Tahiti's Laughlin repeats as Molokai-to-Oahu surfski world champion
Advertiser Staff
Tahiti's Lewis Laughlin repeated as champion of the Epic Kayaks Moloka'i World Championships today.
Laughlin completed the 32-mile course from Kaluako'i Beach, Moloka'i, to Maunalua Bay, O'ahu, in 3 hours, 40 minutes, 26 seconds.
The race is considered the world championship of long-distance ocean surfski racing. More than 130 paddlers from around the world entered.
Hank McGregor of South Africa placed second to Laughlin for the second consecutive year. His time today was 3:41:05.
Tim Jacobs of Australia was third in 3:41:44. Nine-time former champion Dean Gardiner of Australia was fourth in 3:42:11.
South Africa's Oscar Chalupsky, who owns a record 11 Moloka'i World Championships, placed seventh.
Lauren Bartlett of Maui won the women's division in 4:21:28. Three weeks ago, she won the women's division of the one-person canoe world championships.
