The Eighth annual Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge next month offers categories for kids and adults. There are races of two distancess. Participants get T-shirts and swim caps. It’s a family friendly event that attracts some of the area’s best swimmers.
The Eighth annual Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge next month offers categories for kids and adults. There are races of two distancess. Participants get T-shirts and swim caps. It’s a family friendly event that attracts some of the area’s best swimmers. And if you register in June, you’ll be eligible for a drawing to win a two-night stay, with a dinner, at the St. Regis Resort Princeville.
If that’s not enough to entice you to sign up, then know this: You get to swim in one of the most beautiful bays in the world. We’re talking world-class spectacular.
“The location is just stunning. It’s fabulous,” said Gregg Kravitz, marketing director for the swim challenge put on by the Namolokama Canoe Club.
So stunning that the World Open Water Swimming Association recently named it as one of the “Top 100 Open Water Swims” in America.
“There are thousands of open water swims and they gave us an award,” Kravitz said. “We think that’s fantastic.”
Organizers believe as word spreads about the Swim Challenge it will grow. This year, it could attract more than 300, which would top last year’s 275 swimmers, from kids to adults.
“We’re trying to do a little bit more outreach,” Kravitz said.
They’re thrilled to highlight that Leahi Camacho, who swam 26 miles of the Kaiwi Channel last summer at the age of 17, will be there as the day’s swimming ambassador. The Big Island resident will chat with guests, lead the keiki swims, hand out medals and offer training tips, too. She’ll chat about her swim and how she continued even after being stung by a Portuguese man-o’-war.
Kravitz said having Camacho visit promises to give the Swim Challenge another boost.
“We’re excited about her coming over,” he said. “I thought it would be important for the kids here to see what somebody like her could do.”
The morning of swimming is set for July 26 near the Hanalei Pier. It will include categories for kids 8 years and younger and nine to 12. Those 13 and up and try either the 1,000 meter, the most popular, or the 3,000 meter, which usually attracts the more battle-tested swimmers. The kids’ races are $10 and the adults races are $40 until July 11. After that, registration is $15 or $50.
It’s a day for rookie to veteran swimmers, all abilities are encouraged to come out. Families and many of Kauai’s strongest swimmers are there, along with visitors from other islands and the Mainland. In other words, the Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge attracts a mixed crowd, which is what organizers are after.
A goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle, water safety and friendly competition. After seven years, the Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge does that, and more.
“More than being a race, it’s also an educational experience,” said Kawika Dela Sierra, president of the Namolokama Canoe Club and race director.
Safety is also emphasized. Swimmers who might be nervous about being in the open water will find comfort in knowing there will be lifeguards and others on boards lined along the course in case anyone needs help, as well as jet skies standing by.
“For some swimmers, this flotilla coming along with them was fabulous,” Kravitz said.
The course, by the way, runs parallel to the shoreline. And the water is expected to be warm, calm and clear, with sunny skies, ideal for a nice swim.
Kravitz said the safety steps worked well last year when a swimmer had to stop, swam to a boarder and was picked up by a jet ski and delivered to shore.
“It was a beautiful thing,” he said. “People didn’t hear about it. No news is good news.”
The sight of keiki lined up on the beach, then charging into the water, making a short swim and then charging out of the water is priceless, only topped by their delight in receiving their ribbons and hugs from parents.
“It’s a tear-jerker, it really is,” Kravitz said.
Organizers remind those interested in signing up to do so this month. Names of those who register in June will be entered into a drawing to win a two-night stay and dinner at the St. Regis.
Another incentive is what Kravitz called “spend a day in Hanalei.” The Hanalei Canoe Club is hosting a luau that night that’s open to the public.
“Come out, swim, hang out in Hanalei and enjoy a luau,” he said. “That’s a great day.”
Registration opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 8:30 race day morning. The kids’ swims begins at 9:30, with the 3,000 meter adult swim at 9:50 and 1,000 at 9:55 a.m.
To register online, go to www.hanaleibayswimchallenge.com
