I have completed what I call the double-double two or three times, I’m not sure.
And what, you asked, is the double-double?
It’s coming next weekend, July 27-28, and it is nirvana for those who swim and run.
First is the 12th anniversary of the Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge on July 27. Hundreds come out for this competition at what is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. At 9 a.m. near the Hanalei Pier, the keiki lead things off in the 8 and under division and then the 12 and under. At 9:20, the 3,000-meter swimmers are off and they’re followed by the 1,000-meter swimmers at 9:25. Finally, the 1,000-meter fin and snorkel swim goes at 9:30.
If you sign up by Friday, it’s $40 for the longer swims, $10 for the keiki events. After Friday, keiki are $15 and adults are $50.
The Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge is back after a one-year hiatus due to the flood recovery last year. It remains one of the island’s best events. I’ve done the 1,000 a few times (beaten by many of the 3,000 swimmers) and I’m afraid my poor swim technique and my fear of the deep have combined to keep me close to last place. As I rarely swim these days, I’m not optimistic I would even finish. However, I think I might be able to take down some 5 year olds but I don’t think they’ll let me enter the 8 and under division.
A friend did point out no one drowns in Hanalei Bay as it’s clear and calm and the HBSC has many volunteers along the courage to watch after swimmers. If I suddenly feel courageous, I may jump in and join my friend John Oszust and all the others, but that’s doubtful because being fearless, I’m not.
Meanwhile, I encourage others who can swim and aren’t paranoid about sharks to come out for this great event and one of the top 100 American Open Water Swims by the World Open Water Swimming Association.
Info: www.hanaleibayswimchallenge.com
The second half of the double-double is the Koloa Plantation Days Family Fun Run put on by the Kukui‘ula Outrigger Canoe Club on July 28. I feel much safer running and opt for the 10-miler each year, but there are also 5k and 10k courses and a one mile keiki run. All the races start and end at Poipu Beach Park. This is one of Kauai’s premier road races and it brings out many of the island’s top runners. Just so you know, the 10-mile course is a tough one with some hills and usually headwinds but this is, in my opinion, the one to run. Another note, this is the only road race I did not finish. One year I started with an ailing hamstring and hobbled for three miles before bailing.
The 5k, 10k and 10-miler are $35 until 5 p.m. July 26, and go up $5 on race day. It’s $30 for each of those events under the family/group category. The keiki run is $15, no registration necessary.
For your money, it’s a great deal. You get a nice shirt, breakfast and a fun awards ceremony, with ribbons and medals to top finishers. Best of all, you will meet some fine people
Only a handful — I believe Smilie and Joel Punzal have done the double-double, as well as Brooke Sugahara — do both the Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge and then the Koloa Plantation Days Fun Run the following day. This is your chance. See you there. Info: www.koloaplantationdays.com
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Bill Buley is the editor-in-chief of The Garden Island. He can be reached at bbuley@thegardenisland.com
