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Saipan, Guam paddlers to cross Tinian channel
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Posted on Apr 30 2008
A nine-man crew from Guam will join the Saipan Outrigger Canoe Club in making the 3rd Tinian Crossing this weekend.
The 40-mile, two-day challenge will take place during the San Jose Fiesta in Tinian when SOCC and Guam paddlers will paddle from Saipan to Tinian and back.
Event organizer Richard Sikkel said the Guam boat will be needing one additional crew since only eight of them will be going back to Saipan.
The event begins early Saturday morning at the Kilili Beach Park.
Sikkel said the first day is usually relatively easy going with the wind and swells in the back. “Upon landing on Tinian paddlers get a taste of traditional island hospitality.”
The trip back on the second day is slightly tougher due to the fatigue of the previous day.
The channel is between Saipan and Tinian with its illusive and dreaded whirlpool, which is the most challenging part of the crossing. Paddlers will go against the wind and swells in the second day of the crossing.
Two chase boats are set to assist the two groups while a third boat is still in the works for boosters and photographers.
Each boat crew can also consist of nine to 12 paddlers.
Those who are confirmed from SOCC are Brian Eckert, Sonny Downer, Leon, Dave Palacios, Cooper Schraudenbacher, Rita Bonice, Eric O’Malley, Jim Sirok, Gil Birnbrich, and Richard Sikkel.
Other SOCC event in their calendar is the Dragon Triangle Challenge on June 7 when they are scheduled to circumnavigate Saipan.
SOCC is also looking for interested high school paddlers who want to join the Guam Youth Invitational Outrigger Race on June 14 and 15. They are also looking for sponsors that will help fund the trip.
