply there to be used at my discretion, should a team be considered overly disrespectful or godmodding. It is also there for those who choose to disqualify themselves during the race as an in-character means of leaving the RP. All teams actively engaged in respectful RP will finish each leg of the race, unless requested otherwise. If you wish, as a means to exit the RP or as part of your nation's involvement to be disqualified from a leg, please telegram me.

The black sand beach of Punaluu at Kumulipo
is the first checkpoint of the race.
The course of the race is described as follows: The race will begin in Callipygia at Bishop's Beach, where on-shore traditional Polynesian thatched huts abound. The theme has been modernized and extended into the abundant overwater bungalows of Chancellor Bay. Canoes will paddle northeast through the relatively shallow and protected waters of the bay, making a sharp 90 degree southeast turn at Cape Hiatus. Canoes will then traverse the remaining portion of the leg across open water to Punaluu Beach in Kumulipo. Significant challenges in this leg of the race include transitioning from the calm waters of Chancellor Bay to the deeper and choppier waters of Reverence Channel. How teams navigate the transition while successfully turning their canoe will play some part in this leg's results. Total distance for this leg: 38+ miles.

Playa Verde hides amongst the seacliffs which seem to rise to
their precipices straight from the ocean floor.
Each consecutive leg of the race will begin where the previous leg ended. The second leg of the race, therefore, begins at Punaluu Beach. From there, the course continues roughly east-southeast following the shores of the island of Himeni to Radiance Channel between Himeni and the island of Hanalei. Canoes will then head east-northeast towards the Five Saints, a set of small islands which will provide only momentary respite from the swirling waters between the two main islands. Teams must pass between the islands of San Pascual and San Joaquin, the easternmost of the Five Saints, before heading the remainder of the leg in a southeast heading over open water to Playa Verde of Costa Verde. Particular challenges of this leg of the race will include fighting the tides along the shores of Himeni out of Kumulipo, as well as traversing the multiple faces of the waters in Radiance Channel where the Five Saints divert the current in many opposite directions. A transition to the open waters to Playa Verde will also prove to challenge teams unfamiliar with the area. Total distance for this leg of the race: 39+ miles.

The shallow, sandy shores of Whitsunday will challenge paddlers
to navigate a course that doesn't require wading in the water.
The third leg of the race will begin from Playa Verde, a beach which is tucked into the cliffs of Costa Verde. Canoes will travel in a southeast direction along the cliffs, seemingly rising immediately out of the sea to their precipices towering above, and then head due east over open water toward the island of Kihapai. Once reached, teams will follow along the shores to Whitsunday, where the shallow waters are in direct contrast to the cliffs of Wailele from where the canoes have come. Multiple sandy channels might confuse paddlers as they make their way to Solanche Beach. Particular challenges of this leg include navigating the rocky shoreline of Costa Verde and Wailele to the transition to open water heading to Kihapai. Especially difficult will be the shallow waters as teams near Whitsunday, where at multiple places the water is not deep enough to float and paddle a full outrigger canoe. Navigation here will be of utmost importance as teams try to avoid the need to exit the canoe and wade it to deeper waters. This is also the longest leg of the race. Total distance for this leg of the race: 42+ miles.

Cape Foulweather certainly lives up to its name with its less
than exemplary weather systems.
The fourth leg of the race will provide its own challenge, and may be the toughest leg of the race given its position and the requirements that it will exact of teams. Teams will continue from Solanche Beach due north across the waters of Crescendo Channel and to Boxkite Beach in Cape Foulweather. Not only are these the deepest waters teams will face during the race, they are also the most turbulent. Waves seem to get larger and larger as teams make their way to Cape Foulweather, where as the name suggests the weather is rarely conducive to gentle watercraft landings. Here, as the wind picks up off of the channel, waves are at the highest of any point in Costa Aluria, and with its own microclimate firmly entrenched, there is rarely a day when the heavy rains don't fall. The singular challenge of this leg of the race will be to fight the waves and weather to make a safe landfall, especially given the fatigue of race participants at this venture of the race. The aptly named nearby Shipwreck Beach to the west of Boxkite should serve as ample warning to paddlers. Even though the distance is the shortest teams will face during the race, this leg still poses plenty of problems. Total distance for this leg of the race: 34+ miles.

Paddlers must keep an eye out for the caves of Holokai Cathedral,
where the finish line awaits at the beach.
The final leg of the race takes teams from Cape Foulweather, through Captain Cook Straight, and to the finish line in Santa Gabriela. Teams will first have to cross open water as they head east-southeast through Honu Channel to the point at Cape Ingenuity. From here, the waters narrow into Captain Cook Straight, and teams will know they are finally on the home stretch. Once the narrow waters of the straight reopen, it is northwest heading through Pupukea Channel to Santa Gabriela. Particular challenges of this leg are the successful navigation of two open water lengths as teams battle the fatigue of the last five days. After nearly 200 miles of paddling, with many teams likely over the 200 mile mark, it will certainly be a challenge of muscle memory. The finish line is at Holokai Cathedral Beach in Santa Gabriela. Total distance for this leg of the race: 40+ miles. Total distance for the entire race: 193+ miles.

Each checkpoint is marked with a series of flags lining the beach.
To make the race even more challenging, parts of the race will be run on the beach. Each leg of the race will begin and end with a 100 yard run through the sand, with team members responsible to carry or drag their outrigger canoe this length from the beginning point to the water and from the landing point to each leg's final checkpoint. It will be of utmost importance for teams to pace themselves through the race so as to have energy remaining to complete the 100 yard beach run. Each checkpoint will be clearly marked with a set of 25 foot tall flags, placed on at 20 yard intervals along the beach. The team with the lowest combined time at the checkpoint at Holokai Cathedral Beach will be declared the winner and crowned as champion of the 2014 Outrigger Jubilee.

For this competition, the results of the scorinator will be posted as individual legs, with role play samples to follow each posted time finishes. The scorinator gives time bonuses based on skill and experience. Additionally, teams may receive role play bonuses that decrease their overall time by 5% or more per leg that is roleplayed. You know the drill—active players will receive better scores.

The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee would love to have your paddling teams join us for the cultural experience and competition of the outrigger race. Multiple teams/puppets are welcomed. To be included in the 2014 Outrigger Jubilee, race officials ask interested paddling teams to post the following roster and team considerations:
Code: Select all
Team name: Team captain and first paddler name: First paddler age: First paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: Photo or link (optional): Notes (optional): Second paddler name: Second paddler age: Second paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: Photo or link (optional): Notes (optional): Third paddler name: Third paddler age: Third paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: Photo or link (optional): Notes (optional): Fourth paddler name: Fourth paddler age: Fourth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: Photo or link (optional): Notes (optional): Fifth paddler name: Fifth paddler, age: Fifth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: Photo or link (optional): Notes (optional): Sixth paddler name: Sixth paddler age: Sixth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: Photo or link (optional): Notes (optional): Seventh paddler name: Seventh paddler age: Seventh paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: Photo or link (optional): Notes (optional): Eighth paddler name: Eighth paddler age: Eighth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: Photo or link (optional): Notes (optional): Ninth paddler name: Ninth paddler age: Ninth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: Photo or link (optional): Notes (optional): Team notes (optional): Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms:

by **Hutanjia** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 1:12 pm

Team name: Hutanjian Republican National Team; 'The Spiders'

Team captain and first paddler name: Norman Pratanka
First paddler age: 28
First paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 14
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Norman is the star of his field in all of Wishton Polynesia, carrying on the traditions of butakja racing. He is a natural leader and has the second most experience of the team.

Second paddler name: Jameson Umargo
Second paddler age: 26
Second paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 11
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Third paddler name: Sebastian Togalke
Third paddler age: 23
Third paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 9
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Fourth paddler name: Donovan Zomektu
Fourth paddler age: 26
Fourth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 12
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): It has been rumored in certain circles that Zomektu is an HSA (Hutanjian Security Agency) agent.

Fifth paddler name: Marcus Foremka
Fifth paddler, age: 31
Fifth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 18
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): A former member of the elite Hutanjian Rangers, Foremka won the Hutanjian Republican Army Butakja Championships with his Ranger team for four consecutive years, before discharge from Army service.

Sixth paddler name: Thomas Rodenke
Sixth paddler age: 24
Sixth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 8
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Seventh paddler name: Horace Jumagka
Seventh paddler age: 25
Seventh paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 8
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): The backup anchor of the team.

Eighth paddler name: Herrington Gelimtwa
Eighth paddler age: 18
Eighth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 5
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Ninth paddler name: Elijah Soramza
Ninth paddler age: 27
Ninth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 15
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Soramza is used to being anchor and steering coach, and is a strong choice for the Spiders in International competition.

Team notes (optional): Butakjas are what Wishtonians (Hutanjians, Cardwithians and Kenegans) call outrigger canoes. Butakjas were the water transport of choice for the Wishton Polynesia archipelago for centuries before Western colonizers and traders introduced their larger, singular hull designs. They were used as both warrior raiding vessels on neighboring tribes' islands and also for trade and fishing. Tribal traditionalists keep butakja building, racing and recreational activities alive in the turbulent Wishton chain and Hutanjia. They buck the trend of those in the islands that are desperate to Westernize every aspect of Hutanjian lifestyle. A national butakja league has a strong draw for it's rallies around the southern coasts of Nevorn and northern waters around Nesselberg, and there are also several provincial and school clubs. Most of the Spiders have been competing since they were in secondary school. Cardwithian teams have been excluded from the competitions over the last couple years due to the enmity between the two rival nations.

Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms: Maroon, forest green and white; These are the national colors of Hutanjia.

by **Electrum** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 8:32 pm

Team name: Kale Island Dragonflies

Team captain and first paddler name: Tiberius Fosenka
First paddler age: 29
First paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 15

Second paddler name: Peeta Rosol
Second paddler age: 18
Second paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 5

Third paddler name: Thomas Meyer
Third paddler age: 16
Third paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 0

Fourth paddler name: Rejina Sipulo
Fourth paddler age: 23
Fourth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 5

Fifth paddler name: Kalae Mojipito
Fifth paddler, age: 34
Fifth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 10

Sixth paddler name: Anna Foresaken
Sixth paddler age: 31
Sixth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 3

Seventh paddler name: Franklin Margaret
Seventh paddler age: 19
Seventh paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 0

Eighth paddler name: Dragon Fosenka
Eighth paddler age: 43
Eighth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 21

Ninth paddler name: Jerry Mischer
Ninth paddler age: 16
Ninth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 2

Team notes (optional): The team is from Kale Island, a tropical island of the coast of Electrum. They are known for their funny traditions, but are serious about sports and winning. They claim to take their power from the sporting goddess, Margaret, who oversees their every move. Margaret is a religion on Kale Island, and because of this, they do possess some supernatural powers that might give them an edge in the competition.

Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms: Green and Yellow stripes.

by **Super-Llamaland** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 8:43 pm

Team name: Water Llamas O.C.

Team captain and first paddler name: Alex Ervine
First paddler age: 26
First paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 11

Second paddler name: Hadrian Bell
Second paddler age: 31
Second paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 20

Third paddler name: Chris Solomon-Hartsfeld
Third paddler age: 27
Third paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 8

Fourth paddler name: Jordan da Silva
Fourth paddler age: 25
Fourth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 13

Fifth paddler name: Nikolas Chen
Fifth paddler, age: 29
Fifth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 11

Sixth paddler name: Bethany Samuelson
Sixth paddler age: 25
Sixth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 8

Seventh paddler name: Stephen Donalbain
Seventh paddler age: 33
Seventh paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 10

Eighth paddler name: Kathryn Mikkelson
Eighth paddler age: 29
Eighth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 18

Ninth paddler name: David Morrissey
Ninth paddler age: 35
Ninth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 20

Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms: Want to see a more water-friendly version of these without team numbers and names, with a all-black alternate uniform instead of the fireworks thing? Yeah, it's basically that. (not my handiwork BTW, credit goes to Audioslavia of Kirola Sportswear)

by **Barunia** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 9:29 pm

Team name: Barunia Dolphins

Team captain and first paddler name: Gyles Cantrell
First paddler age: 26
First paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 11
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): An Olympic medallist, has both an individual silver medal and a team bronze medal for sprint canoeing.

Second paddler name: Glenda Thornton
Second paddler age: 25
Second paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 9
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Olympic individual gold medallist for sprint canoeing

Third paddler name: Allycia Wallis
Third paddler age: 21
Third paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 9
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Olympic slalom canoeist

Fourth paddler name: Tolly Powers
Fourth paddler age: 28
Fourth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 13
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Olympic team bronze medallist for sprint canoeing

Fifth paddler name: Sandra Jordan
Fifth paddler, age: 24
Fifth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 6
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Olympic individual bronze medallist for sprint canoeing

Sixth paddler name: Ryan Oleastro
Sixth paddler age: 22
Sixth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 5
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Olympic team bronze medallist for sprint canoeing

Seventh paddler name: Clay Carnavon
Seventh paddler age: 26
Seventh paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 7
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Olympic individual silver medallist for slalom canoeing

Eighth paddler name: Michael Delaney
Eighth paddler age: 22
Eighth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 5
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Olympic team bronze medallist for sprint canoeing

Ninth paddler name: Luke Davies
Ninth paddler age: 25
Ninth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 4
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Olympic slalom canoeist

Team notes (optional): This is a team of Olympians, thrown together specifically for this competition. The hard part for this team will be distance; the furthest they usually have to race is 1000 metres. The open water conditions may also be challenging; only the three slalom canoeists (Carnavon, Wallis, Davies) have had experience of rough water prior to training for this event. However, water based sports is in the Barunian blood, and the team have been hard at work practicing for this event around the islands of the northern chain, where wether conditions are similar to those anticipated in the event.

Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms: Sky Blue, fading to white at the bottom of the shirt.

OOC: Well done for a first effort. Quick question though: what scorinator will be used, and what event will this be scored as (if using something like xkoronate)?

by **Costa Aluria** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 11:42 am

by **United States of Devonta** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 3:48 pm

Team name: United States Of Devonta National Rowing team

Team captain and first paddler name: Eric James
First paddler age: 27
First paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 15 years

Second paddler name: Shoshone Koizumi
Second paddler age: 23
Second paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 11 years

Third paddler name: Mike Rowe
Third paddler age: 33
Third paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 21 years

Fourth paddler name: Jackson Uso
Fourth paddler age: 21
Fourth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 10 years

Fifth paddler name: Cameron James
Fifth paddler, age: 19
Fifth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 8 years

Sixth paddler name: Cicero Vesuvius
Sixth paddler age: 22
Sixth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 12 years

Seventh paddler name: Jerry Ens
Seventh paddler age: 35
Seventh paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 25 years

Eighth paddler name: Marco Rodriguez
Eighth paddler age: 22
Eighth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 11 years

Ninth paddler name: Matt Chi
Ninth paddler age: 24
Ninth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 14 years

Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms: Green, Blue, Yellow vertical stripes (3x). Rowing jumpsuit.

by **Some Village** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 8:26 am

Team name: The Villagers

Team captain and first paddler name: Ittai
First paddler age: 28
Notes (optional): Ittai captains this squad and is considered at this moment to be the greatest sportsman our humble nation can count amongst their citizens. Apart from an excellent man in sports, he is also respected by friends and foes for his good natured manners and gentle charisma.

Second paddler name: Thaddeus
Second paddler age: 26
Notes (optional): This young man holds an Olympic boxing medal as his greatest feat and can as such be considered a raw force of nature. Physically, Thaddeus is pure power and he also partakes in rowing for smaller groups, but he’s not the brightest bulb in the box. Still a loveable man with great spirit.

Third paddler name: Iob
Third paddler age: 30
Notes (optional): Slightly surprisingly included, but he is one of the best adjusted to the ‘outside world’. Combines that with excellent nautical skills, such as reading the terrain and currents and therefore placed near Ittai. Not always that good in communication and moderate power – despite being a splendid rugby player.

Fourth paddler name: Asriel
Fourth paddler age: 21
Notes (optional): One of the two youngster who so far hasn’t appeared in competitive sporting for the red-and-blue. We can consider him as a prodigy, someone who in the long term should be one of our leading men as he is very powerful, but he makes technical mistakes every once and a while.

Fifth paddler name: Aser
Fifth paddler, age: 33
Notes (optional): Aser is a veteran of many wars. He has been to both the Summer and Winter Olympics, respectively in rowing and bobsledding. Explosive, both in terms of power and personality and a true winner. Should guide the younger ones when it comes to making rhythm.

Sixth paddler name: Gilad
Sixth paddler age: 19
Notes (optional): Well here’s a little diamond. Gilad is not only a sporting prodigy, his character and charisma makes him a natural leader of his generation – some already see a future king in this youngster. Will certainly not fail this group as he is well-spirited and true to his nation.

Seventh paddler name: Moshe
Seventh paddler age: 24
Notes (optional): One of the lesser remarked members of the squad. Stood for ages in the shadow of his older brother Prochoros – captain of the rugby squad and overall notable figure in the community – but has started to grow his own identity. One that places him happily out of the spotlights, we must say.

Eighth paddler name: Jairus
Eighth paddler age: 36
Notes (optional): Another member who might not be considered the wisest amongst the man, but who forms an engine in terms of horsepower. Notably silent but appreciated once he gives his short input. Prototype of the typical Villager who is still a bit weary over modern technology and appreciates the simple life at sea.

Ninth paddler name: Simeon
Ninth paddler age: 39
Notes (optional): Remarkably loud and outgoing for a Villager, Simeon had quit competitive sporting a year or two ago. For this occasion that demanded nine paddlers, he makes a brief return to the squad. Has loads of experience and impact, even if his raw strength has declined over the years.

Team notes: Note that Some Village is not your usual cup of tea. They are a small community of about 250 souls that used to live at sea for centuries. Only relatively recently, they found a permanent port in Panoli, Neu Engollon. As such, technology still remains a stranger for them and from time to time, they roam the sea to find their Islas Fortunatos, their promised land. Over the years, they build a small sporting tradition in sports such as rugby and rowing – the latter an obvious consequence of their way of life – but with their new chosen king Gera, they have limited their presence at the international scene. As paddling and rowing seemed to be slightly related, Some Village will be represented by their rowing eights, added with Simeon. Also note that 'years in competitive paddling' was left aside as it's a matter of living for most Villagers, not just a sport. As such, they can relate to the Polynesians.

Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms: The Villagers will row in their traditional clothing, which means that it’s loincloths galore. Helmets are of course obligatory, on which the white star of our flag will feature with a red and blue background, as well as a small logo of our sponsor Gertner’s Cider Mill.

by **Wray** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 9:21 am

Team name: VentureXL

Team captain and first paddler name: Jake Richards
First paddler age: 26
First paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 7
Notes (optional): Captain and son of VentureXL founder Brett Richards, and one of the three specialist endurance canoeists in the squad.

Second paddler name: Matilda 'Tilly' Coane
Second paddler age: 24
Second paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 4
Notes (optional): Wray Openwater Canoeing champion in the Women's Category for the last two years.

Third paddler name: Blair Hamilton
Third paddler age: 29
Third paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 10
Notes (optional): Multiple Olympic medallist in sprint canoeing

Fourth paddler name: Ben de Boorder
Fourth paddler age: 24
Fourth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 3
Notes (optional): Olympic sprint canoeist, formerly openwater canoeist.

Fifth paddler name: Georgia Woolmer
Fifth paddler, age: 30
Fifth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 4
Notes (optional): Grade-A (i.e. top grade) Openwater canoeist.

Sixth paddler name: Alan Roeman
Sixth paddler age: 29
Sixth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 8
Notes (optional): Only amateur paddler, former University rower.

Seventh paddler name: Hugh Beechmont
Seventh paddler age: 23
Seventh paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 5
Notes (optional): Grade-A Openwater Canoeist and Endurance Canoeist.

Eighth paddler name: Amelia Franklyn
Eighth paddler age: 25
Eighth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 3
Notes (optional): Wray Openwater Canoeing Women's Class runner-up this year and Endurance Canoeist.

Ninth paddler name: Ed Jurecisz
Ninth paddler age: 34
Ninth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 12
Notes (optional): Oldest, most experienced canoeist in the squad.

Team notes (optional): An extension of the sailing team VentureXL Sailing, founded by Brett Richards in 1999. Based out of Nelson's Bay, the sailing arm has dominated Wray's ocean sailing scene for a decade, whilst the canoeing arm has seen less success in recent times, it is still a nation heavyweight. Richards has funded the trip to Costa Aluria out of his own pocket.

Openwater canoeing has been the staple of the native people of Wray's western and southern coasts, most notably the Dahgund tribe near Liberty Point, who are credited with sailing to Uitbregen over 400 years before Michel van Aalen bumped into the south coast of Wray in 1821. The Dahgund people were rewarded by having 2/3s of their people killed or driven out during the Land Submission in 1899.

Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms: All-body wet-suits, with traditional Wray design: green and white with the Wray Pine design down the right flank.

by **The Cardwith Islands** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 9:38 am

Team name: People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team (or People's Team for short)

Team captain and first paddler name: Ferris Vugaka
First paddler age: 32
First paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 21
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Captain of the crew, Ferris is a solid leader and a veteran competitor in the sport.

Second paddler name: Garrett Rudemska
Second paddler age: 27
Second paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 15
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Third paddler name: Harrison Tulavo
Third paddler age: 23
Third paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 11
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Fourth paddler name: Jenner Udomtka
Fourth paddler age: 28
Fourth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 16
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Back up anchor for the team, as well as second in command.

Fifth paddler name: Timoteo Ekladamu
Fifth paddler, age: 22
Fifth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 9
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Sixth paddler name: Sonny Dwaluto
Sixth paddler age: 26
Sixth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 15
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): A solid anchorman

Seventh paddler name: Darren Mosagwa
Seventh paddler age: 34
Seventh paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 22
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Eighth paddler name: Kendleton Herapta
Eighth paddler age: 24
Eighth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 13
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Ninth paddler name: Ferdinand Batampa
Ninth paddler age: 19
Ninth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 8
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional):

Team notes (optional): Upon hearing of the entry of the Hutanjian Butakja team into the race, the Cardwithians were adamant on sending their own team to compete for the glory of all workers and socialists/Marxists everywhere, but mainly determined to go against their most bitter rival in every aspect of life. All racers have received waivers from the People's Army to compete and delay their service, despite the severe manpower shortage in the ongoing war with Hutanjia. Many are fresh from the battlefields and jungles, released from military, support or guerrilla duties. While there is no love lost for the Hutanjians, they have a healthy respect for their prowess after years of going up against Hutanjian teams. As well, they are wary of the other experienced teams from seafaring nations, but confident in the endurance to outrace all for the Cup.

Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms: Red and gold

by **Costa Aluria** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 11:07 am

by **Costa Aluria** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 11:29 pm

Team name: The Ali'i

Team captain and first paddler name: Solomon Ali'iloa
First paddler age: 64
First paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 40
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): The patriarch of the Ali'i team, Solomon brings tons of experience, but he has certainly slowed down and lost some of his strength in the later years. It will be a challenge to see how much his valued leadership offsets his pretty clear downside at this stage of the game.

Second paddler name: Isodore Kapana
Second paddler age: 22
Second paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 6
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): The juxtaposition in paddlers is a bit humorous, going from the eldest member of the team directly to the youngest. What Isodore lacks in experience on the other guys is made up for in brute strength. He takes a spot near the front so that others in the team can be inspired by his quick paddling.

Third paddler name: Salome Tobias
Third paddler age: 40
Third paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 22
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Salome is one of the more experienced paddlers in the field, but has not lost much of his strength. He is placed near the front of the canoe to help balance Isodore in front of him.

Fourth paddler name: Kai Chancellor
Fourth paddler age: 24
Fourth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 8
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Another younger member of the squad, Kai is from an influential family within Costa Aluria's history. A strong individual, he brings a great balance to the squad with his good natured personality that keeps spirits high. Placed in the middle of the boat where he can have the most influence on team spirits.

Fifth paddler name: Kaleo Maikai
Fifth paddler, age: 28
Fifth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling:10
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): A stong, all around competitor, Kaleo is content to take over anywhere he might be needed.

Sixth paddler name: Emmanuel Ali'iloa
Sixth paddler age: 36
Sixth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 20
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): The son of Solomon, Emmanuel has been raised with paddling in his blood. Here, he balances out the the leadership of his father in the front of the canoe by anchoring the rear.

Seventh paddler name: Ione Kainoa
Seventh paddler age: 40
Seventh paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 17
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Though he got a relatively late start in paddling, Ione has been a solid competitor over the years. Now as he begins to get a bit older, he is taking a back seat to some of the younger paddlers to help them gain experience, though he remains a strong bet to paddle multiple legs of the race due to his continued experience.

Eighth paddler name: Noa Tuivaso
Eighth paddler age: 37
Eighth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 20
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Similar to Ione, Noa brings some good experience and a willingness to take a back seat as others develop. Also a strong bet to make frequent substitutions.

Ninth paddler name: Kimo Kahalu'u
Ninth paddler age: 24
Ninth paddler, years of experience in competitive paddling: 4
Photo or link (optional):
Notes (optional): Kimo is the least experienced of our paddlers, though not the youngest. He is an up and coming paddler who needs some more experience to make a big splash in the field.

Team notes (optional): Most of the Ali'i team has plenty of experience, even without a formal competition. As all native Costa Alurians of Polynesian ancestery, they have been practicing their paddling since they were just keikis. Several are employed in the tourism industry, leading their own teams of outrigger canoe tours along along the beaches.

Please describe or post a photo of team uniforms: White shirt with blue and yellow floral print, blue shorts

by **Costa Aluria** » Wed Nov 26, 2014 8:58 pm

Bishop's Beach
Callipygia, Costa Aluria

Opening night of The South Seas Outrigger Jubilee
Just before sunset
-------------------------
There was a low murmur throughout the crowd that had gathered at Bishop's Beach in Callipygia, Costa Aluria. There were the typical beach happenings occurring at the beach tonight. One particular palm tree, tucked into one corner of the beach, swayed gently in the wind as people nearby sat cross legged on a woven beach mat. A group of ten or so twenty-somethings were gathered some thirty feet away, circled around on disproportionate three legged stools, beach towels, and one pretty brunette on another male member's lap. There, a man wearing brown board shorts was seated squarely on his backside, his legs kicked out straight in front of him on the sand. He was gently strumming a ukulele as he sang out no particular summery tune. A little further away and partly in the beachgrass reeds, a pair of women batted playfully at a purple and white beach ball. It was a typical evening at a typical beach in Costa Aluria.

Typical, that is, except for one thing. Tonight was the opening luau for the 2014 South Seas Outrigger Jubilee. Outrigger canoe teams and spectators from many nations were scattered about the beach, some patiently waiting and some in various stages of greater anxiety. Like any competition, there was a handful of top competitors registered for the race, among a field of a number of otherwise inconspicuous competitors. They had began to amass over the previous days, drawn by the allure of a grueling race that loomed large on the horizon. The sky to the west was beginning to take on a myriad of colors ranging from orange to pink to red, and all those unnamed colors in between. It was another sunset from paradise.

Here upon this beach were scattered countless outrigger canoes, ready for the start of the race tomorrow. They were gathered in a semi-circle around what could be termed at centerbeach. From here, the race would start tomorrow, each team carrying or dragging their outrigger a total of 100 yards through the sand at this particular beach to the initial launching site for the first leg of the race. This activity would bookend the beginning and ending of each checkpoint of the race, just one of the many grueling ways this race was set apart from others around the world that were similar, as if a multiple day marathon race wasn't enough to completely drain the energies of the competitors.

