Livio Menelau: Hawaiian Downwinds and SIC Maui Gear Mastery

Brazilian waterman Livio Menelau, a long-standing ambassador of SIC Maui, continues to push the limits of wing foiling in the legendary Hawaiian downwinds. In this interview, Livio shares insights into his recent performances, including his top 10 finish at the Molokai 2 Oahu and his 2nd place at the Molokai Holokai. He also talks us through the SIC Maui gear that powered him to success, including the Raptor Wing V3, the Raptor Pro board, and his foil setup. Livio opens up about his race preparation, strategies, and offers valuable advice for riders looking to take on these iconic challenges.

Hi Livio! You recently shone by taking 7th place overall in the Molokai 2 Oahu, 2nd overall in the Molokai Holokai, and winning the Triple Crown in your age category (40-49). Well done! Can you tell us about it?

Yes, for sure. The first race was the Paddle Imua, which is about 8 miles. You start in Maliko and finish at Kanaha Beach. It’s a good downwind race. A lot of people participate, and it’s always a cool race to do. I placed in the top 10, but I had a crash on the reef at the start. I was using a tall mast and got stuck because of the low tide, which was the problem. I was fighting for 3rd or 4th place but after the crash, I had to reassess.

As for Molokai Holokai, the race starts at Fleming Beach and finishes at the Kaunakakai Harbor, spanning around 26 miles. It’s a really cool race, with about 9 miles of open water before you hit the coast. The conditions were great. It was my second time crossing the channel, but the first time on a wingfoil — I’d done it before on a stand-up paddle and a canoe. The event is amazing with lots of participants, great food, and a great vibe. It was like a warm-up for Molokai 2 Oahu.

The Molokai 2 Oahu race was about 40 miles. This was my first time crossing the channel on a wingfoil from Molokai, and it was an incredible experience. I’ve crossed it in the past with a canoe and SUP, so I was familiar with the water, but it’s still always amazing how fast you can go on a wingfoil. It’s good to go back and see friends I hadn’t seen in a long time. Overall, it’s a well-organized event with a great atmosphere.

SIC Maui’s Raptor Wing V3 and Raptor Pro accompanied you in these races. Can you give us some feedback on this equipment?

Yes! I used my 6m Raptor wing for the majority of the race. I saw many riders using smaller wings, and I used 5m in the beginning, but then I saw many riders using big wings, so I opted for the larger 6m and was really happy with it. It’s an amazing wing, super responsive, powerful, and ideal for those conditions. I also used my Raptor Pro 4’11 board, which is very light and perfect for crossing channels. I was using a prototype Axis foil with a 1050 mast, and the combination was perfect.

Why did you choose the Raptor Pro over the Kunalu downwind board?

The Kunalu board wasn’t available in time for the race. I already knew the Raptor Pro very well, and when you go into these kinds of races, it’s better to be familiar with your equipment. The Raptor Pro is really maneuverable, and I felt confident with it. So, I decided to stick with what I knew.

What do you think of the Kunalu?

The Kunalu is an excellent all-around board, but it’s more suited for downwind paddling. It’s very stable, with a smooth glide and easy take-off. The shape is amazing, the colors are amazing too, and it’s a beautiful board. This board is insane. I had a great experience the first time I stood on it for a long downwind paddle — very stable and easy to take off.

Which foils have you used?

I used a 751 prototype foil from Axis, which isn’t on the market yet. It’s similar to the 751 foil but the fuselage is completely different. I also had a 1050 high modulus carbon mast, which made it easy to cut through the swell. It’s a pretty unique setup. Unfortunately, during the Paddle Imua race, I crashed on the reef and completely destroyed the foil. I was thinking “it’s a prototype, I will not be able to race in the Molokai”. Luckily, the Axis team patched it up and made it race-ready again in time, I was so stocked to do the Maui 2 Molokai on this foil. It’s an amazing setup!

Hawaiian downwinds are renowned for being extremely technical. How do you manage fatigue and strategy during these long races?

I train a lot before these races, focusing on the gym, eating well, drink well. To manage my fatigue, I try to stay hydrated with electrolytes and coconut water, and I take salt tablets to avoid cramping. I try to strech a lot before jumping in a big race. In terms of strategy, I use the same one I’ve applied in SUP races. It’s a hard and fast race, so there isn’t much time to think. Hydrate quickly and stay focused, otherwise, you’ll lose your position fast. I had a big wipeout during the race, which set me back by about 5 minutes. Crossing the channel on a foil is amazing. What used to take me over five hours on a SUP now only takes about two hours on a wingfoil.

What advice would you give to a rider wishing to tackle downwind races like Molokai 2 Oahu or Molokai Holokai for the first time?

Make sure you have all your safety equipment: life vest, leashes, a cell phone, hydration pack, snacks, and even a VHF radio. Always talk to the locals before the race to understand the conditions, to know if it’s safe enough. Pay attention during the pre-race meetings and stay safe. If it’s your first time, I highly recommend having an escort boat to make the experience safer.

I’ll leave you with the last word. What are your next ambitions or projects?

My next goal is to place in the top three at Molokai 2 Oahu next year. I’ll be training hard, getting familiar with new boards and foils, and doing my best. For me, crossing the channel is more than just winning a medal — it’s a major life accomplishment.

Thanks a lot Livio, what adventures these downwinds are!

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