18th Annual Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championships Happens this Month

It is time again for the Annual Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboarding World Championships. This will be the 18th year running and takes place on July 27th, 2014.

The start of the race in Molokai is a spectacular vision. A culmination of artistry including an international field of athletes that travel from 20 different countries to take on the open-ocean challenge of crossing the Moloka’i Channel on prone (traditional) and stand up paddleboards (SUP). This event started to create a new challenge for surfers during the flat water summer surf.

Energy felt in the Opening Prayer is chilling to the bone and an overwhelming experience. The best of the best in stand up paddling and paddleboard show up every year on the island of Molokai to compete in the 32-mile World Championship crossing to the island of Oahu. Truly this is the Oscar event of athletes and the ocean is the red carpet to the stars. Athleticism in its finest form. There is no higher honor of achievement in this sport than to win this competition.

And they are off…

The 32-Mile Channel of Bones

“Competitors have the option to race on either a traditional paddleboard or a stand up paddleboard (SUP) as a solo paddler, or as a team. The solo paddlers can choose to paddle in either the unlimited class (no size limit and with a movable rudder system), or stock class (12 feet or under for paddleboard, 14 foot or under in SUP with fixed rudder).”

Competitors will be crossing the Ka’iwi Channel that connects the islands of Molokai and Oahu. One of the most challenging courses, this 32-mile journey travels across a 2,300-foot deep channel. One must be both physically and mentally at the top of their game to be able to endure this courageous challenge and feat. You have to be in complete control, both mind and body in sync as one vessel.

“The Ka’iwi Channel has the reputation as one of the world’s most treacherous bodies of water. The culmination of fowl weather and open ocean swells pushing through the narrow canyon that is created by the two land masses of Molokai and Oahu has resulted in the destruction of entire ancient canoe fleets and claimed the lives of modern-day fisherman and watermen.”

For more information and details on this phenomenal race, please visit the event website, or follow this event on Facebook. (I would like to thank them for allowing me to use their photos and event information!)

Live the Hawaii Life

When the race is over no need to leave the islands. Fly or paddle back to Molokai and start living the Hawaii Life in this oceanfront home. Begin your training for next year’s race, or simply cruise right out of your own front yard.

Molokai Hale Kai Beachfront Estate (MLS# 356641) Offered at $1,850,000

With two acres of land, you have plenty of room for a quiver of boards and play toys to enjoy year-round. This property features both a home and Ohana Cottage, so no one is left behind. Share the experience with loved ones and create your own Hawaii Life memories…

Contact me – Co Listor for more information:

Carol Andrews, R(B), ABR, SFR
Email: carol.andrews@hawaiilife.com
Direct: 808.652.6104