After recovering from shoulder surgery in 2025, my main goal was to maximize memorable race experiences for 2026.
Having gone to the Gorge for a number of years, as well as other travel OC1 races, I decided that doing a proper Hawaii race was what I needed to do … and if one race was good, two races on back-to-back days would be even better. So, the plan was put into motion to race the Maui Paddling Hui’s North Shore Challenge (NSC) races and support ERCanoes (one of the sponsors) in the process.
Since Maui is known for its iconic downwind runs, this seemed like the perfect plan — however, Mother Nature doesn’t always follow the plan!!
Day one of the NSC is a 23 mile paddle from Maliko Gulch around Kahakuloa finishing at D.T. Flemings Beach. Ideally, the winds would blow favorable for a downwind across open ocean where we would paddle around Nākālele Point before a final push into Flemings Beach. However, the winds were going to be light with a wonky swell.
Bruce Brunson, a fellow paddler from Las Vegas area, and I met up with the rest of the Southern California crew Saturday morning for logistics and to find out which canoes we would be paddling. We then headed over to Maliko Gulch for unloading, rigging, and safety protocols for the race. As we all prepared for the next few hours of paddling — stretches, strapping extra paddles, hydration packs and gels at the ready — little did we realize how brutal the race was going to be for all.
As we left Maliko, my goal was to get comfortable on the canoe I was paddling since I had never paddled this particular model for more than about 10 minutes. The first few miles I searched out little runners and tried to make the most of the wind and swell without being enticed too close to the island. Knowing that I needed to cross the open ocean from the east to the west, I didn’t want to get too far inside and then have to fight the swell and any wind. That plan worked well and I was able to get comfortable with the canoe over the next few hours. My hydration, nutrition gels, and race plan worked out great for me, I was a lucky one; because, unbeknownst to me, almost everyone in our SoCal group cramped at some point during the race. The final part of the race, rounding the point through Three Sisters and then pushing the final few miles into D.T. Flemings Beach, was warm with California-style runners; this was a welcome grind after all the wonky water around the point. Everyone that finished the first day should be incredibly proud of themselves. Brutal conditions seemed to be the consensus of even the most experienced paddlers. It would be interesting to see how many of the middle of the pack paddlers showed up for day two!!
Day two, Sunday, of the North Shore Challenge is the world renowned Maliko Run from Maliko Gulch into Kahului Harbor, a ten mile downhill, downwind course. The winds were forecasted to be comparatively light in the 10-12 mph range. After spending almost 23 miles on my canoe the day before, I felt like I would be able to push myself and my equipment. Down in the Gulch before the race was a bit emotional as Kea Bartlett said a few words about Kai, her husband and paddling icon that recently passed from fighting cancer. Prior to the start, I dropped some flower petals in Kai’s honor and asked for another day of safe paddling. As the horn went off, I attacked the start with a bit more vigor due to the confidence from the day before. I found the line I wanted to take and went after chasing waves and linking runners. WOW!! What a difference a day makes!! I was able to surf and connect waves catching what I wanted with a lot more ease than the day before. It was fun to have battles with paddlers around you; catching a wave, going back-and-forth for position. I made a calculated effort to stay relaxed and keep myself in control and this worked well. I did make a tactical decision to move a bit inside about two miles from the harbor. This ultimately turned out to be a mistake as the paddler on the outside had a better line with waves into the harbor. While I gained a few yards back inside the harbor, it was not enough to catch them.
One of the best parts for me was the laidback awards and celebration of all who paddled the races. It is not hyperbole to say it really is a true paddling ‘ohana where everyone belongs.
A big thank you to Aaron Elder and Will Reichenstein who helped with logistics of canoes among other things along with being sponsors of the races. I am already looking forward to going back!!
Wade Williford
NAC Outrigger Team Member