8th Paddle Imua Sets $50K Fundraising Goal

Imua Family Services announces their Eighth Annual Paddle Imua on Saturday, May 4, 2019 to raise funds for Imua Family Services’ Camp Imua program.

Paddle Imua is a multi-discipline paddling race with proceeds directly benefiting the Camp Imua program, a week-long recreational camp for children with special needs.  The camp program has become a summer tradition for over 43 years.

A stand-up paddler navigates their way through the surf. PC: Paddle Imua.

A camper at Camp Imua gives a paddler a lei. PC: Paddle Imua.

The Ohana Festival takes place after the paddling event and is free to the public. PC: Paddle Imua.

Last year an additional $6,000 was added to the fundraiser event by Paddle Imua racers.

Paddle Imua’s goal this year is to raise $50,000 in 2019 which will play a monumental role in keeping Camp Imua’s tradition alive by providing over 30% of funds necessary to operate the program.

Paddle Imua follows the renowned Maliko Downwind Run and concludes at Hawaiian Canoe Club in Kahului. It is the fastest growing multiple discipline ocean paddle “fun race” open to men and women of all ages in Stand-up Paddle (SUP), OC1, OC2, OC6, prone paddleboard and surf ski categories.

In 2017, Paddle Imua added experimental Hydrofoil SUP and Laser Sailboat categories to the race and expect to see this competition increase again in 2019.

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

Registration is currently open at www.paddleimua.com. All racers at registration are given the opportunity to magnify their impact by crowd fundraising from friends and family in support of their participation.

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

Paddle Imua also includes a post-race celebration called the ‘Ohana Festival, which is hosted at Hawaiian Canoe Club. This free event is open to the public where they can enjoy entertainment provided by Old Lahaina Lūʻau, tasty food from a selection of local food trucks, relays, games, prizes and more.

This year’s event will also include the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific at the finish line. Race registrants will receive lunch, a commemorative 8th anniversary canteen, event tee and access to the beer garden (ages 21+). The first 150 people to register will also receive a special Mahalo Bag filled with various gifts from sponsors.