The Molokai to Oahu race, for those who have been hiding under a rock for the last couple years, is a classic race that has been taking

place since 1997. At the time, it was mostly compete by lifeguards or Oahu's watermen who had to courage to compete on the 32 nautical

mile of the channel between Kaluakoi beach on Molokai's North Shore all the way to Maunalua Bat, on Oahu's South coast.

The event never stopped growing in size and importance with time and it is today an internationally recognized event. 

It's not only a race: it is formost a huge personal challende in which every rider give everything they have in a beautiful but also hostile

environment. On Sunday, July 29th (the day after tomorrow), there will be over 250 people from 15 countries participating to the event.

If the Molokai to Oahu challenge is well known for paddleboarding (basically "lay down paddleboarding", without a paddle, just like surfers

do), SUP made its place amongst the ranks in the last few years, and the race is now one of the event that people look the most forward

to.

With some mythical winner names like Ekolu Kalama or more recently the young Connor Bazter, the race had become an important

objective to add to the race calendar for many people. Unfortunately, the race is quite expensive (need for a support boat, registration

and special board) and it is not accessible for a lot of people from abroad, especially if we add the price of the plane ticket.

The French Eric Terrien and the Spanish Belar Diaz overcame these financial challenges and are both registered this year, even though

they have a disadvantage compares to the Hawaiians who know the course perfectly. We can although expect a great performance coming

from Eric, who trained hard for this challenge and who also has last year's experience whe  he participated and was coached by Ekilo

Kalama. He has some serious competition though, big names like Kai Lenny, Gerry Lopez, Connor Baxter, Dave Kalama, Kody Kerbox,

Zane Schweitzer and many other... There will be a lot of people on the water!

Good luck to all riders!