Moloka’i to O’ahu Paddleboard World Championships presented by the United States Coast Guard Celebrates a Sold-Out Event.

April 16, 2025

Start Lists Announced for the 26th Edition of the Event this July

Honolulu, HI (April 16,2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ –  The legendary Moloka’i to O’ahu Paddleboard World Championships presented by the Unites States Coast Guard, returns this July with a sold-out field of competitors and exciting developments for the global paddling and foil community. The event will span two action-packed weekends, showcasing the best in prone, stand-up paddle (SUP), and foil racing across the iconic and unforgiving Kaiwi Channel.

This year also marks a strategic partnership with the United States Coast Guard, stepping in as the event’s new presenting sponsor.

“The Moloka’i to O’ahu Paddleboard World Championships embody endurance, courage, and connection to the sea — all values we share,” said a Coast Guard spokesperson. “Partnering with this race aligns perfectly with our recruiting mission and highlights the incredible opportunities available through a career in the United States Coast Guard.”

The 2025 M2O schedule kicks off on July 20 with the Foil race, which doubles as the final event of the Koa Kai Crown, a premier series honoring the most well-rounded ocean athletes across multiple disciplines. Riders will face the dynamic, downwind conditions of the Kaiwi Channel in what promises to be a high-speed showcase of cutting-edge performance and ocean mastery.

The excitement continues July 27 with the Moloka’i to O’ahu Prone and SUP Paddleboard Race, the crown jewel of the M2O series. Spanning 32 miles from the shores of Molokai to the finish line at Maunalua Bay, the race is widely recognized as the paddleboard racing test of endurance, mental toughness, and connection to the ocean.

The month of July also highlights a full schedule of downwind events in Hawai’i, offering athletes prime training conditions and racing in the lead-up to the world championships. The buildup sets the stage for a historic finale, as new world champions will be crowned on the shores of O’ahu.

“Last summer our 25^th anniversary race defined a new two-day race format allowing more coverage and excitement over 2 weekends of racing,” said founder Mike Takahashi. “Combined with additional racing opportunities leading up to the M2O – Hawai’i will be the place to be this July with a full downwind racing schedule for FOIL and paddleboarding.”

With its sold-out roster, international field, and unmatched course over the Kaiwi Channel, the 2025 Moloka’i to O’ahu Paddleboard World Championships are shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions in the event’s storied history.

The 2025 Molokaʻi-2-Oʻahu Paddleboard World Championships will see all the 2024 World Champions return this summer to defend their titles in Prone, SUP and FOIL. Start Lists for the Foil Edition and the Prone / SUP are posted online.

The 6^th Edition of the Virtual 16-mile paddle Anything, Anywhere, Anytime is also open for registration celebrating paddling globally. Fans are encouraged to get the latest M2O news through Facebook and Instagram. For inspiring stories from the channel visit YouTube.

The 2025 Moloka‘i-2-O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships presented by the U.S Coast Guard is proudly sponsored by Duke’s Waikiki, Florence, Futures Fins, Sun Bum, Austin AI, Kauai Coffee, Spartan, Reyn Spooner, DotVision Motion, and Hammers and Legends.

About the United States Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the six armed forces of the United States. Since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded our nation’s maritime interests and environment around the world as a federal law enforcement agency, humanitarian first responder, and military force.

About the Moloka‘i-2-O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships

Founded in 1997, M2O has grown from a grassroots challenge for the legendary lifeguards of O‘ahu to the premiere event in the sport of paddleboarding. The race annually crowns world champions in the two disciplines of traditional (prone) and stand-up (SUP) paddleboarding. In 2018, a SUP Foil division was added to welcome the evolution of SUP racing with the WING Foil added in 2022. Connecting the islands of Moloka‘i and O‘ahu, the race crosses the Kaiwi Channel, also known as the Moloka‘i Channel and Channel of Bones is considered one of the most challenging bodies of water. Men and women from more than 25 countries will face strong currents as they navigate the fastest downwind route over one of the most beautiful and powerful channels in the world. The annual race is a deeply personal experience, challenging every paddler’s physical and mental endurance.