Danielle McKenzie sets new course record as she conquers the 2025 Molokai Challenge

New Zealand ocean ski paddler Danielle McKenzie set a new women’s course record on her way to victory in the iconic Molokai Challenge in Hawaii today, securing her place as one of the best female ocean ski paddlers ever.

The Molokai Challenge isn’t just any race—it’s one of the most prestigious and punishing events in ocean paddling. Stretching 52km across the legendary Kaiwi Channel, it demands every ounce of strength, skill, and mental toughness.

Danielle completed the course from Kaluakoi Beach on the west end of Molokai to Maunalua Bay Beach Park on Oahu in a time of 3hours 33minutes 54 seconds, taking over 13 minutes off Australian Jordan Mercer’s 2019 course record (3:47:22).

For Dani, affectionately known in the water sports world as “DMac”, this has been a long-time goal—a race she’s dreamed of conquering as a surfski paddler.

"Over the years, I’ve watched some incredible women take on this race—setting records, battling tough conditions, and pushing the limits of what’s possible. I’m stoked to now follow in the paddle strokes of those who have had success before me, especially legendary Kiwi athletes Katie Pocock (Winner 2009) and Rachel Mayhew (nee Clarke, Winner 2014 & 2017). It’s an honour to be part of that legacy and conquer on the challenge myself." says Dani.

“I had a few pinch-me moments out in the channel. Beautiful water, technical paddling and surfing the runners. The body felt really good throughout and with 15km to go, I started to push hard for the record time.”

As this week progressed and the wind looked certain, chatter of breaking the records echoed throughout the ocean ski world and it proved to be the case. In the men’s race, local paddler Pat Dolan also set a new course record on the way to his first Molokai Challenge ocean ski victory, winning in a time of 3.09.44. He was just 35 seconds ahead of 4-time Molokai champion Cory Hill. The previous fastest time was 3.11.17 set by Hank McGregor in 2019.

The Kaiwi Channel, also known as the “Molokai Channel” is considered one of the roughest ocean channels in the world when Mother Nature is angry.The Molokai Challenge, originally named Kanaka Ikaika, which literally translated means “Mankind’s respectful challenge of the great, mighty ocean” was first raced in 1977 and has since become the world’s most renowned ocean ski event with a rich history.  Before the International Canoe Federation introduced formal world championships, this event was considered the unofficial world championship. Elite paddlers and enthusiasts alike continue to line up in Molokai every year to test their paddling skill, endurance and knowledge of ocean surfing.

While this is Danielle's first Molokai Crossing on a ski, it is not unfamiliar as she first completed the crossing in 2017 on a prone paddleboard.

With a legendary background in surf lifesaving including competing for several years in the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series, Danielle first competed in international ocean ski racing at the 2019 ICF Ocean Racing World Championships. She won that event. Since then, Danielle has been a force in women’s ocean ski racing, even while she switched her focus to canoe sprint and being selected for the Paris Olympic games.

Today’s incredible result signals Danielle is back firmly in her Epic ocean ski, pushing boundaries, building on legacy and carving her name into the record books.

The Molokai Crossing is run by the Kanaka Ikaika Racing Association.

To find out more about this epic event, visit https://www.kanakaikaika.com/

2025 Results 2025 photo gallery