Kaua‘i World Challenge, Saturday

The 8th Annual Kaua‘i World Challenge will take place this Saturday, scheduled to get underway at 8 a.m. This 34-mile coastal relay begins at Wailua Beach and finishes up at Salt Pond Beach Park.

Competitors from Australia, Canada, Japan, Aotearoa, the Mainland and all the Hawaiian islands will be racing in both one- and two-man outrigger canoes, as well as surf skis, standup and traditional paddleboards.

According to their website, online registration will be ending today at 12 p.m. Late registration will still be available at the event’s mandatory paddler meeting and pre-race meal, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday at Hanamaulu Beach Park.

The public is encouraged to view the race along the course or at any of the change sites. The first leg will be from Wailua to Hanamaulu Beach. The second leg continues on to Kalapaki Beach. The third leg finishes at the Waiohai Bay in Poipu. Leaving Poipu, paddlers race to the finish at Salt Pond Beach Park.

This year, a team of 12-year-olds will be competing in the event. One is the son of world-renowned paddle-maker Les Look and the other is the son and grandson of internationally respected watermen Aaron Napolean and his father Nappy.

A special water hula performance by members of Ka‘imi Na‘auao of Hawai‘i Nei will entertain spectators at the Kalapaki change point at 9:30 a.m. Polynesian drummers will welcome the paddlers at Waiohai and Salt Pond. Post-race performers include ukulele aficionado, Ben Ahn, followed by the Na Opio of Dorrick Yaris’ halau.

Following the awards presentation, Shilo Pa and friends will treat the crowd to his special brand of local music from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This event is hosted by the YMCA Kaua‘i Hoe Wa‘a, with support of the County of Kaua‘i, the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau as well as a host of local hotels and businesses.

For a complete list of sponsors and supporters, as well as more details, visit the website at Kaua‘iworldchallenge.com or call the Kaua‘i World Challenge hotline at 212-2472.