FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Kandic Jons
kjohns@imuafamily.org
808-244-7467
Kahului, MAUI, May 5, 2018 – The Seventh Annual BLUESMITHS Paddle Imua (BPI), which follows the renowned Maliko Downwind Run from Maliko Gulch to Kahului Harbor, welcomed over 160 registered crafts with over 200 athletes competing to support Maui’s children with special needs. BPI is the fastest growing multiple discipline ocean paddling “fun race,” open to men and women of all ages in various categories. Categories include Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP), Outrigger Canoe (OC1, OC2 & OC6), Prone Paddleboard (paddling on knees or lying down), Surf Ski (narrow lightweight kayak), Hydrofoil SUP and Laser Sailboat.
“Imua Family Services is so proud of our ongoing partnership with Bluesmiths as our title sponsor for the seventh year running. Bluesmiths’ dedication and passion for Camp Imua is heartfelt. Not only in the heart of the company founder John Smalley, but to all the many athletes and water people, young and old, who participate in our event year after year. The ability to connect the sports and ocean community with children who revel in these supporter’s abilities is an amazing connection, and one that is worth more than any race prize could ever amount to. It is truly a magical union of cultures coming together.” Dean Wong, Executive Director, Imua Family Services.
BLUESMITHS Paddle Imua is a one-of-a-kind benefit race for Imua Family Services’ Camp Imua Program, which is a week-long recreational camp experience for school-aged children with disabilities and special needs. Camp Imua takes place in June and allows campers to experience fun camp activities in an inclusive, supportive environment designed to build confidence, strengthen our community and create life-long friendships. Additional activities include horseback riding, swimming, zip lining, helicopter rides, sports, and arts/crafts.
“The wonderful thing about paddle IMUA is you get to challenge yourself on Maui’s famous Maliko downwind run all while supporting Camp IMUA! Not only has Camp IMUA provided my daughter with the most amazing experiences, it also has given her a sense of independence and freedom. To be on her own, away from home, while being supported by amazing counselors and staff has been life changing.” Gary Candido, Paddle Imua athlete, 2017 Top Paddle Imua Fundraiser and Camp Imua Camper Parent.
This year’s race conditions featured light northeast winds and bumps at the beginning of the race, but then died down somewhat as racers approached the finish line in Kahului. Organizers were elated that the sun made an appearance after weeks of rainy weather. Hundreds of racers took to the water in Maliko Bay in staggered heats beginning at 1:00pm after a blessing by Kahu Kekoa Yap and safety briefing by Race Director Kaimanamalie Brummel and Safety Director, Milton Martinson. Just a little over an hour later, the first racers crossed the finish line at the Hawaiian Canoe Club around 2:30pm to a cheering crowd of over 250 spectators. Each racer received a lei greeting from a child who attends Camp Imua as they crossed the finish line.
BLUESMITHS Paddle IMUA Official Results
Full results are available HERE
SUP 12’6” No rudder – Men
- John Walsh – 1:52:19
- Searay Beltran – 2:12:52
- Johnny Kahakaloa – 2:16:40
SUP 14’ No Rudder – Men
- Josh Riccio – 1:22:41
- Ryan Funk – 1:27:09
- Bernd Roedigel – 1:29:32
SUP 14’ No Rudder – Women
- Annie Reickert -1:37:19
- Yuka Sato – 1:38:06
SUP Unlimited – Men
- Ty Judson – 1:22:02
- Kody Kerbox – 1:29:08
- Nathan Cross – 1:31:23
SUP Unlimited – Women
- Sonni Honschied – 1:31:23
- Devin Blish – 1:42:44
- Andrea Moller – 1:53:34
Surf Ski
- Eric Rohozinski – 1:20:15
- Richard Spork – 1:20:52
- Bram Denhaan – 1:21:37
Prone Paddleboard
- John Cadman – 2:47:03
OC-1 – Men
- Kevin Dudoit – 1:15:42
- Nalu Sampson – 1:16:28
- Lopaka White – 1:18:05
OC-1 – Women
- Kathy Shipman – 1:31:12
- Theresa Felgate – 1:32:13
- Christine Donovan – 1:35:27
OC-2 Men’s
- Keoni Kalama – 1:32:21
- Jordan Soon – 1:36:37
- Ryder Tremble – 1:39:00
OC-2 Women’s
- Michelle Cerizo – 1:38:38
- Sarah Fletcher – 1:40:17
OC-2 Mixed
- Carlos Gomes – 1:15:04
- Lee Moyers – 1:19:31
- Hunter Eggers – 1:28:56
OC-6
- Lance Cushenberry – 1:14:53
- Johnny Mack – 1:15:41
- Eric Hamp – 1:24:35
Fun Relay Race
- SIC
- Minit Medical
- Distressed Mullet
The race was followed by the ‘Ohana Festival with entertainment provided by the Old Lahaina Luau, a Keiki Activity Zone and the SIC Maui Relay Race. Athletes enjoyed food provided by Aloha Mixed Plate and served by volunteers from Na Hoaloha Ekolu. Massages were provided by Deep Relief//Peak Performance and cold beer was provided by the Maui Brewing Company. Food trucks for the public featured the Teddy’s Bigger Burgers and the VitaliTea Kombucha Company.
