In its 15th year, the Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championship (M2O), presented by Kona Brewing Co., will host its largest field of international competitors, featuring the sport’s most elite athletes. On Sunday, July 31, 2011, an armada of more than 250 athletes on both prone and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) will attempt the 32-mile, open-ocean crossing of the infamous Ka’iwi (kah-EE-vee) Channel, also known as the Molokai Channel. Live race updates will be broadcast on Facebook andTwitter.
Australia’s effort to continue national dominance over the men’s solo prone paddleboard division is led by 34-year-old Jamie Mitchell who is seeking his tenth consecutive win. In 2007, Mitchell recorded the fastest ever Molokai crossing in a time of 4 hours, 48 minutes, 23 seconds.

“If you love paddling, this is the race of all races – it’s our Superbowl,” Mitchell said. “I love the feeling of apprehension, the nerves and waiting to see what the ocean’s going to deliver. The depth of talent in this year’s race is unsurpassed.”
Mitchell’s closest competition in the past 10 years has come from Brian Rocheleau. The 35-year-old Hawaiian has finished second to Jamie three times and in the top five in each of his solo crossings. Rocheleau would like nothing more than to break the Australian sweep seen at the 2010 race and return the title to the islands.
Australians Joel Mason, 29, and Jackson English, 36, are also vying for the top spot.

A host of talented newcomers to the M2O championship are expected to push the pace on Sunday. Two notable lifeguards are looking to add the sport’s most prestigious title to their collection of paddleboard victories.
Australian Wes Berg, 31, was reported to have fired a warning shot over the bow of the 2011 M2O championship after he staged an impressive win at an open-ocean warm-up race in Mitchell’s hometown of Currumbin.

Los Angeles County Lifeguard, Anthony Vela is also in this year’s mix. The 36-year-old Redondo Beach resident is coming off a recent win in June at the Jay Moriarty Memorial Paddleboard race in Santa Cruz, California. In his first 32-mile race at the Catalina Classic, Vela finished third.

On the women’s side, Kauai resident and eight-time M2O champion, Kanesa Duncan, made her entry to the race’s hall of fame in 2004, setting the current women’s record time on a stock paddleboard (5:53:49). Her record setting victory is proof that the power of the athlete, favorable water conditions and strong navigation skills can sometimes win the day on a stock board, rather than on a longer and more streamlined unlimited board.

Duncan, a 35-year-old professor of Marine Biology at the University of Hawaii, has been paddling in the unlimited class for the past eight years. While she is seeking her ninth win and would enjoy beating her record, Duncan says, “when you are battling the energy of the currents and swell that pass through the Ka’iwi Channel, victory is quite simply a matter of just getting to the finish. Molokai is the focus of my training all year.”

Making the switch from SUP to the prone division is Candice Appleby. Originally from San Clemente and now living in Honolulu, the 25-year-old has dominated the SUP race scene over the past few summers. Appleby hopes to transfer her SUP skills to a successful challenge in a division that has been dominated by her fellow waterwoman, Duncan, for nearly a decade.

The paddling world will be watching a rising star from the Sunshine Coast of Australia. Buderim, Queensland native Jordan Mercer, at the age of 18, is the youngest solo prone paddler in history to compete at the M2O World Championship. Mercer is following in the footsteps of her father, Dean, and uncle, Darren, whose names are legendary in Australian professional lifeguard competition.

The ancient Polynesian mode of transportation, stand-up paddleboarding, now more commonly referred to as SUP, is making a modern resurgence. At M2O this year, 52 solo racers will compete on stock and unlimited boards.

One of the sport’s most active supporters and 2010 M2O champion, Dave Kalama, 46, is a favorite in this year’s SUP division. Last year, the world-renowned waterman and big wave surfer from Maui set a SUP course record time of 4:54:15, just two minutes behind his prone paddleboard counterpart, Mitchell. Seeming evenly matched, bragging rights may be up for grabs between the two friends.

