Track Trent Live ➝
Slingshot foil athlete Trent Carter @trent.carter is competing in the 2025 Moloka'i 2 O'ahu SUP Foil Race, a 40+ mile downwind race across the Kaiwi Channel. This is Trent’s first time taking it on with a foil, and he’s bringing years of dedication, full time training, and Slingshot prototype gear to the start line.
We caught up with Trent ahead of the race to hear what this moment means to him, how he’s prepped, and the exact setup he’s trusting when it’s all on the line.
Full Interview with Trent Carter
1. Let’s start with the basics. What is the Moloka'i 2 Oa'hu race and why is it such a big deal in the foiling world?
Moloka'i to Oahu is a 41 mile channel crossing race from the island of Molokai to the Island of Oahu. The channel is called the Kaiwi Channel, which roughly translates to the Channel of Bones. It has long been a major event for all watercraft, including but not limited to, outrigger canoe, stand up paddling, prone paddling, and surfski. In recent years they have added a Sup Foil and Wing Foil division and extended the course distance. For all disciplines it is renowned for being highly technical and difficult and a humbling experience for all who take part. There are people from around the world that come to compete in this event because of the vigor and excellence it requires out of the athletes.
2. What inspired you to sign up for this year’s race? Is this your first time competing?
I have done this race twice previously, when I was 13 and 14 years old doing them on SUP relay teams. I have never done it on foil but it has been my dream to do it ever since I started sup foil downwinding in 2019. This year was the first time since then that I could dedicate myself and train for the event as much as it requires.
3. How have you been training for this event? Any specific workouts, sessions, or routines you've been focused on?
For the last seven months I have made prep for this race my entire life. Downwinding at least one downwinder a day every day working on reading the ocean and technique typically followed by a longer cardio session, whether that be riding the stationary bike, running, hiking, or even surf-foiling or wing foiling. It varies day to day considering the water conditions and fatigue buildup from training. What has surprised me the most throughout the preparation is the buildup of fatigue and the importance of mindful and purposeful rest and recovery.
4. Talk us through your gear setup. What board, foil, and wing will you be using—and why did you choose that setup for a long-distance downwind race like this?
Gear I will be using:
- BOARD: 8'0" Laser Craft/ Proto Craft design that Gabriel and I worked on.
- MAST: 85cm HM mast.
- FRONT WING(S): I have three different wings to select from for the conditions that day, also, they are the first three iterations of high AR downwind race wings for the One-Lock lineup, with each iteration we have made changes to make the next version better than the last as they got smaller in size. We decided to risk it for the size range and push the later iterations smaller and hope for stronger wind conditions. As of now, the wind is looking VERY light for race day.
- V1, 720cm² AR:13
- V2, 620cm² AR:13
- V3, 480cm² AR:17
- TAIL WINGS: 175 FLARE tail that I cut down to 125cm², 145 Flare tail
5. What part of the race are you most excited about—and what part feels the most intimidating?
I am just so incredibly excited that I even have the opportunity to participate in this race, this has been something that for the past four years I thought I would never be able to do again. One year ago if you asked me what I would be doing in a year's time, this was not on my radar at all. To be here in this time where the sport is evolving every single day is beyond exciting to be in. However, the challenge itself is the most exciting part for me, to have the mind, body, and equipment working in harmony to cross channels as quickly as possible. The team over at Slingshot have worked so hard over the last couple of months to get the equipment where it needs to be and now it's time to put it through its final test.
The most intimidating part of this race to me is the expectations and pressure I have put on myself. Maybe it's ego, maybe it's over-expectations or a combination of the two. The self invalidation that seeps into your mind when things get challenging is something I struggle with and need to conquer. I want to be one of the best, I have put in so much time and work to be among the best in the world at downwind foiling. I must trust the body of work I have put in this and remember why I do this, because it is the most FUN sport in the entire world!
6. Can you describe a typical training day leading up to this event?
A typical training day consists of doing at least one downwinder followed by a cardio session either, running, biking, or hiking. Trying to vary hard intervals and prolonged hard work for lactate threshold and VO2 MAX and low intensity / long-duration for Cardio and base has been paramount for having good recovery and being more fit.
7. What’s your game plan for race day? Are you going for a personal best, or is it all about the experience this time?
The game plan for race day is hydrate, carb-up, RELAX, and practice humility and gratitude for whatever happens in the channel. I will do everything in my power to do the best and fast as I can, but I also appreciate how amazing it is to try to cross a channel on a flying underwater airplane wing using only my legs and the energy in the water to get me there; HOW COOL!!!
8. What’s in your race-day fuel kit?
Race Day and the days leading up are going to be about carbs and electrolytes to get the muscles and body full of glycogen and electrolytes to keep the body humming along smoothly under exercise load. Gels, powders, and other "sport-centric" carbs have never sat well in my stomach. So the loading beforehand is key and also having some sweets and bars that are solid are part of the game plan. Having electrolytes in the water on my day of the race and the days before to get my body full of extra water to keep the legs and feet from cramping.
9. Anyone you want to give a shout-out to who’s helped you train or prep for this?
I have so many people to thank so it might be a long list but every person helped me so much along this process of preparation.
1. Bobby and Gabe for their work and help making these foils and boards fast and fun over the last couple of months.
2. The entire Oahu Downwind Community, the shuttles, practice races, and welcoming community have made all of this possible.
3. My Mom and Dad for their endless support for me to chase this dream of mine and being supportive of me not going to work a traditional job right after college.
4. My girlfriend Nellie for supporting me through the times when I am being highly critical of myself and being the foundation of my stability. Also for keeping me fed and making the best breakfast sandwiches in the world.
5. Simeon Ke-Paloma for all the help with dialing in gear and being so incredibly helpful with everything.
6. John Hearn for being the absolute man.
7. Ryan Kim for the endless battles to the finish in every training run we do.
8. Eliott, Sam, and the rest of the team at Slingshot for supporting me in doing what I love to do. Eternally grateful for all of it.
9. Anna Yamauchi for the training advice and helping me optimize my training plan.
10. Jack McCarthy for being on top of it always and helping me stay motivated and happy even when the camera comes out.
10. Last one—if someone out there is thinking about doing this race next year, what’s your advice?
Not sure! I will let you know after it's all done and dusted ;)
