Naish athletes perform in the 17th Annual Molokai2Oahu World Championships

Within the stand up paddle and paddle board community the Molokai2Oahu race has a very special standing and is considered the most challenging race that draws the best athletes from around the world. The 32-mile Ka’iwi Channel always has something in its back pocket to make crossings exciting, challenging, and a “never to be forgotten” experience to the competitors. Kody Kerbox continues his outstanding form and took second place in the 14-foot solo division on his Javelin 14 LE. Kody sets a great pace with his first solo crossing success with the outlook of many more to come.

Naish sets the pace for the future by bringing new faces to the Stand up Paddle division in the Molokai 2 Oahu World Championship

This year, some of our already successful Molokai 2 Oahu athletes started working with some of our teenaged Naish athletes to compete together with them in relay teams at the race: Tahitian wave star, Poenaiki Raioha teamed up with Mr. Aloha, Jerry Bess to win the relay class, which is the 4th podium finish in that class in the past 4 years (previously held by Jerry Bess and Michi Schweiger). 16-year-old Ridge Lenny teamed up with Chuck Patterson for the first time to place 3rd in the Relay Division (Javelin 14 LE). Manca Notar from Slovenia and Michi Schweiger teamed up to take second place in the Mixed Division of the event (Javelin 14 LE).

Kai Lenny delivered a strong performance but had to face the challenging conditions and difficult call on the course management which set him into 4th place overall in the strong field. He finished 1st in his age class in the Unlimited Division. Mariko Strickland finished an amazing 5th place in the overall Women’s Unlimited field. A huge Boom Kanani to Mariko! Naish Japan rider, Yoshi Nagamatsu took a second place finish in the Solo 14 Class (Age Class). Congratulations also go out to our South African Importer, Peter Peterson for taking on the famous Ka’iwi Channel. And last but not least, a huge shout out to Naish Tahiti with the team of Laurant Grimaud and Steven Frogier for winning their 2 Men Relay (Age Class) on the Javelin 14 LE, our Tahitian Importer, Yannick Lii who teamed up with Oahu lifeguard legend, Edmund Pestana, to place 2nd in their relay’s age group and Noa Ginella. Congrats and lots of respect to everybody who participated. Until next year!