We were at Maliko getting ready for a down-winder when Mickey Eskimo rolled up in his pick-up. We stepped out into the road to meet him and maybe go for a paddle with him. He told us that it was his second run and that it was super windy and super fun. We headed out and took off as soon as we hit the howling wind line, there was no need to burn way outside because it was so windy, we could have caught glides two feet from the shore-break! I took off in the lead at first but soon Mickey was on my tail and then all of a sudden he was in front of me! Right away we started trading blows like it was the UFC! I would blow by on a huge glide and then Mickey would come powering past me again... after about 10 minutes I was sweating like a pig! Between short, uncontrollable gasps we shout things like: “Jeeeeez you’re fast!” Or “Man I can barely keep up!” (Most of those were from me!) It was a great time and I was stoked to be able to compete with such an experienced racer! Finally, we reached a reef where some waves were breaking. Mickey caught a set wave and would have made it but a jagged rock popped up out of the water and he had to make evasive maneuvers. Evasive maneuvers that included hooting and turning slightly to the left while falling off his board like he slipped on a banana peel! I paddled through a lull in the set and grabbed his board, when he swam to it we started laughing hysterically! After we had our gasps and giggles we agreed that it was an epic run. He said that I inspired him to go faster but it was me that was inspired. Walking away from today both humbled and stoked. I feel like I’m ready to race!