Triple Crown Swim Series

We want to highlight one of the fastest swimmer in West Hawai’i, Kinsey Oka…

She started swimming since she was 6. Thanks for Coach Dave & Coach Joyce, she has had the most amazing opportunities to go all over the states to swim with her team. For Kinsey, swimming is one of the best individual sports ever, because you get to be in the art of racing with yourself & peers.

Her favorite stroke would be IM (Individual Medley), either the 200 or 400. Her greatest achievement in swimming would be winning 3 gold medals at States in the 200 & 400 IM and 100 backstroke.

Last year at the Triple Crown Swim series, she won top female in 2 out of the 3 races. For her, the nerves before her race is one of the best feelings ever!

Maintaining a balance between swimming, school & her personal life(swimming) can be a little difficult at times, but she does enjoy it. She has become accustomed to the swim & school life, and the balance is the most important part of it all.

Her advice to a young swimmer is just starting out would be “please please please don’t give up. It may seem difficult now but every practice you go to will pay off. People start to progress at different times & don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Just keep working hard & it will pay off in the end.”

We want to take a moment to thank our Supportive Sponsorship of this year’s Triple Crown Ocean Swim Races. Because of partners like them, we’ve been able to enhance the overall experience for participants from improved safety measures to upgrades door and race prizes.

The first race of the Triple Crown, at the iconic Anaeho’omalu Bay (A-Bay), is just around the corner on 05.18.24. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this thrilling ocean swim experience! Sign up today at www.https://oceanswimhawaii.com

Our first race of the year is less than a month away! The Triple Crown Ocean swim Series are put on by the people for the people. Be sure to sign up and be of the swim community 🏊🏽‍♂️🏊‍♀️🏊

We are grateful for another returned of our Triple Crown Sponsor, Captain Zodiac. Captain Zodiac, one of the leaders in maritime adventure, here on the Big Island, provides unforgettable experiences on the open waters. Whether you are seeking thrilling water sports or serene cruises, their fleet of top notch vessels and knowledgeable crew guarantee an extraordinary journey.

Explore their website at CaptainZodiac.com to discover the exhilarating adventures that await you!

We are thrilled to announce the return of our esteemed Triple Crown Sponsors, Waikoloa Veterinary Service. Their unwavering support for the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series has been invaluable, and we express our heartfelt gratitude for their continued dedicatication. Waikoloa Veterinary Service, a pillar of excellence in animal healthcare, offers comprehensive services tailored to the unique needs of your furry companions. From routine checkups to advanced medical procedures, their team of skilled professionals ensures your pets receive the highest level of care. Visit their website, www.konavetservice.com/waikoloa to learn more about their exceptional offerings.

Triple Crown is thrilled to introduce MARGEN (Marine Generation) as our new Triple Crown Sponsor! This dynamic and passionate brand is driven by a love for water sports & a deep respect for the ocean.

MARGEN’s mission is clear: Create stylish and affordable Waterman-grade gear that excels in dynamic ocean conditions. Committed to sustainability, they employ eco-friendly practices & solutions to reduce their environmental footprint.

As fervent supporters of the new generation of watermen &women, MARGEN actively invest in & supports junior programs. They believe that through early education& empowerment, this generation will develop the knowledge and passion to become carets of our precious oceans.

Stay tuned for this year’s Triple Crown jerseys exclusively designed by MARGEN.

Join the movement & with MARGEN.

Discover their sustainable & high-performance gears at www.marine generation.com

Limited Pint glass for each race. First 250 people will receive the limited pint glass. If you sign up for all 3 Triple Crown races, you will twice the 4th bonus pint glass (limited to 250). Don’t wait 😉

Kona Aquatics crew volunteered at the annual All Women Hearts & Trails Run today! Women Power! Let’s GO!!!

