The Na Wahine O Ke Kai women's championship canoe race is not until Sunday, but a record has already been established.

As of yesterday, a record 77 crews registered to participate in the 41-mile race from Hale O Lono Harbor, Moloka'i, to Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki. The previous record for participation was 72 crews in 2003 and 2005.

The first Na Wahine O Ke Kai in 1979 featured 10 crews.

"Through the years, you can see how much the women have improved," race director Hannie Anderson said. "And I'm talking from the top teams all the way to the novice teams. They're all training every day — cross-training, running, swimming, paddling. I think that's why you see so many teams out there now."

The field will include teams from five Hawaiian islands (O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui, Moloka'i, the Big Island), California, Maine, Canada, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia and Guam.

The race across the Kaiwi Channel is considered the world championship of long-distance outrigger canoe paddling for women's teams.

Team Bradley — which features elite paddlers from O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, the Big Island and New Zealand — is the two-time defending champion.

Mooloolaba from Australia has returned after a two-year hiatus. They won it in 2003 and 2004.

The winning team will receive $5,000 from sponsor Anheuser-Busch.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.