Connor Baxter, also from the island of Maui, is back after a fourth place finish in 2010 (5:12:43) and hoping to chase down Kalama. Recently, the 17-year-old Baxter exchanged leads with Kalama in a race over the Pailolo Channel, connecting Maui and Molokai. Baxter prevailed in this meeting, demonstrating that he is one year older, one year stronger and a serious contender for the M2O World Championship.

Scott Gamble, 35, from Honolulu is also returning and looking to better last year’s performance. Gamble was in contention for second place in 2010 before he made a miscalculation in the last few miles, tripping up on an inside wave and landing in third place (5:06:15).

The popularity of SUP is evident in the women’s race with a record field of more than 10 solo competitors led by returning champion Andrea Moller. Born on the island of Ilhabela, Brazil, Moller, 32, moved to Maui in 1998. Her 2010 win at the M2O World Championship was a women’s record at 6:00:00.

The 2009 M2O women’s champion (6:18:31), Jenny Kalmbach, returns for her third time. Born in Costa Rica, and now living on Kona, Kalmbach, 28, has risen quickly in a short career, building an impressive list of victories.

The 2011 stock class at M2O boasts two notable athletes from Honolulu. Erik Abbott and Andrew Logreco lead the field in their respective divisions of prone (Abbott) and SUP (Logrecco). Both will likely win their class and stand a strong chance of beating some of their unlimited counterparts to finish in the top 10 overall.
Behind the field of solo paddlers will be 75 teams in both the prone and SUP divisions, featuring the father-son duo of Aaron and Riggs Napoleon in the SUP division. The Napoleon’s are a famous Hawaiian waterman family. Last year Riggs was the youngest ever solo competitor to cross the channel at age 12.
Former Ironman Triathlon World Champion, Greg Welch, is making his return to endurance competition on a team with fellow triathlete Roch Frey and powerhouse paddler Chuck Glynn.

View Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championship results history by clicking here.
ABOUT THE MOLOKAI-2-OAHU PADDLEBOARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Celebrating its 15th anniversary on Sunday, July 31, 2011, the Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championships, presented by Kona Brewing Co. is recognized as one of the world’s most challenging tests for endurance and courage. Covering 32 miles of open-ocean, over 250 competitors will cross the Ka’iwi (kah-EE-vee) Channel, from the North Shore of Molokai to the South Shore of Oahu, under their own power on prone paddleboards or stand-up paddleboards (SUP). The fastest athletes complete the crossing in just under five hours, facing treacherous currents, powerful swells and a depth of nearly one kilometer. Paddlers can ride swells for 100s of yards.
Competitors can choose to race as a solo paddler or as part of a team 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).

The organizers and athletes of the Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championship thank the valued partners for making the annual race possible. Partners include (alphabetically): Dukes, Garmin, Hotel Renew, Kona Brewing Co., Maui Jim, Patagonia, Rogue, Sambazon, Scott Hawaii, Standup Paddle Magazine, Wahoos and Waterman’s
Sunscreen.

32-mile ocean crossing tests the endurance and daring of men and women

Race updates and latest event information available thru Facebook page and Twitter feed

Honolulu, Hawaii (June 22, 2011) – Founded in 1997, the Molokai-2-Oahu (M2O) Paddleboard World Championship, presented by Kona Brewing Co., is set to celebrate its 15th anniversary on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Featuring 250 courageous athletes from more than 10 countries, the annual race will test the endurance of men and women as they cross the treacherous waters of the Ka’iwi (kah-EE-vee) Channel from Kaluakoi Beach on the north shore of Molokai to Maunalua Bay on the south shore of Oahu. Registration is open through July 1. Facebook and Twitter deliver latest event information and race updates.

Hailing from Australia’s Gold Coast, Jamie Mitchell, 34, leads the field of elite athletes in the unlimited paddleboard class who use only the power of their arms to propel their 18-foot crafts across the 32-mile wedge of ocean. Mitchell, who holds the fastest event time of 4 hours, 48 minutes, 23 seconds, has his sites set on an unprecedented tenth victory.

