Congratulations to Maui Kjeldsen and Alana Frazier: YMCA Kaua'i Hoe Wa'a Island Champions!
The 2008 Island Championships challenged all paddlers with the first ever North Shore course. Long course paddlers made their way through difficult shore break before reaching the start line nearly a mile out of Anahola Bay in the "blue water". With a rising ENE and NNE swell combined with ENE winds at 15-20 knots, paddlers met a variety of ocean conditions along the 18 mile course. Maui stretched out his lead near the end of the race before having to paddle straight out to sea to avoid a large set wave. Mark easily took 2nd and trailed Maui in just under 2 minutes at the Hanalei Pier finish line. Butch rounded out the open division capturing 3rd place. Alana showed she can run with the best of the men with a 10th place overall finish and capturing the womens division with Noe and Kristin rounding out 2nd and 3rd respectively. Keep on eye on teens Makana Denton and Tyler Hale, the future of our sport. One paddler lost their canoe near Moloa'a Bay and had to swim to shore to and call for assistance. We are just happy that he made it safely. The short course was faced with substantial shore break at Kalihiwai Bay and with the help of Kawika Goodale, Steve Baker, Donnie Jones, and David Beck, everyone made it out safely. Mahalo gentlemen! After an upwind battle towards the Kilauea Lighthouse, paddlers enjoyed the downwind swells towards Hanalei Bay. Joe and Annette finished 1st overall on their oc2 along with 2 other oc2 teams and Darcy Grey on surfski. Tyrus Siale took the mens open division with Kawika in 2nd and Lance Laney sprinting for a close finish for 3rd. Robin Jumper placed 1st in the women's division with a 9th place overall finish. Lilinoi Forrest followed a minute behind for 2nd and Mary Bartlett took 3rd place. With over 80 participants on the course, we would like to thank Rafter and Paul for escorting the race. Emiko, Linda, and Fran have been a great help this year timing the races! Many thanks to John and Mike for all their help at registration. Mike also printed some great association t-shirts and jerseys this year. Thanks to Laola and Mark for coordinating the races this season. Mahalo to all of the paddlers this season that participated and volunteered their time. Wes, Kahea, and Mavis all took great photos of the championships. They should be uploaded soon. Please register early for the Kaua'i World Challenge May 8-11th. Good luck to everyone at Maui/Molokai and Molokai Solo!
2008 YMCA Kaua'i Hoe Wa'a Points Series Winners: Mark and Alana Frazier
Mark and Alana will both receive their $250 cash award for point series winners for the 2008 season. Good luck in Molokai!
Maui to Molokai/Molokai Solo/Relay Trailer Space
Anyone looking to participate in the Maui to Molokai race or the Pa'a Molokai Solo or the Molokai Relay, please contact Mark Frazier @ 651-2509. Mark is coordinating a trailer from Kaua'i to Maui leaving Kaua'i on the 17th. This trailer will be at the finish of the Molokai Relay and then loaded with canoes going to Kaua'i. Cost may vary due to number of canoes. Space is limited.
Budlight Sponsors YMCA Kaua'i Hoe Wa'a!
Big Mahalo to Budlight for providing refreshments for the 2008 season.
Please tune in to this page for any course or registration changes. We will be updating this page daily, up to the morning of the race. We all know how the weather affects every aspect of the race (safety, participation, escort boats, food, etc.) We hope this eliminates multiple emails and misinformation.
Check out the new safety/course video!
Expedia Kaua'i World Challenge Safety Video
2008 Kaua'i World Challenge
May 8 - 11
Our website at www.kauaiworldchallenge.com is updated.
Changes for 2008
Due to increasing costs, entry fees will be $100 per participant and also include pre-event races on Thursday and Friday. Entry for OC6 race on Sunday will be separate.
For liability reasons, participants will be responsible for coordinating the shipping of their own canoes/surfskis. However, we will be coordinating with a representative from each island for those that choose to trailer their canoes/surfskis. Please check the Kaua'i World Challenge website for those representatives and their contact information.
We are very excited to announce that Hawaiian Xtreme Sports TV has agreed to film this years event. Feel free to check out their website at www.hawaiianx.com for great outrigger footage.
