Sadly on the weekend we got news that the M2O has once again been cancelled and will only be held virtual. This is now the 3rd year without one of the most important paddle races in the sport. We are now again looking forward to virtually racing on the weekend of the 24th and there might be some sort of a downwind race on O’ahu as the main reason for the cancellation at this time was the concern about Molokai and it vulnerability with the pandemic and large crowds in general. Here is the official statement:
Aloha M2O Athletes,
We appreciate the recent emails inquiring about the status of this year’s Moloka’i 2 O’ahu Paddleboard World Championships and for your incredible support of the race.
We can’t wait to get back into the channel and crown new M2O World Champions. We had hoped that the July race date would be unaffected by COVID allowing all of us to return to the Moloka’i and get back to the challenging conditions and allure of the channel after being sidelined since 2020. Sadly, we are announcing the cancellation of the 2022 Moloka’i 2 O’ahu Paddleboard World Championships.
Initially, we were excited to see several restrictions lifted earlier this year for Hawaii and our international athletes while exploring necessary precautions and safety measures to mitigate the risk and navigate our return to the channel. However, the island of Moloka’i is still vulnerable to Covid with limited medical resources and flights to Oahu currently only meeting immediate community needs. The Molokai community has opened it’s door to welcome a safe return in 2023 for the 24th annual 32 mile Moloka’i 2 O’ahu World Championships.
We never thought we would not be gathering together on the shores of Moloka’i for 2022, but respect the limitations that protect the island we love.
The M2O team has shifted gears and currently exploring a long downwind race on the July 24th “Save the Date” weekend on Oahu. We will share more info within the next few weeks.
Virtual Option
The M2O 3.0 Virtual Edition will happen again this year and will be centered around the weekend of July 24. Registration for the 16 mile Virtual will launch at same time as the Downwind Championships on Oahu.
Refunds/TransfersA big mahalo to those athletes who have reached out regarding their 2022 entries that have been carried over from our first cancellation. An email will be sent to athletes who transferred their 2021 entry to 2022 with options for a partial refund or 2023 transfer.
We wish all of you strength and sound mind as we all continue to navigate these new waters. We hope you will consider joining us in Hawaii for a challenging downwind run at the end of July or for the Virtual 3.0 Edition.
Until then we urge you to stay connected to your paddling community and continue to get out on the water! Mahalo,Team M2O
Memories from a different world back in 2019:
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