The Molokai Challenge (Hawaii, USA)

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.

The Best Athletes:

 * Oscar Chalupsky (South Africa): An absolute legend of the sport, holding a staggering 12 Molokai titles spanning several decades.

 * Dean Gardiner (Australia): A 9-time champion who dominated the channel throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

 * Grant Kenny (Australia): Won the race as a 16-year-old in 1979 and put Australian surf lifesaving on the global map.

 * Hank McGregor (South Africa) & Cory Hill (Australia): Two modern-era titans who have continuously traded the crown over the last decade.

 * Rachel Clarke (New Zealand) & Hayley Nixon (South Africa): Dominant modern forces in the women's division.

 * Danielle McKenzie (New Zealand): Recently set the all-time women's course record.

* Kelly Fey (USA): Dominated the women's field throughout the 1990s.