Ask anyone about the Molokai World Championships, and a topic of conversation sure to come up is the infamous "China Walls". 

Dawid Mocke ramps a wave at China Walls (Pic: Vince Bechet)

China Walls is a section of cliffs close to the race finish where the ocean swells smash against the sheer rock face and rebound, creating a maelstrom of breaking, confused water.  But, time it right, and you can ride the swells as they run down along the walls - get it wrong and you could end up with a smashed ski as South African Steve Woods found to his cost three weeks ago!

Photos - Dawid Mocke

These shots of Dawid were taken a few days ago by race photographer Vince Bechet at China Walls.

Video Clips

Australian Mark Nathan shot these clips from the cliff top.  They show some of the paddlers catching the waves off China Walls.  For the front runners, the decision is then where to go through the reefs that you see at the end of the clips - for the back markers (like me) the decision is easy - go around!

• David Kelynack of Australia
• Kelynack again
• South African Daantjie Malan
• Eleven time Molokai winner, South African Oscar Chalupsky
• Dave Kissane of Australia
• Dave Kissane again

Comments (5)

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Who is Dawid Sponsored By?
written by Steve Price, May 15, 2008

Isn't Dawid sponsored by Fenn? If so why would he be wearing a top with Epic on it?

I don't think that I'd be very happy if I was sponsoring him and he was wearing clothing with another manufacturers branding on it.

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written by superted, May 15, 2008

Steve the Fenn tops are probably "still under construction"

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Race Top
written by Rob Mousley, May 15, 2008

The race is sponsored by Epic - Dawid is wearing the race top in the photos...

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Who Dawid Sponsored By?
written by Steve Price, May 15, 2008

Still it's a bit of a conflict, probably something that will need to be addressed in the future.

I run and sponsor a cycling team and spend alot of money on clothing and travel for our riders. I know I wouldn't be happy if a rider turned up to the biggest race of the year and was told to, or chose to wear the race sponsors clothing and potentially miss out on valuable brand exposure as a result. Even more so when the race sponsor is a direct competitor.

At the end of the day sponsors need a return on their investment.

Just my point of view of course, not wanting to cause dramas

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Daantjie 'My Bra'
written by Jamii Hamlin, May 15, 2008

Jeees Daantjie jou bliksem, hoe warm is die Hawaiin water?
Al die Strand DW Junkies manne is trots op jou boet, ek hoep ons Crossing offening gee jou kraag!
Lekker roei my maat & asb bring vir my 'n mooi Honolulu meisie.

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