South African surfski paddlers hit the headlines in Hawaii as Hayley Nixon won the women’s race of the Maui Jim Molokai Challenge in Hawaii, and Hank McGregor and Jasper Mocke raced on to the men’s podium in second and third respectively.
Nixon (Shaw and Partner/Euro Steel/Carbonology), racing in her first ever start at the 53km crossing of the fabled Channel of Bones, broke the women’s course record in the process, and said she was elated at the achievement.
The reigning world women’s surfski champion, Nixon finished two minutes ahead of classy Kiwi Rachel Clarke, with Australian Jordan Mercer another two minutes further back.
McGregor (Fenn/Euro Steel) was locked in a fierce duel with Australian star Corey Hill, which he lost by 30 seconds, with fellow South African Jasper Mocke (Euro Steel/Epic Kayaks) taking the last spot on the podium.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
MAUI JIM MOLOKAI CHALLENGE
Men
1 Corey Hill (Aus) 3hr 15min 09sec
2 Hank McGregor (SA) 3:15:39
3 Jasper Mocké (SA) 3:17:03
Women
1 Hayley Nixon (SA) 3:52:02
2 Rachel Clarke (NZL) 3:53:03
3 Jordan Mercer (AUS) 3:55:37
Photo: Gold medallist Nixon, by Topfoto/Gameplan Media