The Molokai Challenge (Hawaii, USA)

[2026-02-20] The History: Often referred to simply as "Molokai" or the Kaiwi Channel Crossing, this is the holy grail of ocean paddling. Founded in 1976, the race covers an exhausting 53 kilometers (32 miles) from the island of Molokai to Oahu. Paddlers must navigate the "Channel of Bones," notorious for its treacherous cross-chop, massive trade-wind swells, and extreme isolation. It is widely considered the unofficial World Championship of long-distance surfski. >>

Nicholas "Niki" Notten

[2026-02-13] Nicholas "Niki" Notten is a titan of South African surfski, a 2021 World Champion, and as of 2026, he remains one of the fastest "downwind specialists" in the global circuit. While some champions rely on raw flat-water power, Notten is a master of "surfing the bumps"—using the kinetic energy of the ocean to maintain speeds that seem impossible to others. >>

Hank McGregor

[2026-02-19] Hank McGregor is widely considered the most versatile and dominant paddler of the modern era. While Dean Gardiner ruled the 90s and Grant Kenny brought the sport to the mainstream, McGregor, a South African powerhouse, redefined what it means to be a "complete" paddler by dominating both flatwater marathons and extreme ocean downwind racing simultaneously. >>

2026-06-15

Paddle sports event attracts hundreds to historic Hangzhou waterway

2026-06-12

Vaikobi joins ICF to foster global expansion of 2026 Canoe Ocean Racing World Series

2026-05-27

ICF applauds Queensland's bid for the 2030 World Paddle Games, anticipating a AUD$200 million economic boost