Paddle Imua – A Benefit Race For Camp Imua

Paddle Imua – A Benefit Race For Camp Imua

Saturday, May 5, 2018 – We Race in Support of Camp Imua

Paddle Imua is an exciting annual multiple-discipline paddle race that raises funds to directly support Camp Imua, a week-long recreational camp experience for special needs children of Maui, ages 6-16 years . Paddle Imua brings the ocean sports community together to celebrate the lives of special needs children by embracing our connection to the ocean.

This is a progressive ocean community event made possible by Bluesmiths Crafted Waterwear, support from numerous athletes and volunteers, and the generosity of Maui businesses. Held on Maui’s legendary Maliko Downwind Run, Bluesmiths Paddle Imua welcomes athletes who paddle Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP), Outrigger Canoes (OC1 , OC2 & OC6), Prone Paddleboards and Surf Skis. We also have added experimental Hydro Foil SUP and Laser Sailboat classes in 2018.

Paddle Imua creates a physical embodiment of the Hawaiian word Imua (‘to move forward’) which comes from references to the water and paddling. Paddle Imua is literally meant to help move Camp Imua forward for many years to come, by providing ongoing funding to support the program and continually expand and improve it. One of the unique aspects of this competition on Maui is that the competitors are also given the opportunity to interact with the special needs children of Camp Imua at the finish of the race, giving them valuable exposure to water sports and inspiration to live out their dreams.

The Race
Race Date, Time and Location: Saturday May 5, 2018. Race starts at 1 p.m. at Maliko Gulch. Check-in and registration opens at 10 a.m. Shuttle services will be offered by Moore Watertime. Please contact them directly to reserve and pay for your spot: www.moorewatertimemaui.com. Spaces are limited.

Race is open to paddle disciplines in: Stand-up Paddle, OC1, OC2, OC6, Surf Ski and Prone Paddleboard. NEW Hydrofoil SUP and Laser Sailboat classes added in 2017 too!

Race Course: The race starts at Maliko Gulch and follows Maui’s North Shore to Kahului Harbor. The downwind race is just about 9 miles.  The actual finish line is on the beach directly fronting Hawaiian Canoe Club.  Contestants will jump off their board or canoe and run through the shoot to complete the race.

Eligibility: Open to men and women of all ages. Racers under 18-years of age must have their parent/legal guardian sign their waiver and liabilities form. We reserve the right to refuse participation to entrants for any reason we deem necessary.

Awards: Paddle Imua is a fun race that benefits a worthy cause. Awards will only be given out to the top three overall division winners for each gender. Awards are NOT given out in age divisions but times will be posted. PRIZES will be awarded to the top individual fundraisers. For more info on prizes and fundraising, visit our PRIZES page.

For more information visit Paddle Imua website.

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