McGregor set to defend hattrick in Hawaii

This weekend will see Salt Rock’s multiple paddling world champion, Hank McGregor defend his Molokai Challenge hattrick title against the best surfski paddlers in the world.

Originally named Kanaka Ikaika, the Molokai Challenge is a true test of paddling skill, endurance and knowledge of ocean surfing.

It tests a paddler’s ability to manoeuvre against unpredictable weather conditions in the Kaiwi Channel.

The Kaiwi, or “Molokai Channel,” is an expanse of ocean between the island of Molokai and Oahu.

It is considered one of the roughest ocean channels in the world when the ocean is angry.

Also read: Meet the Schumacher of paddling

The start is off the west end of Molokai near Kaluakoi, and finishes 51-km away in the Marina off Hawaii Kai.

‘The Molokai’, the former World Championships of Open Ocean Surfski, is one of the toughest races on the surfski calendar, and the 2016 race was no exception.

With flat conditions and a very strong race contingent, the 2016 race was brutally tough up front with Clint Robinson, Jasper Mocke, Sean Rice, Hank McGregor and Cory Hill all trading places throughout the 53-km crossing.

In the end, it was McGregor who crossed the line in 1st place, paddling past a very frustrated Cory Hill who, with only 2-km left to the finish, had gone too close to the infamous China Wall reefs, consequently smashing his rudder.

The defending champion had to relinquish his lead to give McGregor a Molokai hattrick.

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.