The gnarliest open-ocean paddle race in the world, between the islands of Molokai and Oahu, returns for its 24th edition this year after a three-year COVID-related hiatus. Better known by its official title, the Molokai2Oahu or M2O, it’s a whopping 32 miles long and, as its name promises, stretches from Kaluakoi Beach Area, Molokai to the South Shore of Oahu at Maunalua Bay Beach Park by way of the Ka’iwi Channel.
Initially founded in the ’90’s on Oahu, and primarily drawing lifeguards on the island, nowadays, the event sees all kinds of people compete. Athletes make the crossing in as little as under five hours, surfing open-ocean “bumps” on equipment made for riding downwind.
The race is scheduled to run on July 30 and the specific event schedule has been released: this year’s event features prone paddleboarding, SUP, and foil divisions. Wing foil has also been added to the offerings. Competitors are required to have a support boat, and many do it as a relay in teams, or solo of course. This year will see a record-breaking number of athletes competing, and the event is completely sold out. There’s currently a waitlist.
The Molokai2Oahu draws athletes from all over the world, including Aussies Stewart McLaughlan and Harriet Brown to compete in the prone-paddle division (10-time winner and big wave surfer Jamie Mitchell is prone paddling’s unofficial king). Reigning world champion Kai Lenny will compete in the Foil division. James Casey, reigning SUP Champion, is also competing in foil. For women, 2019 champion Annie Reickert will compete in foil against former SUP Champion Andrea Moller. Championship Tour athletes have crossed the channel as well, including Joel Parkinson, Rob Machado, and John John Florence, whose Florence Marine X is actually a sponsor this year.
Who are the favorites to win? There are a lot of stalwarts, and a lot of underground paddling legends that could come out of nowhere. Anyone who trains hard enough to paddle 32 miles across one of the deepest channels in the world, battling giant open-ocean swell that often breaks unpredictably, not to mention the currents, deserves a shot at glory. Or at least some recognition.
