I have blogged several times about the AMAZING crew I had for the Moloka’i Channel swim, and I wanted to take it further by interviewing one of the crew for a unique blog! I was introduced to Steve Haumschild, my second kayaker along with veteran Jeff Kozlovich, through a mutual friend. THANK GOD I reached out to Steve, because the additional support I had lined up was not there (he ended up sick below deck!) This is an EXTREMELY valuable lesson to other marathon swimmers, as we should always have Plan B, in case Plan A falls through. While the swim went perfectly, with Jeff and Steve alternating every 2 hours, I know it would have been a lot tougher journey if Jeff would have had to kayak for 12 hours (as I know he agrees!)
If you are thinking of doing the Moloka’i Channel in the future, PLEASE reach out to me, or my team, as I could not have had a better experience swimming in such a beautiful place, with an expert crew!
DM: Tell us a little bit about your background – How did you come to live in Hawaii?
SH: I graduated from The Ohio State University with degrees in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal biology with intention to go to medical school. However I had some hesitations if that was the proper path for me. At the same time, I had been working as a professional adventure guide taking people all over on various expeditions – I had some hesitations about that as a career as well. So, I thought I would give the old degree a chance. I took a position at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park researching the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle. I always thought that Hawaii was all touristy and tiki-crap; it was so different than I ever imagined. I fell in love with the people and the land. There is SO much adventure here I can barely stand it. From EPIC hikes, to powerful ocean with giant waves, to great sunsets, beautiful beaches, beautiful people and a relaxed lifestyle. It very quickly became my home.
DM: What types of experiences have you had with extreme sports?
SH: Extreme is a funny word. Let’s call them adventure sports. I have been active in these since I can remember with my dad taking me into the woods at a very early age for camping, fishing, hunting, survival, backpacking etc. As I became older, and better at it, I transitioned to Rock Climbing, the whitewater Kayaking and rafting, Caving, Trekking, Mountain Climbing etc. I feel fortunate that my generation was of the first really to be able to make a career out of these activities. These were not only my personal passion, but also my job. I had years of professional level training, certifications of many types, rescue courses, and classes and as I became more experienced, began to instruct other guides, and teach these courses. I have been working as a full time adventure guide and instructor since the late 90’s. Some of my largest expeditions have been Denali (Mt McKinley in Alaska – highest peak in North America), first descents by whitewater kayak of a number of rivers throughout central America and survival sea kayaking expeditions along remote uninhabited coastlines, to name a few.
DM: Your first marathon swim kayak crew was the Molokai Channel. Tell me what your thoughts were going into the swim, during and after the swim.
SH: I live on the edge of the Kaiwi/Molokai channel on a beach called Lanikai, so I have spent some time in it, and crossed it a number of times on a sailboat, so I knew what the conditions could deliver. I was contacted by Darren with his interest in swimming it. I thought to myself – this dude is nuts and has not done his due diligence on this channel. Being a professional guide, I get quite a few calls for these outrageous trips that seem way out there, but I consider them all. It only took about 5 minutes talking to Darren before I wanted to do the trip with him! I could see the passion in his eyes, feel his determination, and his confidence almost immediately. Plus, we are similar ages and have had a history of people constantly telling us that were nuts and YOU CANNOT DO THAT! Whether I understood his driving forces at that time or not, I did see his determination and passion which was enough to convince me to go along and lend support- when I found out that it was for charity and for children I needed to hear no more. Darren convinced me within minutes that he was physically fit- while I still thought about extenuating items like Tiger Sharks, man-o-war jellyfish, and horrible seas (which Kaiwi is known for) etc. From the time I committed, I never looked back. LET’S DO THIS THING! Darren was the athlete, we were his support, as a team we were critical to his success with route, weather, feedings, moral support, whatever he needed to get through this epic challenge for an amazing cause.
During the swim- he was an animal- strong, consistent, determined, through the day or night. In reality, I do not believe that he needed any safety/support, but it was the correct call to have it just in case. The ocean is a very scary place when you are alone and in trouble (take my word for it)! The weather was very challenging to say the least, however an athlete like Darren can take those conditions and use them to his advantage. When we were a few hundred yards from Oahu, the current really picked up. He persevered as I paddled to shore at Sandys Beach. There was a head-high shore break onto the sand, so I pulled the kayak up above the waterline and waited at the shores edge just in case. He made it through with a tumble, ran up the beach to the dry sand and had a huge and elated smile! What an accomplishment. I have been around hundreds of professional athletes, but have not seen many performances of this caliber.
DM: Any advice for others who are looking to get into crewing for swims around the world?
SH: I think that it is the best seat in the house. To be a part of something grand, that a competent person has trained for and knows the risks and rewards is fantastic. There were no incidents with Darren’s crossing, so in reality, all I did was went for a long days paddle in less than ideal conditions. However there are and will be others that will not be this fortunate whether from lack of training, or just poor conditions. A competent crew could make the difference between not only success and failure, but also life and death. As a crew, you are depended on to perform also. You must be confidant that you can handle any possible situation keeping the athletes safety as the #1 concern, the cause as the #2, and everything else is down the pipeline. You have to make executive calls for the athlete that could affect the outcome of the trip. You must be alert, competent, unselfish, and prepared. You cannot be a problem, you must be a solution. But remember that there are many kooks out there that are haphazard- be selective in the trips you select as well as the athletes you work for. Know your limitations.
DM: Ready for the next one?
SH: Heck yeah! I have been communicating with Darren quite often and fueling the fire about some more epic trips after the Oceans Seven is achieved. I am constantly training and ready for almost any adventure!
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO STEVE FOR TAKING THE TIME TO GRACIOUSLY ANSWER MY QUESTIONS! I highly recommend Steve for your Moloka’i, or any Hawaiian channel swim, as he not only a hell of an adventurer, he is great guy and I’m proud to call him my friend!