Jasper Mocké secures third place in grueling Molokai Challenge

Jasper Mocké Earns Podium Spot in Challenging Molokai Race

South African surfski star Jasper Mocké secured an impressive third-place finish at the renowned Maui Jim Molokai Challenge in Hawaii. This achievement contributed to a historic all-South African podium in the men's event. The 53-kilometer crossing between Molokai and Oahu was exceptionally arduous, characterized by intense heat and a flat ocean that offered minimal assistance to the competitors.

An exhausted but delighted Mocké described the race as "brutal" from the finish line. He noted that an initial group of elite paddlers quickly established a lead. Mocké emphasized the critical need for efficiency in the challenging conditions, as significant ocean assistance was scarce until approximately twenty kilometers from the finish. He maintained a strong position throughout, battling for a top spot.

Mocké's ascent to the podium was significantly influenced by an incident involving defending champion Cory Hill of Australia. Hill, who was fiercely competing for the lead with eventual winner Hank McGregor, made a crucial error at the China Walls reef, damaging his rudder. This allowed Mocké to advance into third place. Expressing his contentment, Mocké affirmed he "left it all out there" and plans to return to improve.

Hank McGregor claimed his third victory in this formidable event, widely regarded as the unofficial world championship of ultra-distance surfski racing. Sean Rice and Jasper Mocké completed the all-South African top three, marking a significant moment for the nation. In the women's division, Australia's Liz Pluimers dominated, finishing a remarkable fifteen minutes ahead of New Zealand's Rachel Clarke, with fellow Australian Tania Moohin securing third.

Maui Jim Molokai Challenge 2016 Results

Men

• 1. Hank McGregor (RSA) 3:45:34
• 2. Sean Rice (RSA) 3:47:01
• 3. Jasper Mocké (RSA)...

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