LIHU‘E — The Moloka‘i 2 O‘ahu World Championships of Paddleboarding, considered to be one of the most prestigious paddleboard races in the world, has for the first time in its 14 year history sold out. With over 140 entries, this
LIHU‘E — The Moloka‘i 2 O‘ahu World Championships of Paddleboarding, considered to be one of the most prestigious paddleboard races in the world, has for the first time in its 14 year history sold out.
With over 140 entries, this is the largest field in the history of the event, illustrating record international participation with particular growth in stand-up paddleboard racing. Entries of both team and solo paddleboarders have signed up to tackle the formidable 32-mile Ka‘iwi Channel that separates the islands of Molokai and O‘ahu, Hawai‘i.
The race begins at Hale O Lono on Moloka‘i on July 25, finishing at Maunalua Bay on O‘ahu. The top athletes are expected to complete the 32-mile channel crossing in just over five hours.
Princeville’s Ann Hettinger, a 52-year-old grandmother who turned from chain-smoking suburban mom to extreme endurance athlete, is taking on the solo SUP division and has been documenting her journey on film: ‘32 Miles from Now’.
Unlike short- and middle-distance races, the 32-mile Moloka‘i 2 O‘ahu World Championship is a test of a paddler’s endurance and athletic ability. With a depth of 2,300 feet, the Ka‘iwi (aka Moloka‘i) Channel is known for its heavy seas, debilitating heat and strong currents. Race rules mandate that every single entry must have their own escort boat accompaniment, support, and be qualified to compete in the race. Including official race boats, there will be a flotilla of over 200 craft crossing the Moloka‘i Channel on July 25.
Paddlers from Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Brazil, Japan, England and the United States will be participating. Entries are equally weighted between paddleboard and SUP, men and women as well as co-ed teams.
One of the more prolific racers in this year’s race is Australia’s Jamie Mitchell, the “Paddleboard King of the Ka‘iwi” with eight consecutive victories in the traditional category and the current world record time (4 hours, 45 minutes, 3 seconds). Equally adept at both traditional knee paddling and SUP styles, Mitchell will return in a quest for his ninth title in 2010.
“I have a lot of fun with SUP, but when it comes to the Moloka‘i Channel there is something about doing it in the traditional way that keeps me coming back,” said Mitchell. “I know that after eight wins people wonder what’s left to prove, but the Moloka‘i channel is such a personal pursuit for me and I feel like I still have personal goals that I’d like to achieve for no one other than myself.”
The race is working with a new event management partner this year and is supported by several industry related sponsors.
“This year we have had our share of challenges early on, but to have the event sell out for the first time in its 14-year history is a huge testament to the relevance of this race in the paddling community and Hawai‘i’s place as home to the World Championships of the sport,” said Rob Farrow of the M2O group, who is managing the event. “The legacy that Mike Takahashi has created and that we are tasked with continuing is a huge responsibility and one we look forward to maintaining for years to come.”
Other paddlers of note this crossing are:
Maui’s Archie Kalepa, veteran lifeguard, big-wave rider, all-around waterman and SUP expert. Last summer Archie completed 187 miles on SUP through the Grand Canyon. Archie will team up with Dave Parmenter in the SUP team division.
California’s Jeff Denholm, Patagonia ambassador and multi-discipline athlete who will be the only amputee in the event, contesting the solo paddleboard division. Denholm lost his dominant arm during an accident on an Alaskan fishing trawler. Jeff designs his own athletic prostheses that enable him to continue his sporting pursuits of surfing, paddling, mountain biking and skiing.
Gerry Lopez of Hawai‘i and Oregon, known as the Pipeline Master in he pre-SUP life, will team up with business and surfing partner Sparky Longley (California) and Hawai‘i lifeguard Edmund Pestana in the SUP team division.
California’s Brad Gerlach, former world No.2 ranked professional surfer, will partner with Chris Christenson in the team paddleboard division.
Kanesa Duncan, of the Big Island, defending women’s paddleboard champion.
Ekolu Kalama, also of the Big Island, defending men’s SUP champion.
Jenny Kalmbach, of the Big Island, defending women’s SUP champion who recently completed the 72-mile paddle between O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.
