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

U.S. military troops prepare to attack the surf at White Plains Beach

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2009 HIC/Quiksilver All Military Surf Classic
Presented by Navy Hawaii MWR

White Plains Beach, Barber’s Point, HI
20 – 21 June 2009

Kalaeloa, Barber’s Point, HI — U.S. military troops prepare to attack the surf at White Plains Beach, on Oahu’s south west shore, June 20-21, during the 2009 HIC/Quiksilver All Military Surf Classic.  Presented by Navy Hawaiii MWR , this contest provides a weekend of surf competition and camaraderie for active US military personnel, retirees and their dependents.

Last year’s event saw 180 contestants, including 97 Active Duty Personnel, battle it out for trophies, prizes and bragging rights in 16 divisions, including Open and Active Duty categories for shortboard and longboard surfing. There is also a coveted “Top Branch” award which was proudly claimed by the US Navy in 2008. Traditionally a one-day surf event, this year the HIC/Quiksilver All Military Surf Classic will run two days in order to accommodate continued growth and popularity, with over 220 contestants expected.

Organized by Marvin Nuestra and the White Plains lifeguard staff, the HIC/Quiksilver All Military Surf Classic is made possible by the support of Navy Hawaii MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation), whose mission it is to improve the lives of US Military Personnel and their families. The sponsors, Hawaiian Island Creations and Quiksilver, are honored to support the men and women of the US Armed Forces who proudly serve our country. Stay safe, keep surfing and enjoy the ride…

Surfers around O’ahu scanned the horizon yesterday and saw the first big south swell of the season roll in with wave heights forecast at 5 to 8 feet.

“I’m itching to get out there,” said Ken Lykes, a surf instructor at Hans Hedemann Surf School in Waikiki. “It will be nice.”

The waves are forecast at advisory levels, which means high waves could produce rip currents and localized beach erosion, according to the National Weather Service. The advisory will be in effect until 6 p.m. tomorrow.

The swell will be decent all this week along O’ahu’s south shores, according to the weather service. It will peak tonight but will be followed by a second swell tomorrow before slowly ebbing into the weekend, according to the forecast.

John Clark, former Hono- lulu Fire Department deputy chief and author of six books on beaches in Hawai’i, confirmed that the swells starting yesterday were the first big ones of the season. The south swells usually come as early as April and gain strength in May and June, Clark said.

“I was out there this morning,” Clark said yesterday. “The waves were consistent overhead sets. That’s good news for all the surfers on the island. It’s definitely the first big swell of the summer surf.”

City lifeguards had not reported any significant increase in rescues, said Bryan Cheplic, city Emergency Services spokesman.

“We staff accordingly,” Cheplic said. “There’s nothing different.”

At Point Panic and Kewalo Basin yesterday, surfing fans stood with their cameras on tripods to capture the first big swell of the season — and hooted and hollered encouragement to their friends riding the waves. It didn’t matter that they weren’t in the water, all that mattered was catching a wave.

“This is a fun day,” said Doug Palama. “This is my favorite break. I come here daily, if possible. It’s the best break.”

More than two dozen bodysurfers at Point Panic caught wave after wave, with some bodysurfers coming perilously close to the rocky shoreline. Across the channel, surfers rode waves long into the white water as waves of 2 to 3 feet pushed them along.

The crowd was bigger than normal yesterday, Palama said. That’s because everyone had been waiting for the first big swell.

“Everyone’s really hungry,” Palama said. “That’s why there’s so many people out today.”

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