Yesterday was the first day of the AWT Maui Makani Classic. At 10.00 all the contestants started to fill in for the Hawaiian blessing, and speech from Mayor Alan Arakawa. After Mayor Arakawa addressed the crowd, a helicopter flew over to capture the image from above. While flying high above the contestants, the helicopter dropped over 1,000 orchid flowers to help bring good luck to the event.
First day of the Maui Makani Classic - Pic: Kevin Pritchard
The Hawaiian Extreme Sports and Ocean Paddler TV is streaming the event live here.
With relatively light winds and very small waves on hand for the day, head judge Matt Pritchard made the call to let contestants go until tomorrow morning. There are still 5 days left in the contest window and the forecast calls for wind and waves to arrive soon.
The list of registered riders
