This second annual race really lived up to its name, World Challenge. It was brutal as conditions changed from calm seas to very strong head winds on the last two legs making for difficult forward progress. This opened up the competition, as no one was favored in these elements. Generally, the Hawaiians are favored in normal trade winds due to their superior surfing skill. A great international field of over 100 teams competed with paddlers representing South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Canada, California, and of course, Hawaii. The first two legs offered very calm conditions. Leigh Wilson, from Sydney Australia, broke away from the huge group of paddlers in the men’s division at the first change that was located at beautiful Hanama‘ulu Beach Park. Maui local, Lauren Spalding, having just qualified to represent the U.S. at the Olympics in the K-2 and K-4, took the early lead in the women’s open division. In the highly competitive mixed men/women teams, Kauai’s David Beck held a slight lead over New Zealander Rick Nu‘u.
