Team Industrial and the Catalina Challenge

The Prolific Paddler and Paddlebuilder Ernie Johnson sent me two great photojournals for races he’s done recently. This makes three stories so far from Ernie (and makes all the rest of you look like slackers–how ’bout getting those stories to me–you can’t just be sitting around reading about this stuff!).

Ernie Johnson and Tony Mueller teamed up to compete in the Catalina Challenge using Ernie’s sailboat (and home) as their chase boat. Here’s Ernie’s story:

Loading the T 17.5–Ernie Johnson’s secret weapon for this race. One nasty looking little SUP board

Tony Mueller (stoked to have him as a relay partner and a friend)

Avalon harbor in Catalina

T Man, Ernie’s partner in Paddling and the dingy they did their swap-over from.

“Gentlemen Start Your Engines–er, paddles” 9:00 AM in Avalon

Getting ready for the long paddle home!

The seas are already starting to get rough.

Passing the only solo OC-1 in the race

“Heavy the Oar, Heavy the sea…”<

That’s a lot of board, clearly fast but not easy in that chop

It’s even tougher when you’re paddling uphill–watch that horizon, shooter (if you’re photographing for Ke Nalu or any publication, it might help to read our guide to composing action shots at http://www.kenalu.com/report/composing-action-photosvideo/

You can barely see the board.

Tony gaining on Jim Terrell

The board was perfect for the conditions.

Tony takes a break.

Tony does not like getting passed by anyone.

Tony across the line. 4:01pm. 39.5 mi. in 7 hrs 1min. What a knarley experience!