30th Annual Hanohano Celebrates Record-Breaking Turnout

SAN DIEGO, California - The 30th Annual Hanohano Ocean Challenge, presented by West Coast Paddlesports and ARE Tahiti with supporting partners Hammers and Legends, Duke’s La Jolla, and Virus Performance, took place in Mission Bay, San Diego. The event, organized by the Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club, continues to affirm its reputation as one of the largest and most prestigious paddling competitions in North America.

This year’s Hanohano Ocean Challenge drew an unprecedented 889 registered athletes, the largest short-course field in the event’s history, and the biggest prone paddling field on record. Participants traveled from 15 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, and Tahiti, underscoring the event’s international appeal. Despite windy conditions—some of the strongest ever experienced at the Challenge—fierce competition prevailed across all divisions, including OC, surfski, prone, and SUP.

Adapting to Conditions

Maintaining safety amid changing weather is a key priority of the Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club. The short course (5 miles) launched smoothly, with over 550 athletes monitored by a dedicated safety crew. The long course presented additional challenges when a small craft warning was issued due to predicted wind gusts of 25–28 mph, coupled with first responders attending to a major boating incident in Ocean Beach. Hanohano organizers made the decision to move the race inside Mission Bay—a choice that ultimately provided an exciting 9-mile route featuring headwinds, downwinds, and cross-chop conditions.

Support from Sponsors and Vendors

Sponsors and vendors played a significant role in the event’s success, helping Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club fulfill its goal of ensuring cost is not a barrier to participation. Organizers encourage paddlers and supporters to visit and shop with the brands that contribute to the Hanohano Ocean Challenge, as their involvement sustains the event’s longevity and high production value.

Photo courtesy: Dan Van Dyck

Awards and Highlights

The day concluded with an extensive awards ceremony and raffle that included a grand prize V-1, generously provided by ARE Tahiti. The winner, Kwansene Kenner-Eversmann, celebrated with a spirited “Happy Dance” as she claimed her new canoe. Organizers also recognized Official Hanohano Artist, Francziska Steagall, for her remarkable talent and contribution to the event.

Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participants, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who contributed to the 30th Annual Hanohano Ocean Challenge. The club looks forward to delivering another safe, fun, and high-caliber event next year.

Results Short Course

Men's Open

1. Danny Ching
2. Bodie von Allmen
3. Campbell Carter

Women's Open

1. Soryn Preston
2. Lindsay Weidner
3. Samantha Eastburn

For full results, click here. 

For more SUP race news, click here.