Club History

Members - Tall Tales

1. The Molokai Paddle

The Molokai Paddle
July 1995 Alex Mal Club Newsletter
by Nev Jamieson

A short exposè on the paddling life of Doug Andrew.

As most of us are probably aware, Doug Andrew commenced his water sports at a young age, being a member of Dee Why Surf Lifesaving Club for many years, before being given a Life Membership.

In 1963 at an age of around twenty, Doug won the prestigious Bells Beach Surfing Title where he outclassed a number of Australia's best. That same year he won the New South Wales State Surfing Titles held at Avalon Beach.

Doug was also a member of the Australian Surf Lifesaving Team that competed in South Africa.

Of recent times, with the years slipping by and at age 50 plus a bit, Doug decided to do something quite energetic, before a so-called retirement from surf ski paddling. He entered the Bankoh Kayak Challenge, where entrants were given the opportunity to torture themselves by paddling from Molokai to Oahu Island, Hawaii. A distance of some 32 miles.

As a member of Doug's support crew, along with Doug King, I can confirm that 'torture' is the best description one could give. On the day prior to the race, the three of us flew to Molokai and spent a relaxing afternoon followed by a great evening meal. That's where the tranquility stopped.

Back in our motel suite, Doug King did one of his many party tricks (the browneye) - which I think I might be getting used to. He then proceeded to snore all night, keeping me awake for most of it and Doug Andrew for some of it. Just when D.A. and I were hitting the deep sleep, D.K. wakes and proceeds to tell us it was 5.30am. Time to start the day's activities. At 5.30am and with the race not starting until 9am we had no idea what we would do for three and a half hours, but Doug King, with child like innocence kept us in stitches.

Time passed quickly and soon it was Race Start. Quite a sight to behold with all the paddlers and support boat crews. Doug started well, managing four knots for over two thirds of the race. Conditions were very tough, with a lot of wind chop and very hot temperatures. We were told after the finish, that conditions were some of the hardest encountered.

Our Doug never complained, except toward the finish, where he was hit by a large side chop and thrown from his ski. There he was treading water, with us asking him if he was okay and didn't he think he should get back on his ski. Doug said his bum was too sore and while he wasn't doing anything in particular he would have a pee. Doug King said we could arrange a massage with wife Lyn after the race. With a few kilometres still to go, but paddling along the edge of the cliffs it was great to see our wives waving and cheering Doug on. Lyn was definitely the most vocal and very proud of her man.

The finish line was a pleasing site and we knew then that Doug had done it. Not only had he completed one of paddling's most gruelling races, but had finished 2nd in his age group. He also beat half the field home, consisting of fellows much younger than him. This race was Doug's first and he thinks probably his last.

Being there and seeing what these guys and girls went through gave me a great insight into what a challenge means. I am and will always be very proud of Doug's achievement and am thankful of having the opportunity to be part of it.

Our other partner in crime, Doug King is presently holidaying in England with wife Teri and all reports are they are having a great time. Doug actually took a video of the race and for his first time did a good job.