Training for the 11 city tour

In 2 weeks the 11 city tour starts again. For me the main race of the season, 220 km in 5 days. A combination of strength, strategy and endurance makes this an different race than all the others. Lately I have been picking up the pace in training, specially in endurance. It is all about time on the water. Yesterday I did another 5 hr run here on Maui. Another part of the 11 city is the mental part, the longer a race is the harder it will be mentally. During 6 hours of racing a day you won't be on a high the whole time. So you have to bite through even when it us a little tougher. The weather can play a big part in this race. Last year we had 2 days of very strong wind which made it even tougher but also more interesting. I wil be writing on the blog every day during the race to give you an inside scoop of the 11 city tour in the Netherlands.
Aloha from Maui

Germany 4 Lake trophy and Lost Mills race

4 LAKE TROPHY

Thursday started with the 4 lake trophy about 70 competitors from Germany and the rest of Europe came for 3 days of racing  in Germany's biggest race this year.

The 4 Lake Trophy constisted of  2 races, a sprint and a long distance everything in one day. The sprints were done in 8 man heats with 4 advance until the 8 man final. All the heats went very smoothly. All the top Austrian, Spanish, German, Italian and Swiss made it into the final. I had a good start but so did Olaf Schwarz (olympic kano paddler) and Belar Diaz and Peter Bartl. I gave it all to at arrive at the turn around buoy first.  After a tight turn and a sprint to the beach I got  in first to the finish.

1. Bart de Zwart STARBOARD

2. Peter Bartl      Mistral

3. Belar Diaz      Fanatic

4, Fabrizio Gasbarro Fanatic

5. Olaf Schwarz Naish

Next was the long distance. We had a long starting line with a racers lined up. I started as hard as I could trying to make at least 1 or 2 board length between me and the rest before the first buoy. Peter Bartl started fast too but couldn't hold the pace. My board an ACE 14' is fast but doesn't turn  that easy. But with the little gap this was no problem at the first buoy. I tried to stay at the same pace and keep my gap for 3 rounds around 4 buoys. Behind me was a group of 5 racers with Belar Diaz, Peter Bartl, Fabrizio Gasbarro and Martin Mortiz. I was very glad I took some water because it got very hot and the water kept me going. The last leg I slowed down a little with enough room to spare. Fabrizio saw this and stepped up his pace and closed in a little. So I finished with a face pace again finishing with a comfortble margin. This was a good racing day for me. With both races in control. I knew though the next day was another race with a few more racers coming.
1.Bart de Zwart, STARBOARD
2.Fabrizio Gasbarro, Fanatic
3. Peter Bartl, Mistral
4. Belar Diaz, Fanatic
5. Mortiz Martin. Starboard

LOST MILLS international

Next was the lost mills race. I felt good but knew after the North Sea crossing and the race yesterday I had to give everything to stay up front. More than a 100 racers showed up. for this race. My start was not like the days before my paddle got stuck between 2 boards. 2 people fell next to me. All hectic and I was happy to stay on my board. The pace was fast. with 2 groups trying to get the lead. I managed to paddle around to the back of Eric Terrien and Caspar Steinfath who was leading one group. From the other side it was Chase Kosterlitz who sad yesterdays race out and wanted to show the world is fast. With big strokes he paddled to the front with Eric , Caspar and me  trailing behind him. First we went over the first lake, to a dam where you had to run with your board over it to paddle around the second lake, back to dam again and finish on the first lake.

At the run I lost my connection with the first 3 and Leo even overtook me on the run. I have always been a better paddler than runner. Now it was Fabrizio right behind me, Leo 3 board lengths in front and the top 3 in front of him.

The put my head down and gave everything to get on Leo's tail again which I managed still followed by Fabrizio who was on fire today. On the way back we both pulled away from Leo. On the run I could keep Fabrizio behind me. Chase and Eric were to far in front to catch up Caspar slowed down a lot and was looking around obvious getting tired. I gave everything until the finish but couldn't catch up with Caspar. I tried to pull away from Fabrizio who stuck to me almost all the way only near the finish I managed to get 2 board lengths of space to secure my 4th place.

