45th Annual Da Hui Paddle Race

Every year the 4th of July is well spent on Oahu's North Shore - with a great day of racing and family fun culminating at Waimea Bay. This race brings out all the ocean goers on whatever floats, and is one hell of a party. From your favorite big wave surfers, life guards, aunties and uncles this race remains a favorite on the calendar every year. This year saw a big field of proners in both the short and long course, as many prep for the world championships at the end of the month, and others just dust off the old paddleboard for their yearly downwind excursion to the bay. Over 600 entries fuels some fun chaos of board wrangling as paddlers hit the beach and make the long run up the sand to the finish.

LONG COURSE race:

The long course was super fast this year as we saw plenty of wind off of Turtle Bay and good bump for almost the entire race. San Diego legend Dan Mann took advantage of the conditions and was first across the line on his self shaped Molokai board from 2018. Always smiling and faster than a fat kid on a snickers bar, Dan is the Mann. Followed by Nick Schippers taking 2nd and Chris Owens in 3rd in the unlimited field.

The stock race was won by Slader Bark, followed closely by the old guard Patrick Wong and Billy Balding.

The first woman across was Ally Schillinger who was looking sharp as she preps for Molokai.

SHORT COURSE :

Toa Perre charging for the win in front of his Kahuku classmates

The most impressive feat of the day was by none other than the young Toa Perre - taking out the short course overall win again, on a stock board...and it wasn't close. Toa jumped off the line and had about an 80 yard gap when he passed rocky point (about a half mile in). He held out a sizable lead to take the win in a time of 29:02. Toa was followed by Kevin Flanagan in 2nd - and local tube hound Makana Pang in 3rd for the stock boards.

Moana Jones Wong sped her way to the win in the womens race - the queen of pipeline going back to back. She was followed by Ingrid Seiple and younger sister Kailani Jones. The Jones sisters take the paddle speed from their pops Dawson - who has competed in many Molokai and Catalina races.

Thanks to Da Hui and Hui O He'e Nalu for another great event.

Enjoy the photos below and see you next year - Happy 4th