“The Molokai channel is such a personal pursuit for me. Combine 32 miles, strong currents, large swell and then the unpredictability of what’s going to happen out there – that’s the challenge that keeps me coming back year after year,” said Mitchell. “I don’t think you ever truly master the channel.”

On the women’s side, Kanesa Duncan, 35, returns to defend her crown. Seeking her ninth win, the 5-foot-4-inch Duncan will paddle a board that is more than three times her size with hopes of beating the women’s record of 5:53:49 she set in 2004.  Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Duncan moved to the United States at an early age. With dual citizenship, she represents both countries with pride. She discovered paddleboarding after moving to Oahu to attend the University of Hawaii. In addition to holding many records in the sport, she also holds doctorate in Marine Biology.

Upholding his lineage of great Hawaiian watermen, Dave Kalama, 46, is a favorite in this year’s Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) division. As one of the world’s most accomplished and recognized big wave surfers, Kalama actively promotes SUP and plans to defend his title having completed the 2010 crossing in a time of 4:54:15.

The popularity of SUP is evident in the women’s race with a record field more than 10 solo women including returning champs Jenny Kalmbach, 28 from Hawaii (2009, 6:18:31) and Andrea Moller 32, from Brazil (2010, 6:00:00).  Also in the women’s mix is Candice Appleby, 26, from Hawaii, considered one of the best SUP surfers in the sport.

Since its inception, the annual race has evolved from a grassroots challenge for the legendary lifeguards and watermen of Oahu’s North Shore. Today, M2O is the premiere event for the sport of paddleboarding. The race is comprised of four divisions and team relays that include traditional “stock” class boards and the “unlimited open” division that showcases some of the most technically advanced designs and materials from top manufacturers.

“Our goal is to grow the prominence of this race and preserve the traditional elements that attract the world’s most elite paddlers, while exposing more men, women and youth to the spirit and camaraderie of paddleboarding,” said race director Mike Takahashi. “This is without a doubt the most demanding race and held in the highest regard by the international paddling community.”

Having completed the inaugural M2O race in ‘97, Takahashi knows it is the power of the Ka’iwi Channel is what makes the race demanding. The stretch of water is also known as the Channel of Bones for its centuries old reputation for having claimed the lives of many, including ancient canoe fleets and modern-day fisherman and watermen. At a depth of 701 meters or 2,300 feet, ocean currents and varying swell heights are squeezed through the two islands creating turbulent water conditions.

The tragic loss of Hawaiian big-wave rider Eddie Aikau in the Ka’iwi Channel during the 1978 Polynesian voyage of the Hokule’a sailing canoe tempered watermen’s reverence for the powerful and wanton channel. After gale force winds and 30-foot swells disabled the vessel, Aikau purposely went overboard with his rescue paddleboard on a mission to seek help for his stranded crewmates. He was never seen again.

The channel’s lore serves to inspire athletes of all ages and physical ability to train for the endeavor.

Gerry Lopez, the legendary surfer who made his name at Pipeline and then as an actor in films, returns to this year’s race with two crossings under his belt.

“Molokai is a big bite, and you better be ready for it,” Lopez said. “When you get out there, everyone is awe struck.”

His first experience across the channel was in 2009, at age 60. He now lives in Bend, Oregon.

In 2010, Riggs Napoleon from Oahu completed this first solo crossing at the age 12. He returns this year to compete with his father Aaron. As the grandson of Nappy Napoleon, one of Oahu’s first Waikiki Beach Boys who has over 50 Molokai Channel crossings to his credit in an outrigger canoe, Riggs appears destined to carry on the family’s tradition.

Challenged athlete Mark Matheson, who is paralyzed from the waist down, ran into technical difficulties last year, forcing him to pull out of the race. Matheson and his paddleboard were running fine. It was his escort boat that became disabled with 10 miles to go, with land in sight. Race rules require competitors to start and complete the crossing with an escort boat for safety.

