Paddle Imua 2023 10am-5pm Sunday, July 23 from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach

The 12th Annual Paddle Imua Returns, Uniting Ocean Athletes for a Worthy Cause

Kahului, MAUI – Imua Family Services is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Twelfth Annual Paddle Imua, scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Paddle Imua, a multi-discipline paddling race, embodies the spirit of the Hawaiian word "Imua" (meaning 'to move forward') and aims to raise funds for Imua Family Services' Camp Imua program. Camp Imua, a cherished Maui summer tradition for over 47 years, provides a week-long recreational camp experience for children with special needs. Registration for Paddle Imua is now open at www.paddleimua.com.

Paddle Imua follows the renowned Maliko Downwind Run, a thrilling 8-mile route along Maui's North Shore, and concludes at Kanahā Beach Park in Kahului. Open to individuals of all ages, Paddle Imua offers multiple divisions, including OC1, OC2, OC6, Stand-up Paddle (SUP), prone paddleboard, surf ski, SUP foil, kiting, windsurfing, prone foil and wing foil. Check-in will commence at 10:00 am at Maliko Gulch, with the race set to begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each division, recognizing their remarkable achievements.

In addition to the exhilarating race, Paddle Imua offers a post-event celebration known as the 'Ohana Festival, hosted at Kanahā Beach Park. This free event is open to the public and features captivating entertainment provided by Lia Live, Rowdy Love, Benny Uyetake and Sean Ryan & Rose Rodriguez, delectable offerings from local food vendors, an exciting relay with ocean athletes and Camp Imua campers and the chance to win fantastic prizes. Registrants will receive a special Mahalo Swag Bag filled with $300 in gifts from sponsors, including the highly sought-after Paddle Imua event T-shirt and Racer Shirt!

Imua Family Services expresses sincere gratitude to our current event sponsors, whose invaluable support has made Paddle Imua possible: Alaska Airlines, Kona Brewing Co., Maui Health, Minit Medical, Pacific Media Group, Stable Road Foundation, Adventure Sports Maui, CDF Engineering, Cohen Development Group, Deep 2 Peak, DeSilva Meeting Consultants, Go Foil, Island Sotheby’s International Realty, Kanaha Kai Maui, Mad Hippie, Naish, One Love Body Soul, Patagonia, Pauwela Beverage Co., Timpone Hawaii, Totah Surfboards, and Total Project Construction Management.

Paddle Imua participants gather from near and far, with past participants hailing from Hawaii, Australia, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, England, Africa, Italy, Spain, France, Norway, Japan, and the US Mainland. Camp Imua attendees are thrilled each year to present finishers with lei and have greeted many top ocean athletes, including Dave Kalama, Devin Blish, Andrea Moller, Connor Baxter, Sonni Hönscheid, Livio Menelau, Julia Mancuso, Jeremy Riggs, Dane Ward, Kody Kerbox, Travis Baptist, Yuka Sato, Fiona Wylde, Annie Reickert and Paige Alms. Detailed registration and event information can be found at www.paddleimua.com.

About Camp Imua:

Camp Imua is a FREE week-long recreational summer camp that offers school-age children with special needs a unique opportunity to explore new activities and connect with their peers and the broader community. With the help of over 150 volunteer caregivers, Camp Imua provides care and support to 60 unique campers, fostering meaningful connections that might not have otherwise been possible. In addition to an exciting outdoor experience for the campers, Camp Imua provides a well-deserved respite for families and caregivers who provide loving homes and care for these children the other 360 days of the year.

About Imua Family Services:

Since 1947, Imua Family Services has been dedicated to providing comprehensive early childhood development resources to children and their families, empowering them to reach their full potential in life. Through family-centered, community-based therapeutic services, including Speech Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Special Instruction, Imua Family Services continues to make a positive impact. Learn about these and the other amazing services the agency offers at www.imuafamily.org.

Date: Sunday, July 23rd, 2023

Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: Pre-Registration $70.00 / Day-of $90.00 / Ohana Festival at Finish Line - FREE

Categories: Fundraiser, Outdoor or Beach Event, Sports

Location Specifics: Maliko Gulch (past Hookipa - turn right after bridge crossing Maliko Stream)

Contact: Stephanie Garrett   Phone: 808-244-7467

Email:   Website: https://www.paddleimua.com