The setting of Bishops Beach was curiously apropos for luau festivities. Here, Polynesian settlers had put their handiwork to task, establishing a number of villas in the traditional thatched hut style. The theme had been modernized and expanded into Chancellor Bay, with a beautiful array of overwater bungalows extending out into the water. And it was an excellent place indeed for those travelers of old, with the protected bay a wonderful place to go spear fishing along the reef, or to join in a Costa Alurian cultural activity known as a hukilau—a type of group castnet fishing activity. To the north, the reefs were so plentiful with fish that they had become known as what the Spanish immigrants called a bodega—a grocery store, if you will. It was a quaint place to lead a lifestyle.

Which is why, of course, that the area flourished and the need for trade arose. Just as the Polynesians established trade back and forth from the other islands far away, so too they established it amongst themselves here in these islands. And this too was an important facet of the Outrigger Jubilee. Over the next five days, competitors would recreate those important interisland trade routes, moving west to east as the original settlers had all those years ago. Starting from this very beach, competitors would soon be crossing the same dangerous waters that were so crucial to these islands' history.

On this night, at well-chosen intervals along this stretch of beach, tiki torches sat clustered together. With the sun now dimming, the setting was right for their lighting. A heavyset man went by one to the next, lighting them without any fanfare. Perhaps he received so little attention because he blended in so well. In addition to his palm frond woven hat, he wore cargo shorts and a Hawaiian style shirt in a floral pattern. Of course, here in Costa Aluria, it wasn't a Hawaiian style shirt at all; it was Costa Alurian style. And, more pointedly, it was just a shirt, typical fashion fare in these islands. The purposely mismatched undershirt of contrasting color completed the all-too-normal look for a common South Seas Islander.

As the last bits of light slivered behind the mountains, a Polynesian man meandered slowly to the center of the beach. Clad in a sarong and traditional leaf decorations around his arms and head, he also carried a conch shell in his left hand. With his right hand outstretched he pointed, first to the east, then to the north, then to the south. And then turning to the setting sun, he placed the conch to his lips and gave an experienced vibrating blow. From the conch came a loud, baritone note, and the beachgoers gave a hushed silence.

On the south side of the beach was erected a small stage and a set of speakers. In true island style, a "formally" dressed man wearing linen pants and a green button up shirt, loosely buttoned at the top and sleeves rolled a quarter of the way up, stepped up to center stage and grabbed the microphone. "Aloha nui loa!" he greeted the crowd with a great deal of enthusiasm. "Welcome to the 2014 South Seas Outrigger Jubilee! My name is Gideon Hoapili, and I am the commissioner for this year's race. On behalf of all Costa Aluria, we send a hearty greeting to all of this year's guests and competitors."

He continued to speak, giving the typical fanfare allotted to the opening ceremonies of any event. As big an event as this was, few in the crowd listened too specifically to his words. He mentioned a bit of the history of the event, and named a handful of sponsors. But the crowd was waiting for the important details. After a short while, the change in pace that the crowd had been expecting finally came. "...and so please join me in welcoming the competitors to the stage!"

This welcoming, of course, was an integral cultural aspect of the event. One by one, the teams were invited to the stage. There, in typical island style, they were greeted with an orchid lei from Allure Botanicals that was garnished around their necks by a committee of traditionally dressed individuals. It was a tradition that began thousands of years ago as Polynesian voyagers christened each of their guests too, a sign of hospitality and of the total aspect of sharing all that these islands had to give. It was, in fact, a way to bestow a gift to new friends and to declare that all are welcome. It was, all in one, a sign of welcome, of friendship, of good luck and of good measure. And it was also an important precursor: in the coming days as teams crossed each checkpoint of the race, this ritual would be repeated at each beach, a perpetual welcoming gesture.

While there were a number of local teams competing in the race, the crowd favorites and assumed heavily favored Ali'i Paddlers of Costa Aluria had the privilege to be honored last as the highest ranked home team. Anticiaption grew as the team awaited their turn on the stage. At long last, their name was called, and they made their way to the stage. In addition to the flower leis, each member of this team received a special kiss on the cheek, a particular grace from this welcoming team.

With the final team now welcomed, the true festivities could begin. Not the least of these festivities was the luau proper for which most everybody was waiting. Near to the stage, a great feast of traditional foods awaited the guests, spread out on several tables covered with brown coverings of tapa cloth, a barkcloth with cultural depictions as its design. Along the tables there was a great variety of foods—fish such as mahi tuna and a number of reef species, seafoods such as scallops and crab legs, bananas, guava, and many other delectable fruits, and of course taro bread and poi. Even mixed in were cultural offerings which had been incorporated from the islands' Spanish culture—stuffed goat bell peppers and paella—which had become just as much these islands' culture as the other offerings. And of course there was the kalua pork—certainly no luau would be complete without it; the crowd sat by intently as the pigs which had been roasting on hot coals beneath the sand were lifted out of their oven. To finish the table setting, a compliment of juices and coconut milk were ready alongside a tent of all-one-can-drink South Seas Soda Company beverages.

As the last of the guests dished up their plates, the drumming began. Gathered in the middle of the beach, another group of cultural entertainers took the show. A handful of men and a number of women lined up, adorned in grass skirts, sarongs, and leaves. There, for some time, the show centered on the cultural hula dances that followed, the dancers bodies tantalizingly gleaming in the firelight. Some of the competitors were even invited to join the show and strut their stuff there in the middle of the beach. Some were clearly no strangers to the hip gyrations of the hula, showing a mastery of the dances they had learned since children in their home culture. And some—well, it will suffice to say that some were strangers to this type of dance. But one thing was certain—whether the crowd was enjoying those who knew what they were doing with the rhythm of the drums, or whether the crowd was sharing a laugh with those who didn't—it was all in the name of fun and good sportsmanship. And it was, perhaps, the calm before the storm that would be the next five days testing the mental and physical fortitude of the competitors.

As the evening turned to night and with the waning of the light, the opening luau turned to one last show as guests continued to pile up their plates. At centerbeach, a male South Seas Islander walked up to the fire with a staff in his hand. Slowly, and with deliberate gestures, he stuck one end into the fire to make a torch. He made a few exaggerated movements from the blazing end toward his skin, finally holding the fire just a few inches from his face so the crowd could see his full expression. And then he thrust the opposite end of his torch into the flames, repeating the process he had just demonstrated before starting the full twirl and excitement of the fireknife dance.

He was not alone. Soon, fifteen more individuals, just as dedicated as he, dipped their staffs into the flames and joined him, their ends a fire with the blurry blazes of the rapidly spinning appendices. It was certainly a sight to see as the dancers shuffled around, throwing their torches between each other and performing tricks both ungodly and unworldly all at once.

As the last of the fireknife dancer performed, that was the signal that the official activities of the night were ending. The crowd was certainly welcome to stay as long as they desired, and many people lingered into the wee hours of the night. Others, content with the festivities or looking ahead to the next few days for which they would need to conserve as much energy as possible, dissipated to go off to their hotel rooms in the city, or as some of the lucky ones had, their overwater bungalow or thatched hut there at the the beach. The race would begin the next day at 10:00, whether they were ready for it or not.

And as the hubbub of the beach activities waned, the sound that was constant was that of the waves crashing onto the beach. However, the soothing sounds of the waves, so familiar to these islands, would turn into the sound of endurance and perseverance to those competing in the Jubilee starting tomorrow. It was after all a typical night at a typical beach in Costa Aluria.

by **Barunia** » Thu Nov 27, 2014 8:38 am

The luau was well in swing, but Luke Davies wasn't watching it. He stood at the edge of the water, staring out at the sea. The cool wind blew in his hair, and every now and then a wave would wash over his feet, but he made no effort to move. In his hand was a plate of untouched food.

Glenda Thornton came up behind him, startling him when she put her hand on his shoulder. She smiled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Everything ok?"
He returned her smile weakly. "Just thinking about my Grandpa, that's all."
"Yeah, that was a tough break. The funeral was yesterday, right?"
"Yeah. I was a pallbearer. I wasn't meant to do it but my cousin got pulled over by the cops on his way to the funeral, and missed the start."
"Ouch."
Luke shook his head. "You know what? I carried the coffin in and all I could think of was how small it looked, and how light. I mean, he was 6 foot, and I swear that box wasn't big enough."
Glenda took his hand, and gave it a friendly squeeze. "He was quite old, wasn't he?"
"92. Lived though the depression, through the civil war. He was a socialist through and through; was in the transport corps. They played the national anthem at the funeral; is that weird?"
"Sounds to me like it would be something he would have been happy with."
"You're probably right. It was a lovely service, but they had a celebrant. I mean, he never met Grandpa, but he did the eulogy; It missed the personal touch. But my uncle arranged it: I don't think he could have handled delivering the speech himself."
Glenda gave Luke a hug. "come on," she said, "Let's go watch the firedancing. It will take your mind off things." Together they walked back to the luau.

The next day, Glenda had a surprise for Luke. On the bow of their canoe, written in charcoal, was the name "Ernest". His Grandfather's name. Team captain Gyles Cantrell patted Luke on the shoulder. "We decided on it last night. From what you've told us, Ern would have been proud of you, doing this race. His spirit will be with us."
"Thanks." said Luke, holding back a tear.
"All right, take your place!" called Allycia Wallis. Luke moved to his place at fifth paddler, and took his stance ready for the lift, awaiting the signal. Then they were off, and as one man the Barunian dolphins lifted Ernest on to their shoulders and set off at a run down the beach.

