Hi there,

I have the honor to compete in the 2025 Moloka’i to Oahu World Paddling Championship, a race that traverses the 3,000ft-deep, 32-mile wide Ka’iwi Channel—also known as the Channel of Bones—spooky! Only 100 competitors are invited a year, and this is my first attempt at the crossing. They say getting to the starting line though is as much of a feat as crossing the finish line, and I’ve come to realize that’s quite true. Balancing logistics from halfway around the world is no easy task, and I’ve had to acquire an escort boat, support crew, a board for the race, and additional time to train over on Hawaiian waters—another world from the Outer Banks. That said, none of this comes cheap, and I would love any additional help to get me to the starting line so I can finish the job (hopefully in one piece!) As one of the first people to compete from the Outer Banks, I want to represent the local communities I’ve called home and served as an ocean rescue lifeguard for more than 12 years, and promote what makes our small stretch of coastline special. Any help would be kindly appreciated, and any excessive funding will be donated to our local water rescue station on Hatteras Island. Mahalo!