July 25th was a successful day for the Naish stand-up team. The annual Molokai to Oahu paddleboard race took place, a race that has been called the undisputed championship of paddleboarding and stand-up racing for fourteen years now.

Only the world’s top athletes make the 32-mile crossing of the Ka’iwi Channel, which separates the islands of Molokai and Oahu. Considered one of the roughest ocean channels in the world, the combination of the strong tradewinds and the depth of the channel can create swells as big as fifteen feet on an average day.

This year’s race was a tough one, bringing northerly trades through the channel. It drew in 139 participants, for both the paddleboard and stand-up paddle divisions — and finished with five Naish riders in the top ten spots.

There were two classes in the SUP division of this race — an unlimited class and a stand-up paddle stock class. The unlimited class is an open class where the athletes can use any kind of equipment, with no length restriction. The stand-up paddle stock class is regulated with a maximum board length of 14 feet. Boards must be equipped with a fixed fin system, compared to the rudder system that is common for the unlimited boards.

Results — Unlimited Class

Dave Kalama outclassed the fleet, placing 1st in the Men’s Solo Unlimited class, and 1st overall — setting a new record for the channel. Dave finished nine minutes ahead of the second place competitor (Naish Glide 17’0”)!

Big Island’s Jenny Kalmbach placed 2nd in the Women’s Solo Unlimited class (Naish Glide 17’0”).

Results - Relay Stock Class

Michi Schweiger and Jerry Bess placed 1st in the Men’s Team class, and were the 4th to finish overall (both riding the Naish Glide 14’0”).

Naish Australia team Paul Jackson and Woogie Marsh placed 3rd in the Men’s Team class (both riding the Naish Glide 14’0”).

For the Women’s Team class, Naish Australia team Angela Jackson and Jasleigh Geary took the win, finishing in 1st place (both riding the Naish Glide 14’0”).

In the 3-Man Relay class, legends Gerry Lopez, Sparky Longley and Edmund Pestana, fought hard for second place, all riding on Naish boards (Naish Glide 17’0”).

Congratulations to all the Naish riders, for their amazing accomplishments crossing the Ka’iwi Channel in this iconic race.

For the full results of the race, visit: http://www.molokai2oahu.com

Photos: Naish, Wheeler (FB), Aue Kapaku (FB), Baker