Iloha Eychenne, of Tahiti, has just completed the 2025 Kaiwi Channel Solo, finishing 3rd in the Open Women’s Division of this grueling, open-ocean race. Tahiti’s Kevin Ceran-Jerusalemy won the Open Men’s Division.
This is Iloha’s first time racing across Hawaii’s treacherous Kaiwi Channel and her first time racing in an OC1 outrigger. Iloha won the Te aito Tahiti the past three years—2022, 2023, and 2024—in a V1.
Many of the world’s best paddlers consider the Kaiwi Channel Solo one of the pinnacles of paddling, a feat of physical endurance and mental fortitude. No stranger to outrigger challenges, Iloha will likely be back next year!
“It was exhilarating crossing this channel,” said Iloha. “The currents test your will. I want to congratulate everyone who competed, especially Kristin Foster, of Hanalei HI, who finished 1st in the Women’s Open Division.” Yep, Iloha will be back!
When Iloha isn’t training for and competing in races in French Polynesia and around the world, she’s an ARE TAHITI coach, conducting coaching clinics at major races through the year, with the goal of helping to grow the sport of outrigger paddling.
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