Team for first leg (from front to back):
1 Gyles Cantrell
2 Glenda Thornton
3 Allycia Wallis
4 Ryan Oleastro
5 Luke Davies
6 Clay Carnavon

OOC: I apologise for this being rather depressing. It's mostly venting, expressing my own thoughts and feelings: my own grandfather's funeral was today, and I was a pallbearer because my cousin got pulled over. They also played "Highland Cathedral" in memory of his Scottish heritage; the tune I repurposed as Barunia's national anthem.

by **Costa Aluria** » Fri Nov 28, 2014 10:44 am

"Dozens of outrigger canoe teams set off from Callipygia on the first leg of the 2014 South Seas Outrigger Jubilee today. This five day marathon race tests the endurance and fortitude of paddling teams from all over the world. While the race is open to any class of paddlers, there are only a handful of teams considered as race favorites.

One of those favorites is the People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team, which parlayed favorable paddling conditions into the quickest time of the first leg of the race. Of great interest is the positioning of the Hutanjian Republican Team “The Spiders” who finished just a few minutes behind. The situation is one of many that the Sentinel will be monitoring given the current state of political unrest between the Cardwithians and the Hutanjians; claims to independence by Cardwith have been disputed by Hutanjia.

The hometown team and heavy favorite Ali'i Paddlers came in a distant third, with other powerhouse teams rounding out the top ten with a great amount of initial disparity. Historically, the first leg of the race has only been a small precursor to the final race results. Race officials report that there are a number of starting strategies that teams use in order to best pace themselves for additional legs.

The race continues tomorrow at 10:00 AM from Punaluu Beach in Kumulipo."

--Abraham Shepherd, South Seas Sentinel Reporter

Team	Leg 1 Results	Cumulative Results	Total Time
People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team Hutanjian Republican National Team "The Spiders" The Ali'i Paddlers	4:52:45 4:56:48 5:01:59	People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team Hutanjian Republican National Team "The Spiders" The Ali'i Paddlers	4:52:45 4:56:48 5:01:59
United States of Devonta National Rowing Team Water Llamas O.C. The Villagers	5:05:52 5:07:47 5:08:26	United States of Devonta National Rowing Team Water Llamas O.C. The Villagers	5:05:52 5:07:47 5:08:26
Barunia Dolphins VentureXL Kale Island Dragonflies	5:09:14 5:09:47 5:12:48	Barunia Dolphins Venture XL Kale Island Dragonflies	5:09:14 5:09:47 5:12:48

by **Hutanjia** » Sat Nov 29, 2014 1:43 am

LEG ONE: CALLIPYGIA TO PUNALUU BEACH, KUMULIPO

They had arrived without too much fanfare, determined to keep their focus for the tough legs ahead. News of the entry of the Cardwithian team had caused some mild startlement, but that was all that could be used to describe the reaction of the Hutanjian National team, The Spiders, as they were boarding the flight from Chastille, the Hutanjian capital, to Callipygia, Costa Aluria, via several stopovers. While both nations were technically in the greater Polynesian fold, the distance between the two nations was leagues and almost immeasurable stretches of ocean. They might as well be on opposite sides of the world. The Hutanjians had along a support crew that would take care of most of their needs and also crew the escort boat. They were renting the boat there, but their race butakja and outrigger attachments were being transferred in the hold of the special chartered flight of Hujan Airways.

The journey along the way was not without some levity and humor, and good spirits were kept up by Captain Norman Pratanka, as well as the back up anchorman, Horace Jumagka, who was the natural clown in the back of the class type. Some ribbing was made at the Cards, as they could afford to do so. The national rugby team, for instance, could not that shared the same mascot name as the butakja team actually had several Cardwithian ethnic members integrated into their ranks, but not so the butakja/rowing team, which were formed after hostilities commenced between the two bitter rivals. How they would react when faced with their national enemies remained to be seen, but they were put on notice to be on their best behavior. An ejection from the race and Costa Aluria for ill behavior would be a major blow to both the sport and national prestige. They would take any aggressions out against the Cards by smacking the water with their paddles, rather than Cardwithian flesh.

So, when the celebratory welcoming luau was under way, they kept their distance from the Cards, and likewise, it seemed there were similar instructions issued to the breakaway socialist nation's team, as they kept a margin too. Glares were exchanged, a few gestures, but nothing more dramatic than such grumbling. Instead of encouraging this sulking and pettiness, Norman again took up his duties as Captain both on and off the water. He led a group of the Hutanjians around to mingle with the Barunians, Electrumites, Devontans and Water Llamas, and of course, the host team. They were all professionals in their sport, no matter what they called it: butakja, canoeing, rowing, sport boating, outrigger and other cultural variations; bottom line was that the best of several nations were gathered to do what they do best - propel themselves by their own muscle across, and almost melded to, the salty seas that they were born near or, in some cases, on the surface of Neptune's realm.

That next day, the crew was ready, with the six top string of the team taking the spots in the butakja, or outrigger canoe. The others loaded onto the escort boat to help that crew in their support duties. The first leg was always the trend setter, the one that set the impression, the tone and cemented a team's stance with the rest of them. Whether one crossed leagues ahead, or in very last place, it was how they fought to get there, and how they persevered along the way.

Persevered they did. Battered by the Costa Alurian waves and continually questioning their position in unfamiliar waters, the Hutanjian crew paddled on, knowing that even in uncertain times, certain action could only be for the best. It was the last few kilometers that really set in for them as they were able to discern their closest pursuers. It was the Cardwithian crew behind them and they were fighting hard to overtake their closest adversaries. It was more stirring than any chant or heckling that their anchor could issue. The impetus of a Cardwithian butakja crew overtaking them was more than most of the men could bare, and they kicked into overdrive. The two Wishtonian crews were radiant as their energy exuded forth, pushing, scraping and clawing at each wave to eke out a few more meters and stay ahead, or overtake the lead.

The beach was in sight and the Hutanjian crew paused to look up, finding that in those rough minutes on the approach, they had been overtaken by the Cardwithian upstarts. The Cards jet ahead, as the exhausted Hutanjians could only look on and struggle in dismay. Another moral blow - they watched their rivals jump out on to the beach and grab their butakja and its outrigger cropping, throwing the paddles in to the boat, they hefted it up and chanted an old Cadugu tribal war chant as they chugged towards the finish line across the sand.

Finally, the Spiders vessel ground up onto the sand. They hopped out and dragged it the rest of the way up, in order to lift it without the suction of the water interfering. As they powered across the sand, they tried to avoid the gloating gazes of the Cards as they stood along the sidelines, catching their breath and slapping each other on the back. The Hutanjians charged across the beach for the final 100 yard stretch, stinging agony being one of the propellants that kept them going on. They would not lock in second this round, but there were other legs of the race to go, and the fight wasn't over yet.

It was with utter exhaustion and disgust that the Spiders later watched the Cardwithians take to the stage to accept their 'Race Leader' status in Punaluu Beach. The Spiders should sleep well tonight, but it wasn't likely. Again, they couldn't wallow when they needed to bounce back for the next leg. They were determined to strategize to make sure they could take away leader status from their fellow Wishtonians. They started in earnest at the crack of dawn, after a restless night, before they had to take to the water again.

by **Costa Aluria** » Sat Nov 29, 2014 2:28 pm

As soon as the conch was sounded to signify the beginning of the first leg, the Ali'i Paddlers knew they would have to rely on their familiarity with the local waters in order to finish near the top of the standings. The initial beach run to launch the outriggers was, as expected, not the teams forte. For all of his years of experience as the patriarch of the team, Solomon Ali'iloa was simply not the athlete that he once was, and it certainly showed during that first 100 yard stretch. Nearing his 65th birthday, he just wasn't much help in carrying the unwieldy canoe. Much of the burden fell to the younger, stronger crew, and the Ali'i quickly found themselves in a bit of a hole going into the paddling portion of the leg.

The initial sprint out of Callipygia was easy going enough, what with the mostly protected waters of Chancellor Bay. It appeared that the other teams were having an easy enough time with these waters as well, as they took momentum from the starting line with them into the first few miles of open water. But no other team in the field could claim the intimate knowledge of the waters and coastline that these could; their years of experience would be of great assistance as they discerned the cliffs in the distances and set course in an appropriate manner.

As the team approached the choppier waters of Reverence Channel, they were still some distance from most of the leaders. Still, the team refused to place too much strength into their paddle strokes, preferring instead to conserve their energy for the tougher waters ahead. Fourth paddler Kai Chancellor took the opportunity to set the stage for the remaining distances yet to come. A strong paddler in his own right, his real fortitude came in keeping spirits high. He had mentioned a few jokes in passing centered on the overwater bungalows near the start of the race, and after a few miles passed in a bit of silence, he was ready once again at what seemed like an opportune time to speak up. Poised as if he were strumming a ukulele back on the beach and not in the midst of an arduous marathon endeavor, he broke out into a well known song, belting it out loudly so that it could be heard over the sound of the waves.

But this race—indeed, this entire Jubilee—was about Solomon, at least for the Ali'i Paddlers.. With years upon years of muscle memory to rely on, he was still a force to be reckoned with. Many back at Bishop's Beach had thought he was one of the bystanding onlookers, and when they realized he was part of the race, most expected it to be as one of the race officials, not as a competitor. This was certainly a young man's sport. But with the experience that Solomon had on his own team members, let alone the remainder of Jubilee field, he was still poised to show he could compete at this level—at least in this particular race.

