The Molokai Challenge, recognized as the World Surf Ski Championship, is the title watermen covet most. The solo race begins near the west end of the island of Molokai, crosses the volatile Ka’iwi Channel — considered one of the roughest ocean channels in the world - and finishes at Koko Marina on the island of Oahu - a distance of 28.2 Nautical Miles (52.2 km)

The 2009 race is the 33rd annual crossing, counting the 1976 solo effort by Kailua physician Dale Adams. Adams called his crossing “the challenge of the day,” but it has since developed into the premier long-distance, open ocean, solo crossing in the world. The race boasts an admirable safety record. In the three decades paddlers have been crossing the channel there has never been an accident. Probably the most serious condition experienced by any entrant has been mild sunburn, some dehydration and - after 32 miles of non-stop paddling - fatigue.
Nevertheless because of the rough conditions and difficulty of the race, participants are screened for their level of paddling skill. Safety rules require each paddler to be accompanied by an escort boat during the crossing and new ways of tracking the paddlers are being researched to increase the safety of the race.
Mahalo