The fourth and final round of the Kanaha Slalom series, sponsored by Maui Fin Company, was completed this weekend in lighter winds than the previous weeks, but certainly great Maui slalom conditions. The winds were about 12-18 knots with a little North direction, which made the legs a little longer. Starting on the outside with the small swells played havoc with some of the competitors.

Baker Grant showed the way in the Junior Men's division winning in a hot fleet which included last year's state Champion Jake Golm, young prodigy Kai Lenny, and Skyler Haywood from the speedy Haywood family. Baker put together some consistent sailing after being over early in his first heat, and then came back under pressure to win the next, placing second in the third, and winning the decisive fourth heat of the day to take the title. Baker, using his 5.1 TR-3 all day, seemed clearly in control at the marks showing speed coming in and great acceleration after the buoys despite the fact that the others were on sails almost a meter larger.

Baker had this to say at the end of the day, "I was stoked to win this division, it's really hard out there with some of these bigger guys, but my sails and boards were working really well and I was able to get good starts and have great speed on the straights".

Mark Boersma, also using MauiSails, had one of his best days this season, placing third in the 19-39 age group. Mark has been improving as the season's gone along, and is finally getting his speed and tactics up to his expectations to give him his best performance to date.

Phil also dominated the 40-49 age group ahead of the charging Alex Aguera, who always makes Phil work for it. Phil scored three wins to secure the victory ahead of Alex and Kevin Ozee, sailing well, back in third.

Phil commented, "Alex and Peter (Slate) pushed me today in both my divisions. It's never over til it's over, and with these guys sailing so well I have to elevate my game to a higher intensity to stay ahead. I had good speed on my TR3 7.0 in the lighter conditions, so it gave me the confidence coming into the starts and I nailed them just at the right time to give me the advantage at the first mark".

Photo by Madi.