Hayley ready to tackle Molokai Challenge

DURBAN North paddler, Hayley Nixon, is hoping to complete one of the world’s most grueling paddles at the upcoming Molokai Challenge. The 53 kilometres paddle takes place between the islands of Molokai and Oahu. The challenge which gets underway this week in Hawaii attracts nearly 100 elite paddlers from around the world annually.

The challenge began in 1977 and is the longest running channel race in Hawaii, with a course spanning 53 kilometres (32-miles) across the Kaiwi Channel. The event consists of a unique blend of Hawaii’s unique and traditional ocean disciplines including swimming, one-person outrigger canoe, surfski, stand up paddleboard and prone paddleboard.

Nixon, who recently won the inaugural Freedom Day paddle in Cape Town with fellow Durban North resident and world junior champ, Sabina Lawrie, said she is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

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“In the past considering doing the Molokai Challenge always came down to one thing, budget. Up until three weeks ago I hadn’t planned on travelling to Hawaii until an Australian wealth management firm (Shaw and Partners) contacted me and offered me a sponsorship to compete at the event for their surfski team. It’s always been a race that I’ve wanted to do so to be able to get the opportunity is incredible.

“I’ve been putting in some extra training since I received the news and I’ve been alternating paddling from Durban to Salt Rock and Durban to Amanzimtoti during the week to try and get some good mileage under my belt. I feel the distance is something I can handle and mentally I’m prepared to give it my all and potentially make history but you can never plan the conditions on the day. The challenge is really a test of endurance and perseverance because of the unpredictable weather conditions and currents,” said the reigning surfski world champ.

Nixon who returns to South Africa with a full itinerary of events including the SA Marathon Champs also praised Danville Park Girls’ High School learner, Sabina Lawrie, who partnered with her for the recent Freedom Paddle.

“The Freedom Paddle was from the V&A Waterfront around Robben Island and back again. It was a fantastic event and it was such a special moment to cross the finish line with Sabina who is the junior reigning world champ,” she said.

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The Molokai Surfski Challenge takes place on Sunday, 27 May.

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