It's exciting about everything going on with the race coming back and how the community is showing such an outpouring of support. People are already signing up.

There are a lot of reasons. But really, it's more than a race. It's a community event a regional event.

In Hilo last year, we proved to race organizers and the international paddling community that it could be done,

Since it has come into question by some in the community, she has decided not to run.

When you say that you are a race man, it means that you embrace the entire black community regardless of the hue, whether somebody is very light and could pass for possibly white or someone is very dark.

I'm having a blast and really looking forward to this race.