2005 Molokai Challenge (August 13th 2005)
The 3rd annual Youth In Motion Molokai Challenge Brought to you by Youth In Motion, County of Maui, the Kiteboard Center and Molokai Outdoors.

The Day
45 knot winds and huge swells…not this year! We had unbelievably smooth winds in the channel and perfect wind on the Molokai side. The Pailolo channel (Molokai Express) was extra accommodating for this year’s event. Winds were 18-21 knots in the channel and a perfect 22-25 knots on the Molokai side.

The Race
The race started on Maui’s West Side at the Embassy Suites Hotel. Riders journeyed across the Pailolo Channel (8 miles) to Molokai’s east side. Once across, a dead down wind run of 15 miles awaited riders. 

The Launch
The wind was typically light/non existent on the beach in front of the Embassy Suites Hotel. As always, the real challenge was getting off the beach to the wind line. Even though riders practiced for a “windless” launch, when it came down to it, most riders reverted to the standard kite beach launch technique of convincing other riders to swim their kites out.
Next year, we are going to have $100 fine for sweating other riders  (non team members) into giving a launch.