8th Annual Paddle Imua Concludes, Adjusts to Unstable Weather

The Eight Annual Paddle Imua, which was scheduled on Saturday to run the renowned Maliko Downwind Run from Maliko Gulch to Kahului Harbor, was moved to the Hawaiian Canoe Club due to unstable weather conditions.

Paddle Imua 2019. Photo credit: Bryan Berkowitz

Paddle Imua Race Director, Sam Bittner made the call early Saturday morning citing safety concerns of racers and volunteers given the late season weather front that moved down the Hawaiian island chain. Kona winds were also a factor in the change to the race location.

Paddle Imua normally begins at Maliko Gulch and ends at Hawaiian Canoe Club in Kahului. Rather than cancel the day, the event was moved to the Hawaiian Canoe Club with shorter heat races in Kahului Harbor.

Even with gusty winds and intermittent heavy showers, Paddle Imua supporters showed up to race and enjoy the day and support Camp Imua. Despite the windy wet weather, the ocean community gave some exciting race finishes cheered on by the crowd.

A carnival atmosphere prevailed at the ‘Ohana Festival which featured dance music, a Keiki Activity Zone and food trucks and a Beer Garden. Athletes enjoyed food provided by Aloha Mixed Plate and served by volunteers from Nā Hoaloha ʻEkolu. Massages were provided by Deep Relief//Peak Performance and Maui Academy of Healing Arts and cold beer was provided by the Maui Brewing Company. Food trucks for the public featured Big Beach BBQ, Humbowl Wagon and the VitaliTea Kombucha Company.

Imua Family Services thanked all of the Paddle Imua athletes who showed up and paddled out to compete and support Maui’s children with special needs. Paddle Imua is the fastest growing multiple discipline ocean paddling “fun race,” open to men and women of all ages in various categories. Categories include Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP), Outrigger Canoe (OC1, OC2 & OC6), Prone Paddleboard (paddling on knees or lying down), Surf Ski (narrow lightweight kayak), Hydrofoil SUP and Laser Sailboat.

Paddle Imua is a one-of-a-kind benefit race for Imua Family Services’ Camp Imua Program, which is a week-long recreational camp experience for school-aged children with disabilities and special needs.

Camp Imua takes place in June and allows campers to experience fun camp activities in an inclusive, supportive environment designed to build confidence, strengthen our community and create life-long friendships. Additional activities include horseback riding, swimming, zip lining, helicopter rides, sports and arts/crafts.

Paddle IMUA Official Results:

SUP 14’ & Under No rudder – Men
1. Zane Schweitzer
2. Josh Riccio
3. Slater Fleck

SUP 14’ & Under No Rudder – Women
1. Lara Claydon

 SUP Hydrofoil
1. Kody Kerbox
2. Bobo Gallagher
3. Annie Reickert

Hydrofoil Prone Paddle
1. Kane DeWilde

SUP Unlimited – Men
1. Ralf Sifford
2. Luiz Assumpcao

SUP Unlimited – Women
1. Annie Reickert
2. Sharon Baldwin

Surf Ski
1. Michael Owens
2. Richard Spork
3. Gwyn Howat

Prone Paddleboard
1. Scott Rusher
2. Mark Moquin
3. Bram Denhaan

OC-1 – Men
1. Jonas Archibauskao
2. Jesse Rios
3. John Guard

OC-2 Men’s
1. Lex & Frank

OC-2 Women’s
1. Team Bouwens

OC-2 Mixed
1. Team Lee & Devin

OC-6
1. Team UVSC

Windsurfing – Men
1. Peter John

Windsurfing – Women
Danika Sailor

Laser Sailboat Overall
1. Ryan McCrystal

Event sponsors and supporters include: Maui Jim Sunglasses, Zevenbergen Funds, Aloha ʻĀina Foundation, Bluesmiths, Aloha Mixed Plate, Minit Medical, Old Lahaina Lūʻau, Maui Brewing Company, Deep Relief//Peak Performance, Rock & Brews Pāʻia, Hawaiian Canoe Club, Lahaina Sound Productions, Maui Huliau Foundation.