This year, Matheson is supported by two escort boats to ensure success. To improve his training, Matheson can be seen at popular surf breaks in Oahu pulling surfers out to the lineup for resistance training.

The Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championship is anchored in Aloha, annually giving back to four local charities on Oahu and Moloka’i through the 32 for 32 (32::32) initiative.

The concept of 32::32 is a donation of one dollar per mile, or $32 for 32 miles. Donors who pledge with 32::32 receive a limited edition T-shirt and hat. Donations can be made online at Molokai2Oahu.com.

The 2011 beneficiaries are:

Moloka’i Community Service Council provides grants to projects such as anti-drug programs, health services, legal services, economic development and environmental initiatives.

Nā Kama Kai – Hawaiian for “Children of the Sea,” Nā Kama Kai promotes the ocean lifestyle to youth through free ocean awareness and safety clinics where children are able to interact with prominent members of the waterman community.

Malama Maunalua is a community-based group caring for the Maunalua region of southeast Oahu – the finish line of the Molokai-2-Oahu race. Malama Maunalua is a collaboration of more than a dozen prominent partners working together to create a community-based marine education and resource stewardship program.

The Rell Sunn Education Fund is a non-profit organization celebrating the life of Hawaii’s most famous waterwoman, Rell Sunn who died of Breast cancer in 1998.   The organization is focused on educating the public about sportsmanship, environment, combating juvenile delinquency and providing funds to battle breast cancer.

MOLOKAI-2-OAHU PADDLEBOARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP’S VALUED PARTNERS

“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 15th annual Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championship,” said Kona Brewing Company President and CEO Mattson Davis. “The sport is such an integral part of life in Hawaii that we dedicated our latest beer to it, Koko Brown Coconut Brown Ale. This new addition to our lineup of Kona’s bottled beers, features vintage artwork depicting a stand up paddler on the waters of Maunalua Bay, the finish line of the race.”

The organizers and athletes of the Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championship thank the valued partners for making the annual race possible. Partners include (alphabetically): Dukes, Garmin, Hotel Renew, Kona Brewing Co., Maui Jim, Patagonia, Rogue, Sambazon, Standup Paddle Magazine and Waterman’s Sunscreen.

This Sunday’s Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championship isn’t all about crossing the finish line; the prestigious 32-mile race across the Ka’iwi Channel is anchored in ‘aloha’ and will be giving back to four local charities on Oahu and Moloka’i through their 32::32 initiative.

The concept of 32::32 is a donation of a dollar a mile, or $32 for 32 miles, and donors who pledge 32::32 will receive a limited edition t-shirt and hat. Donations can be made at the official race website of Molokai2Oahu.com and these are the nominated local community and education beneficiaries:

The Moloka’i Community Service Council – provides grants to projects that the Moloka’i community collectively deems important or necessary, such as anti-drug programs, health services, legal services, economic development and environmental initiatives.

Nā Kama Kai – Hawaiian for “Children of the Sea”, Na Kama Kai encourages youngsters by promoting the ocean lifestyle, as opposed to just surfing lessons. The non-profit organization holds free ocean awareness and safety clinics where children are able to interact with prominent members of the waterman community.

Mālama Maunalua – a community-based group that helps care for the Maunalua region of southeast O’ahu, which includes the finish line of the Molokai-2-Oahu race. Malama Maunalua is dedicated to creating a healthy Maunalua region. They are a collaboration of more than a dozen partners including the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Hui Nalu Canoe Club, Mālama Hawai`i, NOAA, the University of Hawai`i and The Nature Conservancy, working together to create a community-based marine education and resource stewardship program.

The Rell Sunn Education Fund is a public benefit, non-profit organization exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes. Their goals are to educate the public about sportsmanship and environment, combat juvenile delinquency, and provide funding to battle breast cancer.

“We are super excited to be a part of the biggest paddle boarding event in the world,” said Alika Winter, Makai Watch Coordinator for Malama Maunalua. “We are greatful for all of the support and we wish every one of the competitors a fast and safe crossing.”

