12th Annual Paddle Imua in North Shore Maui Set for Sunday, July 23, 2023

April 18, 2023

Multi-discipline ocean race fundraises for children with special needs at Camp Imua

KAHULUI, HI (April, 2023) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Paddle Imua, an 8-mile downwinder on North Maui’s legendary Maliko Downwind Run, is set for its 12th race on July 23rd.

Online registration opened at $70 on March 1st and will close on July 22nd at 12 pm HST.

Registration on race day will increase to $90 and will be available at Maliko Gulch.

“I was given the honor and opportunity to help coordinate the race this year,” said Anne-Marie Reichman Totah, Event Coordinator of Paddle Imua and Founder of SUP11-City Tour. “As a water sports athlete, I know how sports and the water can benefit our well-being. We must give back to our community, children, planet, and each other to imua, which means to move forward in Hawaiian.”

Paddle Imua aims for 300 athletes on the water in 2023.

Each year, world-class athletes race from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park, such as Andrea Moller, multi-champion paddling athlete and the 1st-place winner of Paddle Imua 2013; big wave surfers Ian Walsh and Paige Alms; and ICF SUP World Champion Connor Baxter.

Eligible for the paddling category:

• Outrigger canoes (OC1, OC2, and OC6)
• Stand-up paddleboards (SUP)
• Prone paddleboards
• Foil (prone and SUP)
• Surf skis

Eligible for the sailing category:

• Kiting
• Wing foil
• Windsurfing
• Sailing Dinghy

Paddle Imua fundraises for Camp Imua, a free week-long overnight recreational camp for children with special needs with over 150 volunteers who provide support.

“The children look forward to Camp Imua every year. Their smiles, laughter, and lifelong memories are the best rewards of all! Many thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors who make Camp Imua possible for these children,” said Lori Medeiros, whose son attends the camp year after year.

Camp Imua’s fundraising goal is $80,000 for 2023.

Maui Jim and Bluesmiths have supported Paddle Imua for the past five years.

Title, Elite Athlete, Weekend Warrior, and Wave Rider sponsor levels remain open, along with in-kind support.

To register, sponsor, or learn more about Paddle Imua, visit Paddle Imua. For questions, contact Imua Family Services at +1 (808) 244-7467, Anne-Marie Reichman Totah at +1 (831) 713-6484, or paddle@imuafamily.org.

###

Founded in 2011, Paddle Imua is an annual all-inclusive ocean race fundraising for Camp Imua, a free weeklong camp for special needs children. Since 1976, the camp has been held annually at Camp Maluhia in the West Maui Mountains, where 62 children and 150 volunteers come together for a week of ocean play, crafts, games, swimming, helicopter rides, zip-lining, and fun while making new friends and catching up with the old. The generous support of local businesses, individuals, and Paddle Imua contributes to the camp’s continued success.