This past weekend, Kona Aquatics & Kona Dolphins hosted the Age Group State Championship & Junior Age Group State Championship at the Kona Community Aquatic Center. Our teams had a strong presence at numerous events. WELL DONE, everyone! Go Team!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Registration opens 03.01.24 for the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series. Sign up early to receive exclusive swags.
More details on race locations, courses, events & special bird early registration gifts coming soon!
Oceanswimhawaii.com

Big Island, Hawaii Ocean Races Cargo

Born in Malaysia, Gary moved to San Francisco as a young man, drawn by dreams of opportunity. For over 20 years, he dedicated himself to creating affordable housing & inclusive communities to aid California’s most vulnerable. As an Asset Manager for Hawai’i County’s Office of Housing & Community Development, Gary now strives to help Hawai’i’s working families & individuals thrive.

Gary is equally dedicated to personal joy. He has completed multiple Ironman & Ironman 70.3 triathlons. He & his family fell in love with the island of Hawai’i when he competed the Ironman 70.3 Hawai’i in 2013 where he now calls home, a place to root for his family & continue helping those most in need.

Gary has been diligently working with local & international business community to secure sponsorship & donations for our upcoming Triple Crown Ocean Swim Race Series.

A passionate scuba diver for 3 decades, S. Runi Goyal developed a deep love for the ocean & its inhabitants. While diving off Key West, where she lived for 15 years, Runi met her husband, Walter. Together they championed environmental groups seeking to protect fragile ocean ecosystem from pollution & over fishing.
Before moving to Hawai’i, Runi was an assistant coach for the Key West high school girls’ varsity lacrosse team. A former college player herself, she remains devoted to promote women’s athletes.
After years of appreciating ocean life below the surface, Runi now looks forward to supporting athletes above the surface. As the committee member who is responsible for the food & beverage for the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Race Series, she will keep participants fueled & happy. Who can resist good snacks after a long swim?

Brenda Avery has been an avid swimmer since the age of 5, competing in age group swimming throughout her school years. After retiring, she & Dave moved to Kailua-Kona, where she discovered a passion for open ocean swimming. Seldom does a day pass when Brenda isn’t gliding through Kona’s azure waters.
A top competitor, Brenda has won the female solo division of the grueling 10k Ali’i Challenge four times. She is also a 2-time finisher of the Ironman World Championship triathlon here in Kona. For the past 3 consecutive years, she has placed in the top 3 female finishers of the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series.
Brenda treasures being part of the tightly knit swimming community, actively participating in local races & volunteering to help organizers stage events for this exhilarating island sport she has come to love.

Denise Boatwright is a retired elementary school teacher who has called Hawaii home for the past 25 years. Seeking meaningful ways to occupy her time after leaving the classroom, she now volunteers at an exotic animal sanctuary in Kailua-Kona, where she helps care for the rescued animals. Denise also gives back to the local community by coaching keiki swimmers for Kona Aquatics. Her passion for working with the keikis is evident.
When she is not at the sanctuary or at the pool, you can likely find Denise swimming in the clear blue waters along Kona shores, embracing the island lifestyle she had come to love. She also competes occasionally in triathlons.

Chuck Ponthier was born & raised in Houston, Texas. He attended Southern Methodist University on a swimming scholarship, where he was a 4-year letterman & an NCAA All-American in swimming (100 butterfly).
Chuck over spent 3 decades as a sales & marketing executive in the footwear industry, working with leading brands such as Skechers, Vans & Altra.
Now entering retirement, Chuck & Nancy are embarking on an exciting new chapter - relocating to Hawaii’s Big Island. There, Chuck looks forward to spending more time on his family farm & giving back to the local community.
As a certified life coach & level 1 & 2 USMS ALTS instructor, he hopes to mentor youth athletes & continue supporting the sport he loves by coaching on the pool deck & driving local events.
With Nancy by his side, warm waters ahead, the move signifies a fresh start & pursuit of long-held dreams.

Midge Kerr dedicates herself to family & community service. As Vice President of Tim Kerr Charities, she oversees 9 annual charity events supporting the organization’s mission to create inclusive sports events for families & giving back to the community.
A 2-time Ironman World Championship finisher, Midge currently serves as Assistant Director of Transition at the renowned triathlon. She lends her expertise in event planning & ex*****on as a Committe Member for the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series since 2022.

