M2O Paddleboard World Championships

Photo by Jack Kiyonaga

The 25th running of the Molokai to Oahu (M2O) Paddleboard World Championships took place this past Sunday, July 28. Athletes of all ages and nationalities gathered at Kepuhi Beach to begin the daunting 32-mile journey across the Kaiwi Channel.

“It’s one of the most special feelings,” said race founder and director Mike Takahashi. “Something about it just resonates inside your being.”

Takahashi, who competed in the first running of the event in 1997, explained that the sensation of being in “really deep, blue, wild ocean” is part of what makes the crossing so impactful.

Walking off the beach into the surf to start is “probably one of the most stressful situations you’ve ever been in,” said Takahashi, who competed in his last M2O race 12 years ago.

Photo by Jack Kiyonaga

Lasting about six hours for most competitors, battling currents, waves, wind and themselves, the race is “the ultimate test,” explained Takahashi.

While no Molokai athletes competed in this year’s race, Molokai’s own Ekolu Kalama claimed the open men’s stand-up paddle title back in 2009.

With almost 200 participants and subsequent escort launches, the race brings visitors from across Hawaii and the world to Molokai – which has led to concerns from Molokai residents in the past. Last year’s race brought complaints against race competitors and escort boats for camping, leaving trash behind, and near-shore fishing.

Takahashi explained that this year race organizers have taken steps to address past issues. For instance, this year’s race was split between two weekends with the foil competition taking place on July 21, and the paddleboard competition on July 28. Likewise, escort boats have been asked to anchor at Hale O Lono, rather than Molokai’s west end beaches, and competitors have been strongly discouraged from camping.

“We’re doing our best not to stress the infrastructure,” said Takahashi.

Race organizers also held a Molokai community meeting back in May to field concerns from the community.

“I want to thank the Molokai community for showing up to the May meeting,” said Takahashi. “We’re always trying to improve and are open to suggestions.”

Results for this year’s race were not available by the time of publication. Search molokai2oahu.com for more information on the race and results.