It was a position greatly enhanced by the remaining members of the team, of course. Of great assistance was Isodore Kapana, the second paddler. While he was the youngest paddler on the Ali'i team, he still had plenty to give the team. His greatest strength, and consequently, his biggest drawback as well, was his attack philosophy on the water. Isodore was always pushing the team to make the quickest strokes, assured that quicker strokes—even if less powerful—would eventually trump slower strokes that had more strength behind them.

It was for this very reason that he was placed directly behind Solomon. The team would follow Solomon's invaluable leadership as they he interpreted not only the race course but also the difficult waves, but in a twist of irony it was Solomon who would mostly follow Isodore's pace as Isodore called it out behind him. In practice, the team would follow Solomon as Solomon followed Isodore.

It was certainly a strategy that worked once the team reached Reverence Channel. Soon, the Ali'i Paddlers were within reach of the top teams, overtaking several of the lesser known teams on their way to the other race favorites. As they came ever nearer to the island of Himeni, they saw their deficit to the main teams grow smaller and smaller, even surpassing a good number of the top seeded teams. Of great assistance was their familiarity with the course itself, knowing every cliff and beach in the distance. Every once in a while Solomon would make a pointing gesture with his paddle, indicating to the rest of the team where to aim their efforts so as to travel the shortest possible distance. In a leg of 38 miles, this was of crucial importance.

Still some distance out of Punaluu Beach, the team could see what looked like another outrigger canoe out in the distance. And with the black sands at Punaluu coming into view, the Ali'i Paddlers knew they would have to rely on their experience for the remaining legs of the race as well; there would be no overtaking the team in maroon today. Still, they were pretty happy with what they thought was a second place finish in the first leg.

As they landed on the beach at Punaluu, they knew the 100 yard beach run that mirrored the beginning of the race was yet to come—bookends on the grueling paddling of each leg. But as the team hoisted the outrigger for the final sandy stretch, they noticed there was not one, but two outriggers already on the beach. There, watching the team Ali'i carry the outrigger up the shore was not only the team in maroon and now what they could see as also green and white, but also a team wearing red and gold. The Cardwithians had apparently been too far out in front for the Ali'i Paddlers to see coming into the checkpoint stretch.

Still, third place at the checkpoint was not too bad given how they had started. And yet it was not quite what the team had in mind—third place and yet the results board at Punaluu conifrmed they were still nine minutes off the lead.. They all knew they were heavy race favorites, and they were certainly used to setting the pace. It was difficult to determine whether they counted this as a moral victory or devastating defeat.

Off to one side of the beach, a clearly winded Solomon sat on a driftwood log, watching as the remaining teams landed on Punaluu Beach.

by **Costa Aluria** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 10:19 pm

"The Outrigger Jubilee continued from Kumulipo today, with indications of top competitors pulling away from the rest of the pack as teams battled the fatigue from yesterday's leg. While there are still three legs remaining in the five day long race, results from the first two legs indicate it may be a heated competition between just a handful of teams to claim the top prize.

Righting what many locals perceived as a subpar performance in the first leg, the Costa Alurian Ali'i Paddlers took advantage of navigational familiarity as they were the first team to cross the checkpoint at Playa Verde. Coming in a close second was the Hutanjian Republican National Team, known as 'The Spiders.' The Spiders came in second in yesterday's leg of the race as well, but thanks to steady pacing they still sit at the head of the cumulative leaderboard, edging out the Ali'i Paddlers for top overall billing.

A handful of teams from other nations continue to hold their place near the top of the rankings, though with notably slower times than yesterday's pace. The top ten teams may have changed positions slightly from yesterday's rankings but are still regarded as race favorites and are projected to maintain their top ten rankings throughout the race.

Race officials state that there are a number of reasons a team might have slower times on the second leg of the race, most notably that they are facing fatigue from the first leg of the race. Also of note, according to race officials, is the difficult course and navigation to Playa Verde, whose beach is hidden among the coastal cliffs of Costa Verde.

The race continues from Playa Verde at 10:00 AM tomorrow."

--Abraham Shepherd, South Seas Sentinel Reporter

Team	Leg 1 Results	Cumulative Results	Total Time
Ali'i Paddlers Hutanjian Republican National Team "The Spiders" United States of Devonta National Rowing Team	5:05:43 5:07:17 5:14:12	Hutanjian Republican National Team “The Spiders” Ali'i Paddlers People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team	10:04:05 10:07:42 10:16:58
The Villagers Water Llamas O.C. Barunia Dolphins	5:19:18 5:20:32 5:22:47	United States of Devonta National Rowing Team The Villagers Water Llamas O.C.	10:20:04 10:27:44 10:28:19
People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team Kale Island Dragonflies VentureXL	5:24:13 5:25:12 5:26:52	Barunia Dolphins Venture XL Kale Island Dragonflies	10:32:01 10:36:39 10:38:00

by **Costa Aluria** » Wed Dec 03, 2014 9:19 pm

Leg Two
Kumulipo to Costa Verde
-------------------

“What do you mean, ‘You are pulling yourself from this leg of the race?’” It was Ione's voice questioning.

“I mean I am pulling myself from this leg of the race,” Solomon responded. “This is not an old man’s race.” Solomon had thought about his decision all night, and now just a few minutes before the start of the second leg, he revealed his decision to the rest of the team.

“We need you. Nobody knows this next leg of the race like you do." Ione continued his protest. "There are so many cliffs that hide Playa Verde, it will be a clean defeat if we don’t get into the race with this second leg!”

“Which is precisely why I need to pull out from this leg,” Solomon interjected. “It took all I had to still come in third yesterday. If I am going to help this team at all, it is going to be by taking a bit of a backseat. As you said, it will be a clean defeat it we don’t get into the race with the second leg, and while I may have years of experience on the rest of the field, I am holding this team back physically.”

“And what of the cliffs? You’ve got a virtual GPS unit in that head of yours!”

“Perhaps," Solomon continued. "But you guys have made this trip often enough. And so has Emmanuel. He’s made this trip with me more times than I can count since he was just a keiki. But do you think your ancestors knew exactly where each landing spot was when they journeyed to Costa Aluria thousands of years ago? Channel your inner Polynesian—paddling is in your blood! These other teams got nothing on your ancestry!”

With that, Solomon stoop up and started to walk along the beach, content to take a backseat in the escort boat. And as much as it pained the remaining members of the team to see their captain make this step, they all knew that the Ali’I Paddlers had a smaller chance of winning with Solomon in the canoe. He was still a talented paddler who could outmatch most of the field. But that was just the problem—“most” of the field. The truth was at this stage of the game, his greatest asset was not his strength but his mental capacity to lead and navigate.

Still, this was a significant part of this race. This race was not necessarily made for the swiftest and strongest. Sure, it was a physically grueling race. But it was just as much about mental fortitude, and even at 64, Solomon was sharp as ever. It would still be a significant blow.

Solomon was thirty yards down the beach when the thought occurred to Ione, and racing after him, Ione caught up to the patriarch of the team. “You mention the paddling in our blood, but you deny it in yours? You know as well as anybody that our ancestors found these islands through skill and with the guiding hand of their elders!”

“Yes, I do.” Solomon continued walking down the beach toward the escort boat. “And it is the responsibility of a good and guiding leader to know when to let the rest of the team swim for themselves. And the notion that the rest of this team doesn’t know what they are doing is absurd!”

There was, of course, no need to argue with him. He knew what he was talking about. And the rest of the team did, in fact have quite a grasp on the situation. The truth was that any one of them would be qualified enough to lead their own team at the Jubilee. But just as Solomon’s contribution was mainly mental, so too the obstacle from removing him from his place at the helm was mainly a mental one faced by the rest of the team.

--------------------
With Solomon sitting out the second leg of the race, his son Emmanuel moved from the anchor position to the front of the canoe, with other changes happening as a result. Salome Tobias took Emmanuel's spot at anchor, and Noa Tuivaso came in at Salome's third position. And after some thought, Emmanuel, acting as team captain, made one more substitution to ensure that as many fresh paddlers were in the canoe as possible. This left Kimo Kahalu'u to come in, subbing for Kaleo Maikai.

And soon enough, the race was off. This strategy proved to be useful from the get-go, as the Ali'i Paddlers were able hit the ground running. No longer a necessity to watch their pace for Solomon, not only did the team begin the sand sprint as just that—a sprint—but also were able to get out to a good start in the water portion of the leg. Soon enough, the Ali'i Paddlers were pacing the remainder of the field.

The beginning portions of the leg were easy enough. Just a quick trace of the Southwest corner of Himeni. Soon enough, the time came to come through the Five Saints. Every once in a while, Salome would glance behind him to see just how close the others were. He knew the truth of the matter—the end of the leg was true to the nature of the course in being difficult. Playa Verde hid amongst the sea cliffs of Costa Verde. It could be easy enough to miss the beach until it was right under their noses. Having to quickly change ccourse to make a landfall could cost this team—or any behind them, for that matter—a few precious moments of race time.

For his part, Emmanuel looked as much the part of captain as his father did the previous leg. Periodically, he would point with his paddle to direct the course. Those behind him relied on his experience, and there were only minor differences in opinion as the race continued. Solomon had been correct, of course; they all knew the course well enough to lead their own team, and together they knew it better than anybody else in the field.