We are excited to begin introducing you to the wonderful committee that is making the 2024 Triple Crown Swim Series richer and better!
First, we are honored to introduce Dave Gibson. Coach Dave has been training, competing, coaching and surrounded by swimming for over 50 years. Dave is a former All-American Swimmer from Eastern Illinois University when he swam butterfly & freestyle.
Dave has coached at age group, high school & college level. Dave currently is the head coach & President of Kona Aquatics. Dave has been one of the Race Directors for the Triple Crown Races since 2022.
Dave arrived on the beautiful Big Island in 2018 after living in Illinois his entire life.

Aloha Kokua,
Committee members have been working hard behind the scenes organizing the 2024 Triple Crown Ocean Swim Races.
Please stay tuned for the next few weeks as we will be sharing all exciting updates on this year’s swim races!

🚨 Last call to register! Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of the epic Kamakahonu Swim, the final race of the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series. Today is the LAST DAY to secure your spot and dive into the exhilarating waters of Kailua-Kona Pier. Head over to oceanswimhawaii.com and register now! 🌊🏊‍♂️

After an exhilarating race at the Kamakahonu Swim, let's celebrate together at the King Kamameha Beach Hotel. Join us for a joyous post-race event filled with laughter, good company, and the refreshing taste of Kona Brew's new Kona Light Beer. You won't want to miss this memorable celebration! 🎉🍻

Calling all swimmers! Join us on July 1st at Kailua-Kona Pier for the epic Kamakahonu Swim, the thrilling conclusion of the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and embrace the challenge. Secure your spot before registration closes on the 29th. 🌊🏊‍♀️ "

🌊 We're just days away from the epic Kamakahonu Swim! 🏊‍♂️ Get ready to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Kailua Bay and feel the exhilaration of the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series. Let these amazing snapshots from previous races fuel your excitement. Registration closes soon, so secure your spot at oceanswimhawaii.com! 🌴📸

Don't miss the grand finale of the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series at the Kamakahonu Swim, happening on July 1st at 8:30 am.

🎉 Join us for a post-race celebration at the King Kamameha Beach Hotel! 🥳 After the Kamakahonu Swim, we'll be gathering on the hotel grounds to celebrate the conclusion of the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series. Enjoy the refreshing taste of Kona Brew's new Kona Light Beer, inspired by the beautiful Kailua Bay. Cheers to a fantastic series! 🍻🌴

🌊 Join us for the thrilling conclusion of the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series at the Kamakahonu Swim on July 1st! 🏊‍♂️ Over 220 swimmers have already registered for this epic race starting at 8:30 am at Kailua-Kona Pier. Don't miss out on the action! Register before the 29th at oceanswimhawaii.com. 🌴🌺

Thank you for an incredible Hapuna rough water swim experience! Our race dayphotos are now live - check them out using the link below! Special thanks to the exceptionally talented Malle Zablan for capturing these moments. If you're looking for top-notch photography services, be sure to reach out to her! Mahalo!

https://mallezablanphotography.pixieset.com/triplecrownhpunabeachhawaiiswimevent/

mallezablanphotography.com
Malle Zablan Photography

Triple Crown Hāpuna Beach, Hawai'i Swim Event/June 11, 2023 Photo collection by Malle Zablan Photography and Wedding Services

Friendly reminder that the Hapuna Rough Water swim is on SUNDAY, June 11th at Hapuna Beach. Race starts at 8:30am. Check-in is from 7:00am - 8:00am. See you on race day!

Today is the last day to register for the Hapuna Rough Water Swim! Registration ends June 9, 2023 at 11:59pm HST.

Head to OceanSwimHawaii.com to register today!

🌴 Calling all beach lovers and adventure seekers! 🌊 Experience paradise like never before with a one-night stay at the Hapuna Westin Beach Resort, one of the official sponsors of the Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series. 🏖️ Immerse yourself in luxury, indulge in breathtaking ocean views, and enjoy world-class amenities. Register for the Hapuna Rough Water race for a chance to win this unforgettable getaway. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!