This past weekend, Standup Journal’s team photographers, brothers Glenn and John Dubock, got cabin fever and headed down to the infamous Hanohano Huki race event on Mission Bay in San Diego, CA.
The Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge is one of the Longest Running Paddlesport Races in California (OC-1, Surfski, Traditional Paddleboard, Standup Paddleboard and Kayak) and always includes a great mix of top level professional athletes and beginners from ages 7-80.
History of the Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge
The Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club was founded in January of 1981 by Egon and Rena Horcajo in Mission Bay, San Diego, Californai. The Club unites men and women who share an interest in perpetuating Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing at its highest level. The club encourages and promotes good will and sportsmanship among its members. In fact, the very name, “Hanohano” means ‘ glorious, dignified & worthy of praises.’
The Hanohano Outrigger Club today organizes events, fundraisers and – of course – high level competitions and races. This weekend’s Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge brought together stand up paddlers, OC-1 and surf ski racers from all over California to participate in one great ocean challenge.
Here’s the recap from Standup Journal photographers & dynamic brother duo, Glenn and John Dubock.
A chilly January morning gathers 300 stand up paddlers at Hanohano Huki
A cold morning could do nothing to put a chill on the stoke at the 22nd running of the Hanohano Huki Race in San Diego California. Well over 300 stand up paddlers joined in with all manner of paddle craft to blaze a 5 mile course around Mission Bay on a glassy but challenging course. OC-1, Surfski, Traditional Paddleboard, Standup Paddleboard and Kayaks were all represented in this dynamic and well-loved event.
Who rides on top at the Hanohano?
Danny Ching once again showed his dominating ways, but not without being contested the entire way by the likes of Mo Freitas in second place and Noa Hopper in 3rd for the Open Division. Just two seconds behind Noa was Tyler Bashor in the U16 division, which raised the bar for all future racers. Nice job, Tyler!
Candice has some fun and leaves the young girls with room to shine
With Candice Appleby choosing to paddle a tandem with Jack Wygal, Shae Foudy and Jade Howson were the fastest ladies out on the course in their respective divisions. Racers of all ages and abilities had a great day on and off the water. Who could ask for more?
Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge is all about community
In the end, the 5-mile Hanohano is a great winter shake-out for racers to either (1) see how their training is going; and/or (2) inspire folks to get their training going for the season ahead. A great course with a fantastic vibe, the Hanohano remains one of the most anticipated races every season.
Did YOU Hanohano? We’d love to hear in the comments below!