It was leg newcomer Noa who kept the paddlers on one of the most important points of the race as the teams traveresed the Five Saints. Everybody else was so eager to get to Playa Verde that they were ready to head due south of San Pascual. Noa, with his fresh muscles and less strain mentally, was the only one to remember that the race course specifies that teams must travel between San Joaquin and San Pascual, though it took several spirited shouts to right the course—several spirited shouts with perhaps some words that shouldn't be repeated here. It was a funny designation, after all. On a course where so many things were left to the whims of the paddlers, the race designated that paddlers must travel between the eastern most of the Five Saints. Perhaps it was one tiny but ultimately greatly important way to test the mental acumen of the racers at this stage of the game.

As the team cleared the Five Saints, Emmanuel pointed his paddle towards the first cliff visible on the island of Wailele. With authority, he steered the Ali'i Paddlers to the most dangerous portion of the leg, right into the face of the cliffs. His plan was simple. Since Play Verde hid on the banks of the cliffs, Emmanuel did not want to give any strategic advantage to teams behind him by letting them follow the Ali'i Paddler's lead. By cutting in close to the cliffs, The Ali'i Paddlers could cut behind as they entered each cliff break, essentially obscuring their position from the field behind them. The remaining teams of paddlers would have to be confused on their own.

This strategy was also of great importance to spotting the beach at Playa Verde itself. By cutting in close to the cliffs, the team would be able to spot it as quickly as possible and move into the landing without delay. And it was precisely this strategy that soon saw Emmanuel point with his paddle to the beach on their left. Isodore, still in much control of the pace, soon quickened his paddling stride. The team really put muscle to paddle these final stretches of the leg, recognizing both that they had a deficit to make up and that each second they made up on this leg would put them closer to the overall lead. With such quick paddling, landfall was soon made, and the obligatory 100 yard run and canoe carry up the beach was underway.

After crossing the checkpoint, the team looked back once again. They could see one team closing quickly enough, but the remaining portion of the field was some time off of their pace.

Within a few minutes, an escort boat arrived at the beach. There, ukulele in hand, trotted onto the beach one Solomon Ali'iloa, with a grin on his face.

by **Barunia** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 8:45 am

Dig. Stroke. Lift. Dig. Stroke. Lift. Repeat a thousand times, or ten thousand. Luke didn't know anymore. His arms ached, and the constant spray stung his face. Still, he continued. Dig the paddle, pull it through, lift it up and reposition for the next stroke. He worked in a rhythm, matching the strokes of his teammates. Gyles had stopped calling the strokes a long time ago; now, they worked by memory. Every so often, one would lean back, rest his or her paddle, and stretch their arms, trying to ease the stiffness that had settled in after repeating the same motion for hours on end. But this rest period was short, and in a minute or so they would pick up their paddle and begin again, with a tiny amount of their energy restored.

The Dolphins had left the waters of the Five Saints, where the skill of Luke and Allycia, the two white water experts, had proved invaluable. Now they were on the home stretch, but this was the realm of the sprinters. Now Luke was just another paddler, and paddle he did, for hour after hour. Despite the long time, there was no time to think of anything other than the race. Every stroke, every ounce of focus and thought went into the single goal of propelling the boat as fast and as straight as possible. Like the rest of the team, Luke's brain switched off as he narrowed his focus down to the team, the boat, and his paddle. Mechanically, without thinking, he moved his muscles in a long practiced pattern. Dig. Stroke. Lift.

by **The Cardwith Islands** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 1:57 pm

LEG 2

Ferris Vugaka was always thinking steps ahead. Like a chess player, he would ever review past moves and future moves that could counter the opposition. Stay steps ahead. Several steps ahead. Their original competition had seemed to be the Hutanjian team, but as things wore on during this second leg and they hit this open stretch of water, it was clear they had much more to contend with than their Wishtonian neighbors. The home team was hitting back hard after their somewhat embarrassing first leg debut, and now the big drama that had unfolded between the two bitter enemies of the Cardwiths and Hutanjia was starting to seem like a sideshow. They would fade into race obscurity, both teams, if they didn't put forth more effort to catch up to the rampaging Ali'i Paddlers, Barunian Dolphins and the Devontans. In fact, it seemed like everyone was overtaking the tired out People's Team as they struggled to tackle the waves and currents heading into Playa Verde.

So, his chess analogy wasn't quite working out as the Cards fought to not fade into total oblivion. More than fighting to stay steps ahead, they should be more concerned with competitive survival at this point. The Hutanjians were long gone, as were the hosts. The only teams they had in sight were the Dolphins and Llamas, who seemed to have a steady enough flow. It would take a miracle to overtake them at this point. Had they gotten cocky after that first leg?
Ferris reviewed again, from dawn, to muster, to launching off from Kumulipo, where had it gone wrong that they had fallen this far behind the pack?
Which teammate had stayed up too late? Which one had skirted restrictions and hit the bottle a bit when they should be resting up? Which one didn't have their total spirit and mental accuity focused on each muscle straining to keep the motion and the flow going? Him. He was that one. He needed to cleanse these thoughts of doom and blame from his mind. It would not help at this point. But, at this point, what would help to recover this disastrous leg? Not a whole lot but continued determination to not be last.

He sighed as he dug the paddle in to the thick wave and cleaved it in two. Defeatism had no place here, not in thought or voice. He took a break from calling out strokes and deviations:

"Let's Go! Push it Gents! We need to overtake a couple of these teams to stay in it. Let's GO!"

by **Costa Aluria** » Wed Dec 10, 2014 11:37 pm

"The Outrigger Jubilee continued from Costa Verde today with much anticipation. One of the most anticipated legs of the race saw teams maneuvering for position as they attempted to traverse the sandy shores of Solanche Beach in Whitsunday. While the leg had been mostly competitive during the first hours, as the leg continued the results became more about superior navigation of the sandy channels than it did pure strength.

At points near the ending of the leg, several teams received help from the conditions as others faltered, wasting precious moments as they righted their paths. Of particular note was the finish from the hometown Ali'i Paddlers, who after leading much of the race came across some amount of bad luck and had to wade their canoe for several yards, allowing another team to pass them as they made their way to the checkpoint where a lei greeting awaited finishing teams.

Among the storylines is the continued jockeying between the three lead teams, which includes the Ali'i Paddlers, the Hutanjian Republican National Team, and the People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team. This particular leg of the race saw the Hutanjian team slip from their otherwise strong performance in the second leg, at a price of top overall seed in the cumulative results.

Meanwhile, while the Cardwithian team has placed first in two of the three legs to date, a relatively unexpected poor performance yesterday from Kumulipo to Costa Verde has cost this team the top overall billing, dropping the Cardwithians to third overall. The rivalry between the Cardwithians and Hutanjians continues to be one of the most hotly contested competitions in the race.

A bit further back in the standings, some teams are making moves to finish closer to the top of the field. Whether by strategic design or by good luck on the course, a number of teams are starting to increase their time results as compared to the rest of the field. One such team is the Barunia Dolphins, who moved up slightly in the rankings from seventh to fifth after the third leg of the race.

This leg of the race also saw teams start to even out from the disparity of the first two legs. Race officials note there may be a number of reasons why this leg of the race saw closer finishes than the previous two days. Gideon Hoapili, commissioner for the Outrigger Jubilee, weighed in from Whitsunday after the third leg of the race, attributing the lower overall time disparity to a number of factors. 'We had a number of teams that appeared to be conserving their strength for these last few days of the race, and the shallow waters near Whitsunday were a real equalizer as teams were unable to navigate them too quickly,' Hoapili commented.

The race continues tomorrow morning from Whitsunday as teams travel the notably treacherous waters of Crescendo Channel 34 miles to Cape Foulweather. "

--Abraham Shepherd, South Seas Sentinel Reporter

Team	Leg 1 Results	Cumulative Results	Total Time
People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team Ali'i Paddlers Barunia Dolphins	5:22:47 5:25:14 5:27:35	Ali'i Paddlers Hutanjian Republican National Team “The Spiders” People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team	15:32:56 15:38:19 15:39:25
United States of Devonta National Rowing Team The Villagers Hutanjian Republican National Team “The Spiders”	5:30:27 5:33:04 5:34:14	United States of Devonta National Rowing Team Barunia Dolphins The Villagers	15:50:31 15:59:36 16:00:48
Water Llamas O.C. Venture XL Kale Island Dragonflies	5:37:26 5:39:36 5:43:06	Water Llamas O.C. Venture XL Kale Island Dragonflies	16:05:45 16:16:15 16:21:06

by **Hutanjia** » Thu Dec 11, 2014 12:55 am

LEG 2
KUMULIPO TO COSTA VERDE

They continued to hold steady, having boosted off onto the second leg sandwiched between the Dolphins and the Cardwithian team. Norman saw no reason to switch up their winning combination now, even though the waters would be different for this go round. His was the opinion that familiarity and a routine would lock in the team tighter and keep them going past their exhaustion point. When they continued to shoot dirty glances at the Cards, Pratanka, as Captain called eyes front.

"From now on, yeh ginna keep de eyes up heah. Only de ankah need to be lookin' roun'."

They knew what he was doing and they all secretly appreciated it. The last thing they really needed to do was psych themselves out watching the Cardwithians. Besides that, the other teams were just as much worthy of attention and some amount of healthy fear. As they continued to bound over the water, they were able to come even with the Paddlers.

