The idea...

Three degrees of latitude separate the islands of Hawaii. Nine legendary and infamous open-ocean channels link them together. Drawn by ritual, necessity, competition and challenge, watermen have long conquered and been conquered by these channels…but never in an adventure quite like this.

In April 2010, Jenny Kalmbach and Morgan Hoesterey, two of the world’s elite female standup paddleboarders, will make their way across each of these channels, setting competition aside to chase the ultimate prize: ocean adventure. Inspired by their love of the ocean, Destination 3° is even more than a standup paddle adventure, more than an ocean challenge, and more than two women pushing the edges of themselves and their sport, it is a way to give back.

Destination 3° puts Jenny and Morgan in a unique and powerful position to raise awareness and funds to help benefit Algalita Marine Research Foundation in their efforts to understand and protect the oceans from the impacts of plastics contamination. Three degrees over an expanse of water may be a challenge, but in the end, the real challenge is stoking the fires of adventure and awareness of the world that makes it all possible.

 

The Challenge...

We are excited to see the stories and adventures develop as we encounter each channel.

  • 'Alenuihaha Channel: "Of very large, trough-like waves" (Hawaii-Maui)
  • 'Alalakeiki Channel: "Screaming or crying child" (Maui-Kaho'olawe)
  • Auau Channel: "To take a bath" (Maui-Lanai)
  • Pailolo Channel: "To urge or rouse expertise and skill" (Maui-Molokai)
  • Kaiwi Channel: "The bones" or "Long surf line" (Molokai-Oahu)
  • Ka'ie'iewaho Channel: "The 'ie 'ie vine" (Oahu-Kauai)
  • Kaulakahi Channel: "The red place" (Kauai-Ni'ihau)

The Timeframe:

Departing the first week of April 2010, we plan to spend one to three days per channel, depending of the level of difficulty and the current conditions of each crossing.

Safety is our utmost concern, and our goal is to reach Oahu by about the 24th to prepare to paddle the Ka’ie’iewaho (Oahu to Kauai) channel by the 28th, under the full moon. This channel is about 85 miles wide (and more than 10,000 feet deep), and we’re estimating a paddle of anywhere from 15 to 20 hours. We plan to use the full moon and begin our crossing at midnight on the 28th.

We chose April as, historically, this month offers the most optimal weather and ocean conditions for each of the channels. At each crossing, under the guidance of our boat captains and other professionals, we will wait out inclement weather to ensure safety throughout our journey.