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Honolulu — The 32-mile paddleboard crossing of the Molokai (Ka’Iwi) Channel is considered the most brutal physical and mental challenge in the world for the waterman. But the new wave of standup (SUP) paddlers are here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be a near-death experience.

The word is out and the SUP division of the Rainbow Sandals Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race, presented by Honolua, is the fastest growing division of this 13 year-old race. Offering solo and team categories, it’s also luring its fair share of big names.

Without a doubt, tackling the Ka’Iwi solo is where the major praise lies — along with the major pain. But the Molokai martyrdom isn’t for everyone. For SUP-ers, the idea of channel surfing the distance with a paddle and a buddy is the big attraction.

Among those 2-man teams contesting the 2009 SUP division are: Gerry “Mr. Pipeline” Lopez and Rainbow Sandals founder Jay “Sparky” Longley; former world 16-ranked pro surfer and Polo Ralph Lauren model Buzzy Kerbox and Kiva Rivers; top SUP designer/shaper Dave Parmenter and godfather of distance SUP, Archie Kalepa; and C4 Waterman founder Todd Bradley and his 18-year-old son Christian, who race SUP in the purest style – on a shorter, rudderless 14-foot board.

WHEN:
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Start at 7:30am.

WHERE:
From Kaluakoi on the west end of Molokai island, 32 miles across the Ka’iwi Channel to a finish line at Maunalua Bay Beach Park in Hawaii Kai.

THE PADDLERS:
Defending men’s and women’s paddleboard champions:
Jamie Mitchell (Australia) & Kanesa Duncan (Hawaii).
Defending SUP champion
Duane DeSoto (Hawaii).
Team SUP: Gerry Lopez (Hawaii) & Jay ‘Sparky’ Longley, Jr. (Rainbow Sandals founder).

RECORDS:
Men’s solo paddleboard:
Jamie Mitchell (Australia), 4:48:23, set in 2007.

Women’s solo paddleboard: Kanesa Duncan (Hawaii),
5:53:49, set in 2004.

SUP solo: Kevin Horgan (Kauai), 5:54:59, set in 2007.

SUP team: Ekolu & David Kalama (Maui), 4:36:55, set in 2007.

Stock 2-man Team: Jimmy Austin & Dolan Eversole (Hawaii), 5:04:48, set in 2004.

read more of the story at rainbow sandals site