Pratanka scrutinized the host squad as he focused on slamming his paddle into the water and slicing at the surf. The first thing he noticed was that Solomon, their old timer was gone from the lineup, most likely in their escort boat. The rest of them seemed to have been shuffled up as well. He didn't take it as a good sign, rather, that they were getting serious and had reassigned spots to tackle the vastly different bit of course for this leg. Pratanka didn't have time to ponder this more as they fell behind the Paddlers. The Spiders were starting to slow down to a scary degree. Norman continued to call out louder to spurt them on, but to no avail. They dropped farther, then, as their anchor, Soramza, scrutinized the coast to make sure they made the proper turns, a miracle happened. They began to rocket ahead again.

They passed the Dophins. Shot past the Llamas, the Villagers and Devontans. The Cards were nowhere in sight, but neither were the Ali'i Paddlers. Soramza shouted course corrections, as they seemed to have gotten as far off track as they had ahead. Still, they kept their lead over the other teams despite the extra effort they needed to get back towards the cliffs and then veer out again as the currents took them in too close. Finally, they were in sight of the beach. One team had beaten them and were already slogging up the sand towards the finish. The Paddlers.

The Spiders were out and racing, almost out of breath, but clinging on to make that mad dash and make it all worth something. They crossed and then collapsed, nearly taking themselves out with the butakja. They would sleep soundly tonight, but had they burnt themselves out too much for Leg 3?

by **Costa Aluria** » Sat Dec 13, 2014 12:41 am

Leg three
Costa Verde to Whitsunday
-----------------------------------------

Coming out of Costa Verde, Solomon Ali'iloa continued to sit in the escort boat, overly content with his team's performance from the day before. New team captain Emmanuel made a couple more substitutions to the team, subbing out the two others who had sat out yesterday's leg for a pair of paddlers who had yet to rest. Emmanuel wanted to keep his team as fresh as possible going into the next leg and those coming in the next two days. The Ali'i Paddlers still had some time to make up after all, after their poor performance two days before.

It was a bit of an interesting move, of course, not extremely necessary per se. Every one of the Ali'i knew this leg of the race, like each other leg, presented its own unique challenges. While the term "race" in and of itself designates the fastest time, this leg of the race was less about sheer speed than it was water navigation. The beginning of the race, for sure, was about speed paddling; but with much of this leg occurring in the shallower waters near Whitsunday, it would be imperative for teams to choose the wisest path in an effort to avoid unnecessary beaching of the canoe while still at sea. It was a complicated course, and one that could have benefited from Solomon's years of expertise on the course. Alas, on this day his experience would have a pass.

With fresh arms, and consequently, fresh legs in stow, the leg got off to a great start by the Ali'i. As the starting conch sounded, the team was one of the first down the beach for the starting launch from Playa Verde. Soon, by the time the team had passed just the second formations of cliffs that were jutting into the sea, the team had reestablished their pole position in the water, surpassing some of the slower paddlers who had had a good run in the sand at the start.

The Ali'i, of course, looked quite the part in their lead position. Soon they were truly hitting their stride, with Emmanuel pointing the way with his paddle as he had the day before. The muscle memory of the previous two days was starting to show its prominence; they were all sore, of course, but with each stroke in unison they pushed forward as they had learned to do from a young age. It was, after all, the Polynesian way in an outrigger canoe.

Where the Ali'i had the advantage over teams in course familiarity was also the team's weakness; while other teams may not have been so familiar with the course, it was also a novelty to be paddling in unfamiliar waters. Not so for the Paddlers. They had seen these cliffs, these coasts, these beaches countless times. With nothing new and exciting to behold, there was also nothing to divert their attention from their paddling. Even amidst all of the natural beauty surrounding them, it became a task of the mundane. Stroke. Followed by another. And another. Another hundred strokes, another thousand. Another five minutes, another five hours.

It was also this very dynamic of familiarity that came to rear its ugly head as the team neared Whitsunday. Failing to take in their full surroundings, they made the grave mistake of underestimating the shores nearing Solanche Beach.

Emmanuel, pointing the way with his paddle, was ready for the end of the leg. The Ali'i had remained in the lead since the early portion of the leg, with barely any competition to push them out of their monotony and jar them back in to competitive mode. In one misguided swoop, Emmanuel looked over his left shoulder and away from the shoreline to catch one last glimpse of the teams behind them. In doing so, he also took his eyes away from his task as lead paddler to navigate the team through the sandy waters.

In a split second, there was a jarring blow that caught each canoe member's attention as the canoe came to a sudden, jolting stop. They had journeyed too far into the shallows some four hundred yards short of the checkpoint, and now their progress was completely halted. With a few frenzied shouts, they tried to put push off with their paddles, but to no avail. It was Noa who first realized the nature of the situation. He jumped from his post inside the canoe, yelling at the rest of team to follow suit. They would have to wade out to a better position.

It was an ordeal each of them had expected at one point or another some five hours earlier; nearly every team would likely have to wade at some point near Solanche Beach. But in the tyranny of the familiar, the team had lost track of the shoreline and now would have to wade much sooner than they had expected. And as easily as the team had moved in the water with their paddles as the propulsion, the exact inverse had occurred when it was time to wade. It took nearly twenty seconds for most of the rest of the team to recognize the need to get up to their knees in the water in the first place. And with a panicked state of mind starting to take over, they certainly did not act as one unit in the tugging and pulling that ensued in the next few moments. The paddlers could only watch as one team who had been behind them pulled ahead to make the triumphant march up the beach to claim the first finish of the leg.

Once the Ali'i finally made it on the beach, a visibly angered Emmanuel saw that that team was the Cardwithians. Despite the Cardwithians first leg victory, Emmanuel had all but counted them out of the race with their poor performance in yesterday's leg, assuming they had spent too much of their energy on the first day. And now it had become painfully and embarrassingly apparent that he had underestimated them, just as he had underestimated the course. Emmanuel had turned his team's greatest asset into it's most fatal weakness, and this tyranny of the familiarity had cost them dearly. It had been humiliating defeat.

And yet in this day of exposed polarity, a new twist awaited Emmanuel at the beach once the leaderboard had been updated. It was with some amazement that Emmanuel noted the Ali'i Paddlers had actually moved into the top spot as overall race leader, and by a good margin. Still, they had backed their way into that position, and it had come not because the Ali'i were paddling their best, but because the other teams likewise were not paddling at theirs.

The strange juxtapositions continued through the evening; Emmanuel continued to stew at his poor performance as his father Solomon sung out a Costa Alurian beach tune to the strumming of his ukulele.

by **Costa Aluria** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 7:39 pm

"The Outrigger Jubilee continued from Whitsunday today as teams traveled some 34 miles to Cape Foulweather. Despite being the shortest leg of the Outrigger Jubilee, this leg was believed by many to be the most difficult leg of the race due simply to the large unchecked waves which paddlers must face as they cross Crescendo Channel. Still, this leg of the race proved to be one of the closest of this year's challenge, with several of the top teams separated by just a few minutes as they crossed the checkpoint line at Boxkite Beach. In fact, a few of the top teams came down to a true sprint finish on the beach as the leg came to a conclusion.

Despite the relative proximity of the teams during this leg of the race as compared to previous legs, the race has all but been whittled down to a three team competition for full winner's bragging rights as the finish line looms on the horizon. Teams from The Cardwith Islands, Hutanjia, and the hometown Ali'i Paddlers find themselves best positioned to finish with the lowest cumulative time.

It is a bit of a surprising placement for the team from The Cardwith Islands, as two of their four legs have been major disappointments. In today's leg four of the race, the People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team finished in 9th place, coming in last of all the major competitors. However, two first place leg finishes leave them with an outside chance of taking home the gold medal.

The Hutanjians and Ali'i Paddlers, however, remain in a very stiff heat for top overall billing. The Hutanjian Republican National Team finished leg four as the fastest team from Whitsunday to Cape Foulweather, but the Ali'i Paddlers continue to have the pole position in total cumulative time after consistent top three finishes in each leg of the race.

Other racers found the large waves of the channel to be a large barrier today, as the waves equalized a great number of teams. Combined with the relatively shorter distance for the leg, the waves resulted in a more competitive leg overall. Still, many of the weakest teams, including those in the race for recreational purposes, struggled against the mighty current. Several teams were close elimination from the race after being dangerously close to calling for assistance from their escort boats. Additionally, the infamously famous weather systems near Cape Foulweather made landfall difficult for those paddlers who had made it that far.

The much anticipated culmination of this year's race occurs tomorrow as paddlers head out from Cape Foulweather and travel through Captain Cook Straight en route to Santa Gabriela's Holokai Cathedral Beach. There, the team with the lowest cumulative time from each five legs of the race will be welcomed with a royal lei greeting and the designation of race winner.

--Abraham Shepherd, South Seas Sentinel Reporter

Team	Leg 4 Results	Cumulative Results	Total Time
Hutanjian Republican National Team “The Spiders” VentureXL Ali'i Paddlers	4:27:44 4:29:47 4:29:58	Ali'i Paddlers Hutanjian Republican National Team “The Spiders” People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team	20:02:54 20:06:03 20:19:49
Kale Island Dragonflies Barunia Dolphins Water Llamas O.C.	4:30:35 4:31:38 4:32:39	United States of Devonta National Rowing Team Barunia Dolphins Water Llamas O.C.	20:25:10 20:31:14 20:38:24
United States of Devonta National Rowing Team The Villagers People's National Cardwithian Butakja Team	4:34:39 4:39:41 4:40:24	The Villagers Venture XL Kale Island Dragonflies	20:40:29 20:46:02 20:51:41

South Seas Outrigger Jubilee (Everything Thread) [OPEN]

South Seas Outrigger Jubilee (Everything Thread) [OPEN]

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