Gerry Lopez featured in New York times on SUP and M2O

click here

Famous GPS Will Prove that 32-Mile Channel Isn’t Always 32 Miles Across!

Todd Bradley to Host GPS & Finish Line Clinic, Wednesday July 21

With more Molokai Channel crossings to his name than years on Earth, you could be excused for thinking that Todd Bradley could paddle the Molokai2Oahu paddleboard race blind-folded; 2010 will be his 53rd crossing at 50 years of age. But through all his seafaring, Bradley has learned two things when it comes to the ocean: No two days are the same; and the Molokai Channel isn’t always 32 miles across! The course you take, the swells you ride, and currents you battle can make the journey far longer. He knows, because he has logged more than a decade’s worth of crossings on his Garmin GPS, from a trusty yellow eTrex handheld to the waterproof Forerunner 310XT multisport watch.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Molokai2Oahu Paddleboard Race is a grueling 32-mile test of endurance that crosses one of the world’s most beautiful yet dangerous bodies of water. Each year more than 200 paddlers take it up the channel challenge riding stand-up (SUP) or traditional paddleboards. This year will be the 14th anniversary of the race.

Bradley figures he has spent more than 260 hours racing from Molokai to Oahu, paddled over 20,000 strokes, and clocked over 1,600 miles on the 32-mile channel as he’s paddled canoes, paddleboards and SUPs. This year he will share his accumulated data with all interested participants in a GPS race clinic:

Molokai2Oahu GPS & Final Stage Race Clinic, hosted by Todd Bradley, C4 Waterman

For those looking to make an educated crossing of the channel & gain local knowledge.

Meet at the Maunalua Bay finish line, Wednesday, July 21, 9:00am to 11:00am.

9am-10am: On-land GPS use clinic, sharing of GPS coordinates & course knowledge.

10am-11am: Short paddle-out to practice tricky final stage from Portlock to Maunalua Bay.

Bring your own GPS and paddling gear. Recommended GPS are Garmin 76CX and the Rhino GPS and Radio.

“As they say, motivation can’t be measured, but the Molokai can,” says Bradley, who is also co-founder of C4 Waterman, official sponsor of the Molokai2Oahu Paddleboard Race.

“Every year I’m asked over and over what line to take across the channel.  Each year I look forward to sharing the data I’ve collected on my Garmin, along with notes I’ve taken throughout the many races and conditions, to help competitors prepare. Personally, that’s what keeps me coming back to the channel year after year. I love to combine all my training, my knowledge of the Kaiwi, and my ultimate strategy on race day so that I can have the ultimate crossing.”

The romance of paddling from one island to another is quickly sidelined when athletes are faced with potential swells of 20 feet and 20 mile per hour trade winds. It is the challenge of “the ultimate crossing” that keeps them coming back; taking the training, nutrition, equipment, experience and navigation to turn in the best performance under the conditions.

Jenny Kalmbach can vouch for that; she will be competing in the solo SUP division of the Molokai2Oahu just weeks after completing a historic 72-mile, 16-hour paddle, during the night, between the islands of Oahu and Kauai. Kalmbach and good friend Morgan Hoestery together made the rare crossing of the Kauai Channel. Both paddled the full distance and both relied heavily on their Garmin devices to get them there.

Kalmbach will be an official ambassador of the Molokai-to-Oahu race and will race for another leg of her seven channel quest between the Hawaiian Islands known as ‘Destination 3 Degrees’.

“We are really excited to have Garmin on board”, said Shannon Delaney of the M2O group.  “It’s a natural fit for an event that relies heavily on race day navigation and GPS use for open water training and safety. The Ka’Iwi channel is infamous for its rough conditions.”

Paddle sport competitors join a long list of athletes – from record-holding distance runners to elite professional cyclists – who maximize their training with products from Garmin’s fast-growing fitness division.

