Kai Lenny, a professional surfer from Maui, competes in the 2025 Aloha Classic at Hookipa Beach Park.

The mix keeps growing as the mecca of windsurfing from around the world comes together to compete on Maui’s North Shore at Hoʻokipa Beach Park.

Held annually in October, the Aloha Classic first established its roots as an iconic competition in 1981. This year’s 2025 event marks the 41st edition of the contest.

Over 100 top riders made it to this year’s Aloha Classic, with finalists selected from more than 1,300 entries worldwide. Competitors came from over 30 countries across six continents, including the U.S., Aruba, France, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Puerto Rico, Morocco, the United Kingdom, Slovenia, Spain, Japan, Greece, Italy, Australia, the Netherlands, Madagascar, Argentina, Chile, Cyprus, Hawaiʻi, Guadeloupe and more.

The event brings together world champions from youth, junior and masters divisions — all leveling up to ride at what’s widely considered the world’s most famous windsurfing spot.

According to event organizers, the Aloha Classic fuels $2 million into Maui’s economy, supporting local staff and including all divisions of the competition.

As a way to give back to the community, event staff and volunteers also hold a beach cleanup. It’s a unique opportunity for competitors on the water to work together on the beach, united by a shared commitment to keep the places where they practice, play and compete clean and beautiful.

In addition to the event, many top professional athletes also give back to Maui’s youth.

On the first Sunday of each month at the Kahului Harbor Canoe Club, they volunteer their time to teach kids and locals the basics of windsurfing while helping to inspire the next generation of watersport athletes.

With a big pool of riders, one run and judging based on the single wildest move they can land — or wipe out from — the Super Session division is a crowd favorite.

In 2000, Wave World Title winner and Aloha Classic organizer Francisco Goya played a key role in promoting and supporting the event. His efforts continue to encourage both spectators to come watch and athletes — from youth to professionals — to take part in the competition.

“Over the last years, our Haiku base business at the Pauwela Cannery where we build and repair boards has become one of the main sponsors and supporters of the event,” Goya said. “Next year, (we’re) looking to add more youth clinics and solar-powered streams to keep it green and growing. This has become one of the most rewarding experiences for our team — as we continue to ride and keep connected while supporting the sport and community we love.”

As one who participates in water sports and understands how humbling the learning curve can be, Goya set out to chase a dream of one day turning pro.

Even though he wasn’t sure if that was a realistic goal, his determination never faded. He began his windsurfing and board-making journey in Argentina before eventually making Maui his home in the 1980s.

Today, as the owner of his own board company, Goya gives back to the same community that inspired and supported his dream as he remains excited and proud to be involved with the Aloha Classic.

Organizers also said this year’s media coverage reached a new level, featuring drones, water cameras, instant replays and legends on the mic — all set against perfect conditions at Hookipa with steady trade winds and double overhead sets.

With three out of five division world champions coming from Maui, the 2025 Aloha Classic has been called a game-changer for the future of these athletes, the sport and this competition.

More than just a contest, Maui’s 2025 Aloha Classic was a celebration of a beloved sport deeply rooted in the island’s community and culture.

Results

Women’s Pro — 1. Sarah-Quita Offringa (Aruba); 2. Angela Cochran (USA/Maui); 3. Lisa Wermeister (Guadalupe).

Men’s Pro — 1. Morgan Noireaux (USA/Maui); 2. Bernd Roediger (USA/Maui); 3. Marcilio Browne (Brazil/Maui).

Masters — 1. Josh Stone (Hawaiʻi/Maui); 2. Keith Teboul (Madagascar/Maui); 3. Francisco Goya (Argentina/Maui).

Junior — 1. Jaka Stroj (Slovenia/Maui); 2. Javier Escribano Toribio (Spain); 3. Sol Degrieck (Belgium)

Pro Junior — 1. Ryu Noguchi (Japan); 2. Gregory Strathopoulos (Greece); 3. Samuele Ferraro (Italy).