Men’s Top 5
1st: CHASE KOSTERLITZ
2nd: Eric Terrien
3rd: Casper Steinfath
4th: Bart de Zwart     STARBOARD
5th: Fabrizio Gasbarro
Women’s Top 5
1st: SIGRID BAUMGARTNER STARBOARD
2nd: Beate Bolg (12’6″)
3rd: Sonja Duschek
4th: Manca Notar
5th: Ulla Waidhuber

Great racing, great event and a good feel between all the racers. Thanks to STARBOARD Germany (Flo) with the fastest boards

SUP CUP St. Maxime, FRANCE

SUP CUP St. Maxime, FRANCE  may 2012

After last year's good vibe, I had to come back  to France. A big race with over a 100 racers from all over. Truly international with all Europe's top riders and a few from the US, Hawaii and Tahiti.
Together with Lost Mills race in  Germany  and the 11 city in Holland, St Maxime is one of  Europe's biggest races. This year I came with my good friends Martijn van Deth and Dennis van der Panne from Holland.

Here  I am chasing Eric for First place

The day before the race the mayor invited Eric Terrien and me for a drink in the town hall. A classy french man with good humor.
On race day it was clear and no wind.
This year all the Elite races were on 12'6, Starboard France organized a ACE 12'6 for me. One of Starboard's fastest boards.
First the sprint race. 3 rounds  around buoys and a run on the beach with every round. I started well and came around the first buoy in 2nd place.  I held on to 2nd on the first round. Eric was 2 board length in front of me. In the 2nd round I saw a wake from a passing boat and tried to get on it to make some ground back. I tried a little to hard my rail caught and fell into the water, losing 3 costly place. Suddenly I was fighting to stay in 5th place instead of 2nd. Chase Kosterlitz was trying to pass so were 2 french guys form Normandy. After a hard battle I managed to stay in 5th with Eric terrien, Gaetan, Leo and Caspar in front of me.

With the long distance I was ready for a battle. After again a fast start. It was Eric , Gaetan and me in front. But still every body was there behind us.one little mistake and 10 would take your place.

It was hot and no wind so I was glad I brought a little bit of water. Unfortunately the course was chaotic, with all of us not always knowing where to go. At one point suddenly a boat appeared which we had to round. I was on the wrong side and lost a lot of costly places again. Suddenly back in 12th place. Luckily it was still a long race. Chase and I started to make our way back to the front. Little by little we came back with top 5 insight. But Eric and Gaetan were to far ahead. Chase and I sprinted passed the no 4 and 5. On the finish it was Eric 1st, Gaetan 2nd , Chase 3rd, Bart 4th and Leo 5th.

So a great event with mixed results.

TEAM STARBOARD

Overall Top 6

Big thank you to STARBOARD, world's fastest boards, DAKINE sup gear and clothing, Black Project and the best Windsurf and SUP shop Kanaha Kai Maui

Next I went to Holland to prepare for the North Sea Crossing

Where is Bart now, June 1 st 2012, 5:30am

Bart left TheSpot and is at his father's house in Maarn right now, sound asleep. From tomorrow afternoon on he will be starting to post on his blog again and for sure will share his adventure with you. MauiNews will cover his crossing tomorrow and I will post a picture of it on the blog. After that it's all Bart's turn again.

I really would like to Thank everybody out there for being that amazingly supportive, family and friends around the world, TheSpot Watersport Center, all the photographers and our daughter Soleil with being that patient with her Mom over the past days.

Aloha and have a good night.

Bart back on land, June 1st 2012, 1am

Here are pictures from Bart's arrival in Zandvoort at TheSpot Watersport Center.
Photos by Nancy Wesselsz and Gerhard Messink.

Bart's 1. photo after arrival, June 1st 2012, 1:15am

Bart's 1. photo by Floris Jan after paddling for 37.5h from Lowestoft in England to Zandvoort in Holland, the 1. ever SUP Crossing of the North Sea. Bart is wearing a Dutch lei with tulips. What a great blending of Maui and Holland.

Bart just came in, June 1st 2012, 1am

I am so very very much relieved. Our Dutch friend Dennis van der Panne just sent a txt that he reached the shore of the Duch coast in Zandvoort!!
Photo coverage will follow!

TheSpot is getting ready for Bart's arrival, may 31st 2012, Midnight

Even if it is midnight in Holland TheSpot Watersport Center still going strong, writing press releases, taking photos and waiting for Bart! It's busy at TheSpot Watersport Ready for a massive welcome party!

www.gotothespot.com

View from TheSpot towards England.

