HANALEI — The Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge, presented by Namolokama O‘Hanalei Canoe Club, is back on July 30.
“We were unable to host the event for nearly three years,” said HBSC Director Pam Murphy. “This is the 13th time this fun, family event will be held in Hanalei Bay, and we are happy to be able to hold it once again.”
Early registrations for the event are being accepted at $10 for kids, and $40 for adults. The registration feels will increase for race day registrations. Online registrations can be done at flpregister.com/576.
Race day, according to the online registration link, starts at 7 a.m. July 30 with check in and registration. A pule at 8:45 a.m. marks the next phase of the day, followed by competitions, with the youngsters hitting the water at 9 a.m. followed by the adults.
“Hanalei Bay is the perfect venue for this event in the summer,” Murphy said. “The warm, gentle waters and sandy bottom are perfect for swimmers of all ages and abilities. We have heard from many Kaua‘i swimmers who are excited to participate in this open-water swim in beautiful Hanalei Bay.”
Hobey Beck, president of Namolokama O‘Hanalei Canoe Club, said he wants to make sure the date is back on the calendar for those swimmers who come from all over to participate.
The Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge, voted one of the Top 100 American Open Water Swims by the World Ocean Water Swimming Association, has races for everyone, including the 3,000- and 1,000-meter distance swims for adults, a 1,000-meter fin and snorkel division, and the fun “Pier Swim” for kids 8 and under, and ages 9 through 12.
Awards include ribbons for all finishers, and medals for first, second, and third places in all age groups and events. The 1,000-meter fin and snokel includes all ages in one group.
During the challenge, safety is a priority, and monitors track swimmers on paddleboards, personal watercraft and from the shoreline.
For information, visit hanaleibayswimchallenge.com/, or email Murphy at pamedgehill@me.com.
The Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge is the signature fundraiser for Namolokama O‘Hanalei Canoe Club.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
