Moloka‘i to O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships 2026: Sold-Out Field Set for Legendary Kaiwi Channel Showdown
The countdown is on for the Moloka‘i to O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships, as the world’s most iconic ocean crossing returns this July with a completely sold-out international field. The 27th edition of the legendary race promises two weekends of elite competition, placing Hawai‘i firmly at the center of the global paddling and foiling scene.
Two Weekends, One Legendary Channel
Spanning two high-impact weekends, M2O 2026 will once again push the limits of ocean endurance across the infamous Kaiwi Channel. The event brings together the best athletes in prone paddleboarding, SUP, and foil racing, all facing one of the most demanding open-ocean courses in the world.
Foil Edition Kicks Off the Action – July 20
The action begins on July 20 with the Foil Edition, where cutting-edge technology meets raw ocean instinct. As the final stop of the Koa Kai Crown, this race will determine the season’s top foil athlete after more than 80 miles of elite competition.
Launching from ʻIlio Point on Moloka‘i and finishing at Kaimana Beach beneath Diamond Head, riders will link open-ocean swells across a 40-mile downwind course. Known for its speed and unpredictability, the Kaiwi Channel delivers one of the fastest — and most unforgiving — runs in ocean racing.
Remember 2025? It was a legendary year.
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Prone & SUP Championships Take Center Stage – July 26
The intensity peaks on July 26 with the Prone and SUP Paddleboard Race — the heart and soul of M2O. Covering 32 miles to Maunalua Bay, this race is widely considered the ultimate test in paddleboard racing.
Athletes must battle wind, current, and fatigue in a relentless push across open water, making it one of the toughest endurance challenges in the sport.
Hawai‘i Becomes the Global Epicenter of Downwind Racing
With a full calendar of training runs and tune-up races leading into the main event, Hawai‘i transforms into the global hub of downwind paddling throughout July. From elite pros to rising talents, the entire sport converges on the islands, building toward a dramatic championship finale in the open ocean.
“Last year we elevated the sport with live coverage and updates from the channel over two weekends of racing,” said Mike Takahashi. “With a full month of racing and a sold-out field, Hawai‘i will once again be the center of downwind racing. All eyes will be on Hawai‘i.”
New Era: Deeper Field, Rising Talent
The 2026 edition features defending champions returning to defend their titles, alongside a strong wave of first-time competitors ready to make their mark. Notably, continued growth in women’s and junior divisions signals a new era for the sport, with deeper competition and broader global representation than ever before.
Notable names in 2026 picked by the Stand Up Magazin:
Edo Tanas: Man to beat in the channel.
Kane De Wilde: Race leader in 2025 then the crazy part happened.
Annie Reickert: Queen of the Foil and winner 2025
Gabriella Bella: M2M Winner 2025 and Annies biggest competition
Legend status
Andera Moller: SUP Queen of down winders and amazing waterwoman
James Casey: SUP Champ per Covid and Winner of the first post Covid Foil race
Armie Armstrong: SUP Pioneer and Crazy Professor at Armstrong Foils
Kai Lenny: SUP OG and waterman celebrity
Tomo Murabayashi: SUP OG and Japans number one Foiler
Juniors
Marley Franco: Up and coming Maui Boy (Wing Foil)
Bobo Gallagher: Talented West Maui Wing Foiler and great Pickle Ball Player
Others
Ezekiel Lau: Pro surfer
Fred Bonnef: European SUP Pioneer and Book Author
Dore De Morsier: First Person from Switzerland to cross the Kaiwi Channel on a foil
Vinni Martins: Early SUP Athlete and waterman from Brazil
Finn and Jeffrey Spencer: Maui brothers and long time competitors
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