HANALEI — The second-annual race for Stand Up Paddlers and Prone Paddlers along the Na Pali Coast on Kaua‘i is set to take place Sunday, August 7, states a release from event organizers. Known for its sheer beauty, rugged coastline,
HANALEI — The second-annual race for Stand Up Paddlers and Prone Paddlers along the Na Pali Coast on Kaua‘i is set to take place Sunday, August 7, states a release from event organizers.
Known for its sheer beauty, rugged coastline, white beaches, turquoise waters, tall vertical cliffs, caves, waterfalls and tunnels, Kauai‘s Na Pali coast makes for a once-in-a-lifetime venue for this unique paddling race.
The 17-mile race begins at the Na Pali Coast State Park at Ha‘ena Beach Park on Kauai‘s North Shore and finishes at Polihale State Beach Park on Kauai‘s West Side. There will be elite race divisions for SUP and Prone Paddleboards, as well as Surfboard type SUP and Fun Run style divisions.
Kaua‘i Water Patrol lifeguards and escort boats will be providing support to paddlers as they make there way down the coastline.
This race will be timed using the world-famous chip timing system for fast and accurate results. The fastest times recorded last year were 2 hours, 22 minutes and 30 seconds for the SUP Unlimited men, with the women SUP standard set at 3:41:45. Prone paddlers came in at 3:05:50 with the fastest time being on a stock board. The sole woman prone paddler came in at 4:50:15. Average times for paddlers ranged between three and five hours.
Contributing to the Na Pali Coast ‘Ohana — a nonprofit grassroots foundation that protects and preserves the natural and cultural resources of the Na Pali Coast State park — paddlers will be offered the opportunity to “Paddle for the Pali” and raise money and awareness for this organization. The Na Pali Race is also contributing a portion of event proceeds to this cause.
Entry into the event will be available online through July 31, with entry forms also available at numerous local surf shops. All entrants will receive an event race jersey, an event t-shirt, event hat, and food and drink at the awards ceremony.
Transport shuttle vans back to the North Shore will be offered as an event service for an additional fee.
Stay tuned to the event website www.NaPaliRace.com for updates and registration.
