5th Annual Bluesmiths Paddle Imua, A Benefit for Camp Imua

Bluesmiths Paddle Imua Maliko Start. File photo courtesy of Bluesmiths Crafted Waterwear.

Imua Family Services hosts the 5th Annual BLUESMITHS Paddle Imua on Saturday, May 7, 2016.

The fun race follows the renowned Maliko Downwind Run and concludes at Hawaiian Canoe Club in Kahului.  A post-race ‘Ohana Festival will follow with entertainment and prize drawings.

Proceeds directly benefit Imua Family Services’ Camp Imua program for children with special needs, which celebrates its 40^th anniversary next month.

“A physical embodiment of the Hawaiian word Imua (to move forward), BLUESMTIHS Paddle Imua began as a grassroots initiative to fund Camp Imua as it faced threat of discontinuation,” organization representatives said.  According to Imua leaders, “BLUESMTIHS Paddle Imua continues to play a monumental role in keeping Camp Imua’s tradition alive by providing critical finances.”

Bluesmiths Paddle Imua engages the ocean sport community by providing a venue for ocean athletes to connect with campers.  Top Ocean athletes that have participated in past events include: Dave Kalama, Devin Blish, Andrea Moller, Connor Baxter, Sonni Hönscheid, Livio Menelau, Julia Mancuso, Jeremy Riggs, Dane Ward, Kody Kerbox, Travis Baptist and Paige Alms.

Organizers say the race is the “fastest growing” multiple discipline ocean paddle “fun race” open to men and women of all ages in SUP, OC1, OC2, prone paddleboard and surf ski category.

Check-in will open at 10 a.m. at Maliko Gulch, and the race will begin promptly at 1 p.m.

A post-race ‘Ohana Festival will follow at Hawaiian Canoe Club. The public is invited to enjoy entertainment, prize draws, Grom Camp, SIC Maui Relay and more. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Like Poke and Sporting Club of The Pacific are just a few vendors that will be in attendance.

Trophies will be given to the top three finishers in each division.

Online registration is currently LIVE and will close on May 5, 2016. Day-of-Race registration will be available for an additional $20. The first 150 race registrants receive a BPI “swag bag”. Race registrants will receive lunch, a commemorative 5th Anniversary canteen, event tee and access to the Maui Brewing Co.’s Beer Garden.

Event sponsors include: Zevenbergen Capital Investment, Nuestro Futuro, Aloha ʻĀina Center, Maui Jim, SIC Maui/Flow Sports, Rising Sun Solar, Aloha Mixed Plate, Maui Brew Co., Hawaiian Canoe Club, Velocitek, Deep Relief, Elite Physical Therapy, Sporting Club of The Pacific, Alaska Airlines, Old Lahaina Lūʻau, KeNalu, Goodfellows and Ozolio.