Pacific Paddler June 2014 - (Page 28)

Maui Jim Surfski Wor Photos by Vincent bechet First place Hank McGregor The 2014 Maui Jim Molokai Challenge and Surski World Championship was perhaps the strongest field ever in the 38 year history of the Kanaka Ikaika Molokai Channel crossing. Featuring nearly half a dozen previous champions and a $10,000 purse, the world's best were prepared for battle. Amongst the paddlers were defending champion Clint Robinson, five-time champion Grant Kenny and his brother Martin. Also on the line were Epic Kayaks' own 12-time champion Oscar Chalupsky, 2009 Champion Hank McGregor, 2007 and 2008 Champion Lewis Laughlin plus strong contenders Cory Hill and Jeremy Cotter from Australia, Jasper Mocke from South Africa, Dorian Wolter from Germany, Hiromana Flores from Tahiti who paddles with Shell Va'a, and the legendary Olympic K-1 and K-2 winner Greg Barton. In the end, it was South Africa's Hank McGregor who was 23 seconds faster than Australia's Clint Robinson to take home $2,000. Clint walked away with $1,250, and Cory Hill collected $1,000 for 3rd. Phil Gumbert was the first Hawaiian paddler across the line earning his place in history on the perpetual trophy. Oscar Chalupsky won the Kala Kukea perpetual trophy for the 50's division, and the women's division was dominated by Rachel Clarke from New Zealand. Hawii's 16-year old Ale Hedlund completed her first crossing to finish 3rd. The race also introduced a 3-person relay division for OC-1, SUP and Prone paddleboards which included paddlers such as Kai Bartlett, Aaron Napolean and Will Richenstein in the OC-1, Brad Gual on the Prone paddleboard and Kelsa Gabehart on the SUP. There was also a relay division for Surfski paddlers who had not trained enough for the solo crossing. The finish at Cha Cha Cha Salsaria in the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center was an Epic event with plenty of Cerveza Pacifico and great food. Mahalo to Maui Jim, 28 Pacific Paddler June 2014 Lisa Wadling - Australia (2nd), Ale Hedlund - Hawaii (3rd) and Rachel Clarke - New Zealand (1st) Right, 15 year old Kimo Brown with race organizer Jim Foti Epic Kayaks, Think Kayaks, Ocean Minded shoes, Cerveza Pacifico, Pacific Paddler, Ocean Paddler TV, Scott Hawaii, Kai Wa'a Canoes, Riviera Paddlesurf, Bark Paddleboards, Aloha Gas, Cha Cha Cha Salsaria, Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, Allstate, Mac 24/7 and our hosts on the island of Molokai. Jim Foti

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler June 2014

Scott Hawaii State Championships
Maui Jim Waterman's Series
Hinano-Kialoa Coastal Relay
Hui Waa: Island to Island
Maui Jim Surfski World Champs
Coach Kevin Mokuahi
6th Annual OluKai Ho'olaule'a
Canada West Coast
Team USA - Kaya McTigue
How to feel your lats

Pacific Paddler June 2014