On this episode we catch up with Steve, a dedicated Maui-based foiler and race. Fresh off the summer racing season in Hawaii, Steve shares his firsthand experiences from high-stakes downwind foil races, gear tweaks, and the mental grit required to conquer challenging ocean channels. From hilarious mishaps to profound insights on personal growth in the sport, this conversation dives deep into the world of foiling, para-winging, and the evolving landscape of ocean racing. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just ocean-curious, this episode captures the thrill, strategy, and community spirit of Maui's water sports scene.
- Race Recaps: Paddle Imua and Voyager: Insights into the fun, charity-focused Paddle Imua event with its diverse participants (from SUPs to wingers) and tricky finish at Kanaha, plus how it ties into the Triple Crown series.
- M2M (Maui to Molokai) Experience: Steve breaks down the chaotic start, dealing with currents, and an exciting photo-finish sprint with a pack of riders, emphasizing strategic foil choices and the impact of improved gear.
- M2O (Molokai to Oahu) Grind: A raw account of the grueling Ka'iwi Channel crossing, including fatigue battles, cramps, a 30-minute struggle to relaunch after a fall, and the psychological role of escort boats—with a shoutout to legend Alan Cadiz as captain.
- Evolving Sports: Para-Winging vs. Paddle Foiling: Debating the future of para-wing racing, biases toward downwind-style events over kite-like speed runs, and ideas for rule tweaks to add strategy, like timed wing usage.
- Personal Growth and Community: Reflections on the immense difficulty of SUP foiling compared to other disciplines, racing against oneself for improvement, and the respect for veterans like Robert paddling massive channels on traditional boards.
- Hawaiian Ocean Realities: Tales of shark mind games while body-dragging, boat chaos in races, and the sheer endurance of prone paddlers in events like the M2O on "suffer sticks."
Follow Steve on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/steve_tobis/ for more of his ocean adventures.
