6th Annual Bluesmiths Paddle Imua, May 6

Imua Family Services and Title Sponsor BLUESMITHS Crafted Waterwear host the 6th Annual BLUESMITHS Paddle Imua on Saturday, May 6, 2017.

Paddle Imua is a brings together hundreds of ocean athletes from around the world to raise funds for Imua Family Services’ Camp Imua, a week-long recreational program for children with developmental challenges or disabilities. This year’s Paddle Imua goal is to raise $60,000.

Organizers say the event plays a critical role in keeping Camp Imua’s tradition alive by providing over 30% of funds necessary to operate the program.

The race course follows the renowned Maliko Downwind Run and concludes at Hawaiian Canoe Club in Kahului.

It is the fastest growing multi-discipline ocean paddling “fun race” open to men and women of all ages in Stand-up Paddle (SUP), OC1, OC2, OC6, Prone Paddleboard and Surf Ski categories. This year, the multi-discipline paddling race adds hydrofoil SUP and laser sailboats to the line up of competition categories.

Medals will be given to the top three finishers in each division and prizes, such as new standup paddle boards, donated by Quatro and SIC Maui, will be awarded to the top individual fundraisers.

BLUESMITHS Paddle Imua also includes an ‘Ohana Festival, a post-race celebration hosted at Hawaiian Canoe Club. This free event is open to the public where guests can enjoy entertainment provided by Old Lahaina Lūʻau, food from a selection of local food vendors, a paddling relay, a kid zone, prizes, and more.

All racers will receive lunch, racer tee, swag bag, and access to the beer garden (ages 21+).

Event sponsors include: BLUESMITHS, Maui Jim, Zevenbergen Funds, Minit Medical, Aloha Mixed Plate, SIC, Quatro, Global Aquatics Hawaiʻi, Maui Brewing Company, Hawaiian Canoe Club, Deep Relief//Peak Performance, Elite Physical Therapy, Goodfellow Brothers, Old Lahaina Lūʻau, Pāʻia Bowls, Rock & Brews, and Ozolio.

Prior to the race, the local business and ocean community are coming together with two events to support Paddle Imua. On Friday, March 31, beginning at 6 p.m., the Maui Brewing Company’s Kahana Brewpub will host a Charity Night benefiting Paddle Imua. The following night, Saturday, April 1, beginning at 6 p.m., Rock & Brews in Pāʻia will also host a benefit night, with a portion of both night’s proceeds benefiting Paddle Imua.

For more info and to register for the race or make a donation, visit www.paddleimua.com.

Pictured Sonni Honscheid, Bluesmiths Paddle Imua. PC: Bluesmiths, Frankie Bees.

Bluesmiths Paddle Imua. PC: 808PhotoMe

Pictured: Jeremy Riggs, Bluesmiths Paddle Imua. PC: Frankie Bees