Molokai2Oahu News Update


Moloka
i 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships and Spartan Join Forces as M2O Navigates a Return to Hawaii Events in 2022 with new partner Florence Marine X
HONOLULU, HI (June 7, 2022) – Moloka’i 2 O’ahu Paddleboard World Championships (M2O) is excited to return to Hawaii this summer for live racing, with two great race options for 2022. Continuing its leadership in the sport of paddling, M2O will introduce the first annual Bluewater  Hawaiian Classic presented by Florence Marine X on July 24th, followed by the triumphant return of the M2O Virtual Edition 3.0 on the weekend of July 31st. 

The new Bluewater Classic won’t be the only thing new for M2O this summer, as it has entered a strategic partnership with Spartan, the world’s leading endurance sports and extreme wellness brand. The partnership will help drive M2O’s future growth and Spartan’s mission to change a million lives per year by introducing paddleboarding, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, into its expansive global “tough fitness” portfolio. 

“We really loved the brand and knew the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard race was truly special, and we’ve made a promise to introduce the brand and event to people across the world,” said Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena. “This is a proud moment as we take the first step in bringing this epic bucket-list event, known as the world’s Super Bowl of paddling, to a new audience of athletes. We’re excited to work with M2O to grow their global reach and offer the Spartan community another opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and get on the water.”

Spartan’s commitment to the event included working with AJ Vernet at Cohesive Marketing to secure / identify/ broker a new partnership with Florence Marine X.   Florence Marine X is a brand built in partnership with Olympian and 2X World Champion surfer, John John Florence focused on creating advanced outdoor gear to inspire people to get outside and thrive.  Florence joins a number of long term M2O partners this summer including Hawaii Tourism Authority,  Kona Brewing,  and Duke’s Waikiki.

“I am really excited for Florence Marine X to partner with Moloka’i 2 O’ahu. Competing in M2O was an incredible experience and challenge; I am always so impressed by the participating athletes. Good luck to everyone and very grateful to support this world-class race!” said Florence Marine X Founder, Olympian and 2X World Champion Surfer, John John Florence.

Pat O’Connell, President of Florence Marine X said, “The Florence brand is built around looking to the horizon and wondering what’s beyond it. The athletes that take on the immense challenge presented by this race are cut from this same cloth, and we couldn’t be more proud and excited to get the opportunity to support this incredible event.”

The Bluewater Hawaiian Classic presented by Florence Marine X showcases a 22-mile coastal course on the island of O’ahu, where paddlers will navigate challenging surf and tides linking several iconic downwind runs, from Makapu’u Point to Sand Island. The M2O Virtual Edition is a 16-mile paddle race that you can do any time, and anywhere, on anything. Live coverage of the virtual edition will take place on the weekend of July 31st, and participants worldwide will have the option to track their paddle live and share their experiences with photos and videos. Over 2,500 paddlers from 65 countries have participated in this virtual paddling event, a testament to the bucket-list status of the M2O race and its broad appeal throughout the global paddling community. 

“It’s been amazing to watch the evolution of the event,” said Shannon Delaney, M2O’s event producer.  “The success and legend of M2O as the hardest paddleboard race event on the planet drives the imagination of paddlers worldwide. While we look to a safe return to the Molokai Channel in 2023, our events this summer will challenge those who race with us live in Hawaii and enthuse the thousands who race virtually to aspire to conquer the Channel in the future.”

This partnership is another example of Spartan’s growth into the extreme wellness category. In recent years, Spartan has expanded its business beyond obstacle course events, with the launches of LA RUTA MTB®, Spartan Trail World Championship®,  HIGHLANDER®, and DEKA®.

Registration is now open for both events at Molokai2Oahu.com. 

In 2023, the race will return to the shores of Molokai, where new World Champions will be crowned.

Do you also miss the great channel crossing? Come down memory lane with us:

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