Pacific Paddler February 2013 - (Page 23)

Oscar Chalupsky winning his 12th Molokai World Championships in 2012 Moloka’i World Championships Molokai Surf Ski World Championships This is THE granddaddy of them all. If you are a ski paddler, then this is the one race that you MUST have on your bucket list. Recognized since the 1970’s as the “World Championship” of ski rac- ing, the annual Moloka’i surf ski race starts from the Kaluakoi Resort on the Island of Moloka’i and crosses the Ka’iwi Channel for 30 miles (50 kilometres) to the finish line at Hawaii Kai Town Center on the Island of Oahu. Make no mistake, this race can be challenging and has always attracted the world’s very best water men. Multiple winners include South Africa’s Oscar Chalupsky and Australia’s Dean Gardiner, Olympic gold medalist Clint Robinson (Aust.), Olympic bronze medalist Grant Kenny (Aust.), and outstanding athletes like Lauren Spaulding (USA), Lewis Laughlin (Tahiti) and Olympic gold medalist Greg Barton (USA) who won the double ski division in 2012 with Zsolt Zsadowski (Hungary). The list of world class athletes who have completed the Ka’iwi crossing is a lengthy one. Yes, this race does always attract the very best to compete against the very best. BUT it is also an “open” event and anyone can do it. This year the race organizers have opened up the event to make it accessible to all paddlers of all ages and have included additional “races within the race”. Added to this year’s event is a two-or-three person relay as well as a double ski division and a double ski relay division. (*Access to boats is limited and on a ‘first come, first serve basis’. So do not be disappointed – get your entries in early and reserve your craft.) Accept the challenge. Make the commitment. Get your entry in and start your preparation NOW. On May 19th, 2013 you too can line up at the start alongside some of the very best paddlers in the world and compete in the 37th annual crossing of the Ka’iwi Channel that is the Moloka’i World Championships. For updates go to their website: www.molosurfski.com/. Guy Wilding www. pacificpaddler.com - February 2013 23 http://www.facebook.com/events/562622680415368/?fref=ts http://www.molosurfski.com/ http://www.huki.com http://www.pacificpaddler.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler February 2013

Kanaka Ikaika's Waterman's Series
Maui Canoe and Kayak Club
Kauai Hoe Wa’a
Hawaii Island Paddle Sports
Vaka Eiva, Cook Islands
Santa Barbara - Return to the Pier
Unknown Factors
Hoena Wale No! Only Paddling! #1
Another Dam Race
Moloka’i World Championships
Keeping a Healthy Back
Law Enforcement Regatta
You can paddle, but can you swim?

Pacific Paddler February 2013