Paddle Imua 2014, Presented by BLUESMITHS Crafted Waterwear: This Saturday May 3
As we transition from winter waves into summer trades, the legendary “Maliko Run” lights up, signaling the start to Maui’s world class downwind paddle season. At Bluesmiths, we can’t think of a better way to kick-off that season than with the Paddle Imua Benefit Race for Children with Special Needs. For the third consecutive year, Bluesmiths is excited to be presenting this unique event alongside Maui’s incredibly strong ocean community. It takes place this Saturday May 3rd and you can register and learn more about it at www.paddleimua.com. What’s it all about? Well, the event comprises a downwind paddle race combined with a community gathering or “’Ohana festival".
The paddle course, known as The Maliko Run, is a ten mile open-sea downwind thrill ride along Maui’s famed north shore. Paddlers glide past many world class surf breaks such as Ho’okipa, Outside Sprecks and Kanaha, while making their way to the Hawaiian Canoe Club in Kahului Harbor.
At the Canoe Club, it’s all about celebration of an incredible cause and EVERYONE is invited. There are all kinds of activities, so if you are on Maui, it’s a must visit.
The event is open to Stand-up Paddle, OC1, Surfski and Paddleboard Classes. Whilst there are many different craft at the start line, we all share two things common: a genuine passion for both the ocean and the local community.
Paddle Imua is a unique event. In addition to the unparalleled magic of simply running the Maliko course, it is organized specifically to benefit Maui’s children with special needs.
All funds raised go directly to fund Camp Imua, a volunteer-based summer camp for the children located in the West Maui Mountains and run by Imua Family Services. It’s an awesome week away for the kids, and it’s expensive to run. This event raises much needed support to help make it happen.
“Imua” means “to move forward” in Hawaiian and the goal of Paddle Imua is to help the children do just that. The event also offers racers an opportunity to connect with many of the Camp Imua children, offering the children an inspiring opportunity to experience water sports.
If you want to meet some of the most decorated and respected ocean athletes in the world, Paddle Imua is THE place to be. You’ll paddle with and meet legendary athletes including Bluesmiths ambassadors, Andrea Moller, Jeremy Riggs, Junya McGurn, Chris Pagdilao, Loch Eggers, Suzie Clooney and Sonni Hoenscheid. Big wave surfer and SUP pioneer Dave Kalama, among other notable athletes, will also be in attendance again this year.
The Bluesmiths team will be there. We’ll be showcasing some of our new styles and colorways. There will be some show specials and you’ll have chance to win gear.
Special thanks to Maile John and the awesome crew at Imua Family Services, ALL the committee members, the Hawaiian Canoe Club and Event Ambassador, Andrea Moller.
Big thanks also to our supporting sponsors Zevenbergen Capitol Investments, Alaska Airlines, Da Kine, SIC Racing, Maui Brewing Company, Goofy Foot Surf School, Deep Relief Maui, Ke Nalu, Nuka Maui, Handsome Buggah, Da Bounce, Newf Surfboard Net, Tropic Water, Perfect Bar, Ozolio and SOS Shapes.
SIGN-UP for Paddle Imua at www.paddleimua.com . If you cannot make it and want to donate for the kids, you can donate at this link also.
See you on the water!
Mahalo and aloha,
BLUESMITHS
