HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new set of athletes is getting ready to conquer the Kaiwi Channel on Sunday, July 27, in the 26th Edition of the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships.
Prone paddling and stand-up paddleboarding athletes have been completing the 32-mile race since 1997.
Emily Bark is traveling from Palos Verdes, CA, to compete in her first crossing of the channel in prone paddleboarding style.
“Our waters [in California] do not compare to what it’s like out here, especially in that channel,” said Emily Bark.
Following along beside her is lifelong friend Anneliese Solberg.
“As the support crew, we also are the people who are a kind of cheerleaders, like the motivators, the coaches and suppliers,” said Anneliese Solberg. “You have to jump in the water… Emily’s dad and I will be jumping in the water, probably getting dropped off 200 yards in front of her… will hand her off a new full bottle of water, electrolytes, all the fuel that she wants.”
The two friends share a common love for the sport and have both competed in prone paddleboarding races, creating a powerful dynamic and understanding.
“The support group is honestly just as important as you paddling through that race. Because you want those people to have your back and know when you need that extra push and the extra motivation, and that’s where the dynamic is so important,” Solberg said.
For the athletes setting out on their journey, an escort boat ensures safety and support.
“It’s really special to have people cheering you on who will be willing to go sit in a boat in rough seas for you,” said Bark. “What’s pretty cool is that the guy who is going to be the captain of the boat escorting me used to escort him [my dad] across the Molokai channel.”
Bark added, “He’s [my dad] done the race now five or six times, so it will be cool to be a full circle moment.”
Each person on the boat has responsibilities to guide Emily safely and successfully.
“The captain and driver of the boat that holds course for the paddler, and they’re trying to keep them on the straightest, most direct path so they have a smooth crossing,” said Anneliese Solberg. “It becomes super crucial with the Molokai race because this channel is just so infamously gnarly.”
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This amazing race gives men and women from around the world, from all backgrounds, the chance to accomplish something amazing.
“Everyone is such an amazing athlete in their own right, whether you are a swimmer, or a sailor, or a lifeguard, water woman, or mainly a paddler, everyone brings so much to the table, and it’s so cool getting to race such incredible people,” Bark said.