Event sponsors and supporters include: Bluesmiths Crafted Waterwear, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Zevenbergen Funds, Nuestro Futuro Foundation, Aloha Mixed Plate, Minit Medical, SIC Maui Custom, Old Lahaina Luau, Maui Brewing Company, Deep Relief//Peak Performance, Rock & Brews Paia, Scott Hawaii, Hawaiian Canoe Club, Naish International, Raw Elements, Lahaina Sound Productions, Sustainable Island Products, Maui Huliau Foundation, Dennis Carhart Maui Real Estate and MauiBudgetCars.com
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Photo Credit:
About Camp Imua: June 9 -14, 2018
Camp Imua is a FREE week-long recreational summer camp that gives 60 school-age children with special abilities an opportunity to try new activities, connect with each other and their peers in their community. Over 180 high-school caregivers volunteer giving them valuable community service experience and make it possible for campers to experience camp. Camp Imua also serves as a respite opportunity for families and caregivers of these children.
About Imua Family Services
Imua Family Services is the largest single provider of comprehensive early childhood development services in Maui County and the State of Hawaii. Imua Family Services serves Maui, Molokai and Lanai with a broad scope of child development programs including: Infant Child & Development Programs, Early Childhood Development Program, Imua Autism Services, Imua Inclusion Preschool, Camp Imua and Dream Imua. Imua Family Services celebrated 71 years of service this year and continues their mission to help island keiki and their families to achieve their full potential in life. www.imuafamilyservices.org
Title Sponsor: BLUESMITHS Crafted Waterwear
Bluesmiths makes the hardest working, most versatile waterwear and accessories in the world. Based in Maui, a real-time research and development lab, everything made is the result of rigorous testing by a small but accomplished team of ocean athletes, pioneers and watermen. At Bluesmiths, the commitment is to real innovation & problem solving, best-in-class fabrics, timeless styling and uncompromising manufacturing standards. www.bluesmiths.com
Fun Facts:
Top Ocean athletes that have participated include: Dave Kalama, Devin Blish, Andrea Moller, Connor Baxter, Sonni Hönscheid, Livio Menelau, Julia Mancuso, Jeremy Riggs, Dane Ward, Kody Kerbox, Travis Baptist and Paige Alms.
BLUESMITHS Paddle Imua follows the famed Maliko Run, a 10 mile downwind run off Maui’s North Shore.
BLUESMITHS Paddle Imua is the ONLY paddle benefit race of its kind in the state of Hawaii, offering SUP, OC1, OC2, OC6, Prone Paddle, Hydrofoil SUP and Laser sailboats on a single day.
BLUESMITHS Paddle Imua participants gather from near and far including: Hawaii, Australia, Canada, Brazil, New Caledonia, New Zealand, England and the U.S. mainland.
Camp Imua attendees welcome race finishers with fresh flower lei, a traditional Hawaiian offering.
BLUESMITHS Paddle Imua has been Nominated “Top Philanthropic Effort” for 2014, 2015 and 2017 at Sup the Mag’s SUP Awards.