The press center at TheSpot.

A Duch lei with tulips is waiting for Bart!!

Family and friends are gathering for the Welcome Party.

Bart's father Ernst is giving interviews!

Bart has 11miles to go, May 31st 2012 10pm

TheSpot Watersport Center in Zandvoort/Holland got a call from Bart that he has 11 miles to go!!
He is ok and they expect him around midnight. They are very happy. A big crowd is waiting on the beach for him. Go Bart Go, your so close!!!

Finally a ship spotted him out there, May 31st 2012 9pm

TheSpot WaterSport Center in Zandvoort/Holland just got a call from the Dutch coast guard that a ship spotted Bart 25km outside Zandvoort. I don't know if he is still paddling, but he is out there. I am sooooo relieved, but I always believe in him. Now he puts all his strength in getting there. Keep you posted.

Still no news from Bart, May 31st 2012 5:20pm

Still we haven't heart from Bart. To all of you out there: think positive. He will make it. There will be still daylight for more then 5h. I know and you know that he can do it. He can pull it off. We start to worry when it gets dark. We have to be strong for him. I know him so well. He tries whatever he has left to make it there before the sun sets. I can imagine how you all feel, out there on the beach in Zandvoort. How you look for every sign of a paddler out there in the distance. Go Bart Go!

Waiting, waiting...., May 31st 2012 1:30pm in Holland

Everybody is waiting in Zandvoort and around the world to hear something from Bart, to see him popping out of the mist and paddle towards TheSpot Watersport Center. During the last hours mist and wind came up. That was not expected. It's blowing now 15kn from the side, will turn to southsouthwest during the next hours. We can only wish and hope that he is close to the coast and not far out there. Bart's father Ernst is there on the beach, looking out for him. Here on Maui we are 12h behind. It's 1:30am in the night. I am relieved that our daughter Soleil is sleeping and she doesn't have to worry right now. But Bart said himself that he will at least need 24h-30h for the crossing.

Bart's Crossing departure in Dutch newspaper, May 30th 2012

The Dutch newspaper Leeuwarder Courant covered his departure from England:

http://www.lc.nl/friesland/regio/article14929703.ece/SUP-elfstedenwinaar-waagt-oversteek-Kanaal-?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Preparing for Bart's arrival, May 31st 2012

TheSpot Watersport Center on Zandvoort Beach in Holland is preparing for Bart's arrival. The owners Nancy and Maurice just talked to Bart's father on the phone, who just came back by ferry from England. He dropped off Bart in Lowestoft/Suffolk for his crossing.
Bart's father Ernst said that the paddle condition are very clean, only some rain, slightly southwest wind. His approximate arrival could be around noon in Europe, what would be midnight Maui time. He better be close to the Dutch coast by then, as the wind will increase and slighly change direction.

Anita's pictures from Bart's departure in England, May 30th 2012

Thank you so much to Anita and her husband Dave for driving all the way out there.

Anita, awesome coverage. I am very happy to see some picture of my man!

I can't tell you how grateful I am that you did that!

Please have a look at Anita's website: www.anitaharris.com

Enjoy!

Thank you to family and friends for all the support, Maui, May 30th 2012

I am really touched by all the messages, txts and all the e-mails I am getting from around the World concerning Bart Kanaha Kai Maui SUP crossing from England to Holland, which he started solo, unsupported and nonstop 13h ago. A lot of you are asking, if I have news, more pictures, more coverage of the whole crossing.

Anita Harris, the English photographer is working on the pictures from his start.
But this time we have to be patient. Bart can't send out position reports in the English Channel. It can be still 10-12h more. until he will call me when he is closer to the coast of Holland.

Lokker Maurice and Nancy Wesselsz, the owners of TheSpot Watersport in Zandvoort/Holland are preparing his reception. And they for sure are eager to know his arrival time as soon as possible.

Sure, I am nervous. It's nervewrecking to wait that long, for somebody who is that close, my husband, best friend and Soleil's dad. So let us all think positiv. We know he is a very determind and great waterman and tries his best to reach his goal. Thank you again for all your warmhearted and very touching support. We feel honored to have so many family and friends supporting his adventures.

Go Bart Go!!!

