HONOLULU - Connor Baxter of Makawao successfully defended his title at the Molokai-to-Oahu Paddleboard World Championships on Sunday, breaking his own course record in the stand-up paddle division.
Baxter, 17, finished the 32-mile trek across the Kaiwi Channel in a time of 4 hours, 13 minutes, 26 seconds, crushing the record of 4:26:10 he set last year.
Dave Kalama of Kula crossed the finish line at Maunalua Bay Beach Park in second place in a time of 4:13:50. Kai Lenny of Paia was third in 4:22:14.
In the women's stand-up race, Haiku's Talia Gangini and Andrea Moller finished 1-2. Gangini posted a time of 4:55:02, while Moller, the 2011 champion, finished in 5:09:12.
In the elite paddleboard division, Brad Gaul continued the tradition of Australian dominance in the race, winning in a time of 4:43:54. The 33-year-old beat out Jackson English of Singapore (4:59:57) to take the title in his third time attempting the solo journey from Kalua Koi. Oahu's Brian Rocheleau (5:01:49) was third.
Australian Jamie Mitchell, who won his 10th consecutive title in 2011, did not compete this year.
Defending champion Jordan Mercer was the first female to finish, in a time of 5:34:53. Kanesa Duncan-Seraphin of Kauai, an eight-time champion, was second in 5:45:00.
