Hundreds gather in Hawaii for Molokai-2-Oahu downwind foil race
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – This week, hundreds of athletes from across the world are preparing for the world championship in downwind foiling, which involves a 42-mile channel crossing from Molokai to Oahu.
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The annual Molokai-2-Oahu Foil Race, which takes place Monday, July 20, is one of downwind foiling’s biggest challenges.
Using only the wind, waves, and their own energy, foilers will have to cross through the Kaiwi Channel. Known for its strong currents and up to 1,500-foot-deep waters, it’s widely considered one of the most treacherous and unpredictable open-ocean channels in the world.
“The course is really challenging, which makes it the world championship,” said two-time Molokai-2-Oahu Foil Race champion Edoardo Tanas. “It’s probably the gnarliest channel crossing you could ever do on a foil. You need to be ready for all conditions and make changes on the spot, to adapt and beat your competitors.”
In 2025, Tanas set the world record for fastest channel crossing on a standup paddleboard foil at one hour and 56 minutes.
The sport’s growing popularity has made the race more competitive throughout the years, according to two-time finisher Malae Mcelheny.
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This year, he says, may be the toughest race yet.
“Everybody is so fast and competitive now,” said Mcelheny. “It’s turned into less of a marathon of getting from one island to another and more like a full sprint for 40 miles. It can get nuts out there.”
Many foilers train for months for the crossing. Learning from past years, Tanas says his mental preparation is what he worked on most during the off season.
“Mindset is really everything,” said Tanas. “If you can get in the motion of who you really are and just have fun on race day, that’s how you’re going to show up and be the best version of yourself.”
The race begins Monday at 11:05 a.m. on Molokai, with competitors arriving at Kaimana Beach on Oahu in the afternoon.
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