Suzie
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2006 Molokai Ocean Challenge - 2006/07/25 23:26
The 4th annual Molokai Ocean Challenge took place Saturday, July 22, 2006 with 54 kiteboarders, 24 windsurfers and a kite-canoe participated. The challenge is a 15 mile race/crossing from Maui to the island of Molokai. Beginning at West Maui, across the Pailolo channel with the finish line at Kamalo Harbor on the island of Molokai. The Molokai Ocean Challenge is a fund raiser for Molokai’s “Youth in Motion” a non-profit activity program. The Youth In Motion’s main goal is to Educate, Challenge and Motivate Youth through activities on the land and in the ocean. This year the crossing was even more challenging than in previous years. Due to a low pressure system from former Hurricane Bud, the winds were light, delaying the start. The race did not officially get started until after 2:00p.m.
Photo: Suzie Johnson, "Waiting for the wind" at Embassy Suites
A few determined kiters began early by swimming their kites out over 2 miles into the wind line, while the rest of the fleet were given an alternate launch site where the wind was better. The kitesurfers officially launched from D.T. Fleming beach on Maui, further north on the coast. The kitesurfers and boardsailors sailed across to Pailolo channel which is known for its extreme winds and rolling swells. They had to ride almost directly downwind to make it to Kamalo wharf on Molokai. The officials and spectators on the flotilla of support boats and the media helicopter were treated to a spectacular view. Most kiters had to swoop their kites and surf the swells to keep their speed up in the lighter winds. After crossing the finish line, most of the kiters then continued on a 10 mile down-winder to Malama Park at Kaunakakai harbor where the Molokai festivities began. A party and awards ceremony was given for all the participants.
Photo: Suzie Johnson, Kiteboarder Christian Stepnow crossing the Pailolo channel to Molokai
The following day was a great free-kiting day for most with winds averaging around 23 knots. A kiteboarding kid’s clinic was given to the keiki from Molokai and Maui. Hosted by David Dorn from Action Sports Maui, the kids were treated to some fun activities including trainer kite flying and in the land and in the water, and flying some tiny inflatable kites too. Some of the older kids even got to try water-starting on the boards. The lighter kids could waterstart and popped up using tiny 2 meter kites. David said that “the kids look forward to the kite clinics every year, which gives them some new opportunities to try different activities”. “It always amazes me how quickly these kids learn”, he said. The youth in motion program shows that kids will naturally get involved in healthy and stimulating activities, if given the chance.
Photo: Suzie Johnson, Instructor Skai with 9yo Victor Busa from Molokai
The event was a success due to the volunteer efforts of many people on Molokai and Maui. Notably, Clare Seeger-Mawae the event organizer from Molokai and Mark Lefebvre the race director from Maui. Our thanks to them and all the other volunteers as well. This year’s event was a success and will continue to grow in the future with the assistance of the community and the enthusiastic responses from the riders. Most racers are already clearing their calendars for next year’s event.
Mahalo,
Suzie Johnson
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