“In defining the category of fitness GPS, Garmin has set high standards for technology in training,” said Stan Brajer, director of Garmin Fitness Sales and Marketing. “Now our top-of-the-line Forerunner 310XT introduces innovative features that are ideal for open water sports, cross-training workouts and endurance competitions.”

Using a built-in high-sensitivity GPS receiver to accurately track a wide range of data, Garmin’s rugged and waterproof Forerunner 310XT is completely submersible, boasts up to 20 hours of battery life on one charge of its rechargeable battery, and features vibration alerts for when you can’t hear any beeps. It’s the only all-in-one watch that can accurately track time, distance, speed/pace, elevation, heart rate and power (for cyclists) – and wirelessly send that data to your computer after the workout. Ideal for a variety of activities, it can calculate the distance and average speed of an open-water swim or SUP paddle, and it goes from wrist to bike in seconds with the optional quick-release wrist and bike mounts. The same bike mounts can be used for paddleboards and canoes.   After the workout or competition, athletes can view and share their data (or explore new areas for other people’s activities) at Garmin Connect where you can store, analyze and overlay data on a variety of maps in a free online community of more than 20 million stored activities.

Molokai2Oahu Paddleboard Race Information:

Race Day: Sunday, July 25

Start: Molokai, 7:30am

Finish: Oahu’s Maunalua Bay, around Noon.

The world’s top paddleboard racers, including defending champions Jamie Mitchell (Australia); Kanesa Duncan (Hawaii), Ekolu Kalama on SUP (Hawaii) and Jenny Kalmback on SUP (Hawaii).

About Garmin International Inc. Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/newsroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin, Forerunner and eTrex are registered trademarks and Garmin Connect is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

Jeff Denholm Paddling the Molokai Channel

Paddling the 32-mile Ka’iwi channel from Molokai to Oahu is grueling enough, but for California’s Jeff Denholm and Hawaii’s Mark Matheson, who will be participating in the Molokai-2-Oahu World Championship of Paddleboarding on July 25, the race presents its own unique challenges. Denholm will be paddling with a prosthetic arm, while Matheson is a paraplegic, numb from the chest down.

After losing his arm in a fishing accident in Alaska in the ’90s, Denholm’s since taken to attacking the famous Hawaiian channel. Last year was his first attempt at the race, but with 17 miles to go his prosthetic came unglued from his arm and he was forced to limp across the finish line on one good arm. It was a test of endurance and mental toughness that lasted over eight hours. The race is “less about me and winning and more about inspiring those who need it most, simply by not giving up,” says Denholm.

“I have an immense amount of respect for any race of the Molokai’s distance. Anything can happen,” continues Denholm. “The weather and sea conditions are always up in the air and play a huge factor. However for me the biggest ‘x’ factor is my paddling device. I glue it to what is left of my arm and both the glue and device have proven to fail over long course races. If it stays on I am confident in my physical ability and feel that I can perform quite well. If it fails it will be all about survival at that point. With this said, I have a better device and improved adhesive this year so my hopes are high.”
And then there’s Mr. Matheson, a paraplegic who will be charging the channel for the first time. Injured after a four-story fall from a hotel on Kauai, Matheson is back on the board, ready to inspire, and hoping to raise funds and awareness for Easter Seals Hawaii and Access Surf Hawaii — both of whom helped Matheson get back in the water.

“Since I don’t have the use of my core (abdominal) and leg muscles, one of the challenges I have is keeping my legs on the board and from tipping over,” says Matheson. “Special upper body strengthening exercises, paddling technique and adaptive devices on my board have helped. The other challenge is getting my equipment and myself in and out of the water.”

As mentioned the race goes off on Sunday, July 25, and sets out from Kaluakoi, Molokai at 7:00am. Denholm’s goal is to break the seven-hour mark, while Matheson is hoping to drag himself across the finish line sometime in the early afternoon. Best wishes and happy paddling to both men. We’ll be pulling for you boys!

Read the whole story at ESPN

http://espn.go.com/action/surfing/blog/_/post/5379038