 

Call from Bart, May 30th 2012, 1:15pm

On Maui it's 5am now, Wednesday morning. Holland is 12h ahead of time. Bart called me 3 hours into his crossing and said the conditions are good, he is doing fine, still paddling strong. He was almost out of reach for cellular reception.
From now on we have to wait until he comes close to the Dutch coast to get a position from him. He has GPS and emergency equipment on board, but he can't send position reports. 
The photographer Anita Harris is working on sending out the foto coverage from the Start in England.
I will keep you posted.
Go Bart Go and be safe out there. All our Love, Dagmar and Soleil

1. Picture of his start, May 30th 2012, 9:15am

Bart's father Ernst sent out a picture from bart's start. More pictures from Anita Harris will follow. He started in misty conditions, but quickly the sun came up and started to warm the day.

Picture and phone call, May 30th 2012, 10:20am

Photographer Anita Harris just sent out this picture from Bart preparing for his start in England. More pictures will follow.
He just called me as well and said that it's warm, he is paddling in board shorts, it's good weather. He is already 5miles out the coast and the English coastline is slowly vanishing in the distance.

Bart started his crossing from England to Holland, May 30th 2012, 9:15am

Bart just started his solo, unsupported and nonstop crossing from England to Holland. The weather conditions are looking good. I hope that he will call me during the next 3-4 hours to give an update on his position and the conditions out in the channel. Go Bart Go and be safe out there!

Bart arrived in England, May 30th 2012

It's early morning, May 30th, 6:30am, and Bart just arrived in Harwich/England, coming by ferry from Hoek van Holland. He is joined by his father Ernst who will drop him off at the starting point in Lowestoft/Suffolk. I just talked to him. He is in great spirit. Conditions are looking very good. He will meet the photographer Anita Harris and her husband Dave, who arrived in Lowestoft yesterday evening, ready to shoot the departure of Bart towards Holland. Approximate time for that will be 8am, in 1.5 hours. I will keep you posted. Go Bart Go!  Aloha from Maui, Dagmar and Soleil

Photocoverage in England for departure on May 30th 2012

On Wednesday morning, the English photographer Anita Harris will cover Bart's departure from Lowestoft/Suffolk in England. We are very lucky that she lives kind of close by in Godalmin/Surrey, 172 miles from Bart's starting position. Thank you so much, Anita, for driving all the way out there! Check out Anita's website   http://www.anitaharris.com/

Bart is on his way to England, May 29th 2012

Bart and his father Ernst are on their way to board the Superferry from Hoek van Holland/NL (engl. the Hook of Holland) to Harwich in England. Over there they are 12h ahead of our time. So right now it's 9:45pm in Holland. The ferry will leave in a little bit more then 1h, arriving Harwich Wednesday morning 6:30am England time.

SUP Crossing England - Holland, 185 kilometers

The plan is to cross on a SUP Stand Up Paddle Board (STARBOARD 14' Open Ocean) from England to Holland, solo, non stop and unsupported.
I will be starting near Lowestoft and arrive in Holland in Zandvoort at THE SPOT. It is about a 100 miles (182 KM), which is . This is the first attempt of this crossing by Stand Up paddle board.
I was waiting for a break in  the Easterly winds Holland has had for the last weeks. Suddenly a window of 48 hours appeared enough to get this adventure going.

Today I am arranging all my gear and getting ready.  It will be a 20-30 hours paddle. Weather looks very good right now.

Safety
I have an Eprib, a personal locator beacon with GPS position, this device has two purposes, one; in case of a life threatening situation (only then) it will sent a signal via Satellite to a rescue coordination center, second with this particular device I can send a limited amount of messages to friends and family on shore to let them know my GPS position.
2 GPS’s and maps to make sure where I am.
Navigation lights on a little mast (only at night)

Flares, Smoke signals and hand flares
2 Compasses, charts/ maps
VHF radio
Cell phone

Back up paddle and extra shaft

Clothing
Warm clothing in dry and wet circumstances. (1 mil short wetsuit and a 5 mil full wetsuit) Wet shoes, beanie rain trouses and softshell DAKINE jacket against the wind and cold.

Food

A mixture of dryfreezed food, nuts, dry fruits, granola bars, chocolate, perpetuem (liquid sports food and recoverite (liquid recover drink) and electrolyte drinking powder.

I will be looking forward to fruits and veggies when I get there.

Water

I will be taking enough water with me for the whole trip and 2 days extra in acse of emergency.

There will be regular updates on this blog.

ALOHA,

Bart