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A surprising number of readers were taken in by our April Fool announcement of the "Reverse Molokai" and most thoroughly enjoyed the joke. But here's some solid information about the race.
 Clint Pretorius - Molokai 2007 (Pic: Pierre Tostee)
Course reverts to finish at Hawaii Kai
The race organizers have gone back to the old route from Kalua Koi to Hawaii Kai giving a total distance of some 32 nautical miles across the Ka'iwi Channel. This depends on the exact line followed, for example Mark Sandvold's 2006 GPS track showed 28.5 nautical miles (53km).
 Course reverts to classic route
 Finish at Hawaii Kai
Prize money
Minimum of 30 boats (men) and 10 boats (women) per category to qualify.
A. Surf-ski and OC-1 (Men AND Women)
- 1. US$3000
- 2. US$1500
- 3. US$1000
Total = US$ 22 000
B. Epic Kayaks surf-ski prizes
- 1. 1st overall surf-ski- US$7000
- 2. 1st Hawaiian surf-ski- US$500
- 3. Top rookie surf-ski - US$500
- 4. Most inspirational performance surf-ski- US$500
- 5. 1st surf-ski age 40+ - US$500
- 6. Oldest surf-ski competitor to finish - US$500
Total = US$9500
Total overall = US$31 500
Waiting period
There will be a two day waiting period, being 17th and 18th May. The official race day is the 18th May and will only be changed if conditions are deemed to look unacceptable for the 18th and eminently better on the 17th. Charles Brand commented, "As you can imagine, the logistics of changing a race date (even one day) between two islands is highly challenging, particularly now that Molokai Ranch, whose land we access the start through, are closing their doors due to politics."
Escort boats
It is mandatory to use an escort boat. A new system of monitoring paddlers introduced by surfski.info will enable the real-time reporting/monitoring of the top 30 seeds from start to finish. There is a possibility that a further ten of these GPS monitors may be available for rent. This will effectively mean a potential additional safety measure, but it cannot be guaranteed. Should a paddler be able to successfully convince the race committee that they can do the race without an escort boat, they can do so but at their own risk. Each submission will be considered on its own merit, and we cannot compromise the 100% safety record of the race.
Entry fee
The entry fee is US$180.00. Click here for the online entry page.
"The race was run on a total shoestring until last year," said Charles Brand. "The result was that the prize money actually came from entry fees as opposed to the entry fees being used to run the race. As an example, the second placed surf-ski paddler in 2006 got a voucher for a carry bag from a local sports shop as his prize, NOTHING else for a world class athlete! Basically, we are trying to elevate the race to give some respect to the incredible performances that we are witness to. This is where surfing was about 15 years ago, and we are committed to enabling the top paddlers to be able to earn a living out of this, soon. Have a look at the entry fees for the top and amateur surfing events, and the US$180 we are charging looks very reasonable."
Dope testing
"Yes, we are doing dope testing this year," said Charles. "We will comply with ICF monitoring standards or the equivalent."
Entry Confirmation Letters
"Some of our overseas competitors have been requesting letters from us to facilitate their visa applications," said Charles Brand. "Please email Vince Bechet at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
and he will send you an appropriate email or fax."
 Park Shore Hotel - Waikiki
Accommodation Special - Waikiki Park Shore Hotel
Geoffrey Graf, general manager of the Park Shore Hotel in Waikiki, is offering paddlers a special rate: US$89 per double room i.e. US$44.50 per person per night sharing.
Click here to access the special rate and to make your reservation.
The hotel is extremely conveniently situated:
- Located on Waikiki Beach, overlooking Diamond Head
- Adjacent to Diamond Head, Kapiolani Park, and the Honolulu Zoo
- Walking distance to the International Marketplace and downtown Waikiki
- 10 miles from Honolulu International Airport
 Park Shore relative to the finish
The hotel is about 10km from the finish of the race at Hawaii Kai and it's a few minutes' walk from the famous Outrigger Canoe Club.
Ski Storage
- The hotel is making arrangements for the storage of skis.
- There may be some storage available at the private homes of Hawaii residents.
A number of Saffas have already made their reservations at the Park Shore, best book as soon as possible.
Travelling to and staying on Molokai
Sad news is that the Molokai Lodge has closed for business as has Aloha Airlines (please note anyone who has made reservations).
We'll be investigating the options for travelling to (and staying on) Molokai over the next few days.
Competition
The standard of competition is always high at Molokai and this year looks to be no different with a large contingent from South Africa - including Dawid Mocke, Hank McGregor, the Chalupsky brothers, Barry Lewin, Ian Gray, Steve Woods, Bevan Manson (and Rob Mousley!). From Australia, King of the Harbour champion Tim Jacobs will be joining veterans Martin Kenny and Dean Gardiner.
Last year's champion and current world #2, Lewis Laughlin will be in Hawaii to defend his title.
We'll be profiling paddlers from around the world over the next few weeks and gathering information on who is likely to be competitive from elsewhere in the world. We do know though that ex-Hungarian Zsolt Szadovski has been based in Hawaii for a few months and has been training specifically for downwind conditions.
Women's Race
The international women's contingent includes on form Katie Pocock who will be challenged by South African marathon K1 champion Alexa Lombard.
Nikki Mocke, herself one of the best female surfski paddlers in the world, knows both Katie and Alexa well. "It should be a fascinating race," she said. "Katie is very strong, and is good in downwind conditions, but Alexa has the distance. Alexa's been putting in a lot of training and is paddling very well at the moment."
(On race day, Surfski.info will be tracking the top women as well as the top men using the SportsTrack GPS units.)
Race Website
The race website is up at http://www.molokaiworldchampionships.com/
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