FIELD REPORT: TEST PILOT CYCLE [013]

When it comes to outrigger paddling, gear can make or break your performance. Ryland Hart, one of our test pilots in Test Pilot Cycle [013], just put our prototype AeroShield Pro Short through one of the toughest OC1 outrigger races of the season: Koa Nui Championship. The race format is designed to test paddlers in different ocean conditions and distances. It required paddlers to hold skills in a variety of racing aspects with the most rounded athlete coming out on top.

Spanning two grueling days and three challenging stages, Ryland took the win in all three stages—and the AeroShield Pro Short held up every step of the way.

Koa Nui: The Race

"Just finished one of our biggest races of the year, Koa Nui," Ryland shared. "It's a three-stage race that takes place over the span of two days. The first stage is a one-mile sprint in flat water. We do it in a time trial fashion, so guys have to race just the clock."

Immediately after the time trial, paddlers launch into a six-mile mid-distance race from Hoaikai to Hanama Bay and back. "It’s a real mix of water—from flat to headwind, side wind, all over the place," he explained.

On day two, the final stage is an 18-mile downwind race from Makapuu Beach to Waikiki—one of the most competitive races of the year. "Guys will fly in from outer islands, California, Tahiti, all over the place. It's a big test for us before Molokai," said Ryland. "I managed to pull off the win in all three stages, which is a big accomplishment for me. This race signifies the most well-rounded paddler—you have to be able to sprint in the flat, succeed in the downwind, and handle everything in between. So I’m pretty stoked on that."

Testing the Aeroshield Pro Short

Throughout the entire race, Ryland wore the AeroShield Pro Short, a prototype we're testing designed for high-performance paddling. "They’re unreal," he said. "Usually, I’d get ripped up from this amount of intense paddling in such a short time period, but I felt solid. Didn’t even notice they were there—which is, you know, the goal of high-level racing."

Built for Outrigger Paddling

Durability and comfort are at the heart of the AeroShield Pro Short’s design."I think the biggest strength of these is just how solid they're built," he noted. "The padding on the back really alleviates any tension we might get or weird rubbing that you would normally have from racing like this. That was pretty unreal."

With the AeroShield Pro Short proving its worth in demanding race conditions, this field report is a testament to the purpose-built gear we make. As we continue refining our gear through real-world wear testing, feedback like Ryland’s helps us push the limits of performance apparel for the paddling community.

Stay tuned for more insights from Test Pilot Cycle [013].