History of the Maui Channel Swim
The
Maui Channel Swim is the longest, open water relay swim race in the
world dating to 1972. Ian Emberson, a Kauai resident, has done an
outstanding job coordinating the race as chairperson for nearly 20
years. Ian is also a long-running participant in the Maui Channel
Swim. The 9.5 mile channel swim starts at Club Lanai, a resort on
the island of Lanai, and crosses the Au Au Channel to Black Rock at
the Kaanapali Beach Resort on the island of Maui. This channel is
clear, warm, beautiful, open water notorious for its swift currents.
The Maui Channel
Swim is one of the most popular masters swimming events in the
nation. Teams come from all over the mainland, as well as Australia,
Japan, Taiwan to compete. California, Texas, New York, Hawaii,
Washington, and many other states are represented.