2nd Maui Jim OceanFest in Kāʻanapali June 4-5

File photo 2015 courtesy of US Lifesaving Association.

The Second Annual Maui Jim OceanFest, featuring premier ocean sports athletes from around the world will gather on Kāʻanapali Beach fronting the Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel on Maui from June 4-5, 2016.

Over the course of two days, teams and individuals will compete in a unique ocean-lifeguard-style event that showcases a wide range of international and Hawaiian-style competitive ocean sports. They are competing for $40,000 in prize money, one of the largest purses in the world for this type of event.

Reigning 2015 Maui Jim OceanFest overall champion and professional Australian ironman athlete, Jackson Maynard, will return to defend his title.

One of the world’s top SUP Champions, Travis Grant, will join a pack of paddlers including Zane Schweitzer and Riggs Napoleon. Other participants include OC-1 Champions Kai Bartlett and Pat Dolan, along with some of the world’s top SurfSki athletes, in town for the Maui Jim Molokaʻi Challenge the prior weekend.

“We have custom designed the Maui Jim OceanFest to offer the most unique and intense competition for athletes,” said Matt Dubrule, Event Director, Maui Jim Sunglasses. “But, it’s also a terrific experience for spectators because we can race very close to shore. The races are about five minutes each, but the intensity is extremely high. It’s fast, competitive and fun.”

Complementing an elite field of international ocean athletes, many of Maui Jim’s 250+ brand ambassadors are expected to participate.

For the latest on registered participants, visit: https://raceroster.com/events/2016/7247/maui-jim-oceanfest-2016 Prize money will be divided by races and overall points categories.

Registration will remain open until capacity is reached. Athletes may register for more than one race at no additional charge. Proceeds will be donated to five nonprofit charities: Hale Makua Health Services, Imua Family Services, Women Helping Women, Maui Arts and Cultural Center and the Maui County Junior Lifeguard Program.

Maui Jim OceanFest Event partners include the following: Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel, official host hotel of Maui Jim OceanFest, the Kāʻanapali Beach Resort Association, Hale Makua, Maui Junior Lifeguard Association, United States Lifeguard Association, ZONE Media, Kanaka Ikaika Paddling Association, Kai Waʻa Canoes, Epic Kayaks, Rouge SUP and Ozone OC-1.