The annual Na Pali Challenge long distance outrigger canoe race was held on Kauai on Saturday, August 12. Conditions on the 37 mile course were as good as I remember them ever being.

Fifty two teams competed with the overall winner completing the race in 4 hours and 29 minutes. There were teams from across Hawaii and as far away as California, Oregon, and Washington. See full results at https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid...

We are devastated by the need for the Maui teams to have to pull out as a result of the massive destruction caused by wildfires just days before the race. At last count over a hundred lives were lost. These losses are deeply felt by many people in the paddling community and our hearts go out to the friends and families of all who are personally affected by the disaster.

As a result of the destruction on Maui, the Kauai Outrigger Association has chosen to donate all profits from this year's race to help the recovery efforts on our neighbor island. They also asked support boats to consider donating some or all of their pay for the race - some answered the call. We ask our politicians and the insurance companies to be efficient and do all that's possible to facilitate recovery and protect the survivors and the little that remains for them.

Along with this video, I have created an online gallery of my favorite still photos from the race. I shot a few thousand pictures but I've uploaded most of the ones that are worth seeing. Go see them at:

https://500px.com/p/banyanmediapros/g...

If you want originals then email me at [email protected] and I can send you files for $5 each.