It’s one of the world’s most iconic open water swimming races for many reasons – the water temperature is ideal (79 to 81 typically), the atmosphere is true aloha (welcoming and warm) and it’s loads of fun too. The 2014 Waikiki Roughwater Swim featured nearly 1000 swimmers from around the world who all came to the famed Waikiki beach to swim the 2.4 mile course. Again there were top open water swimmers from Australia, New Zealand, America, Asia and Europe. Although the top swimmers were amazing the true magic of the event is the camaraderie amongst all the competitors, volunteers and spectators. Here’s some of what swim photographer Mike Lewis captured from the race.
Kayleigh Hanaoka, the youngest swimmer in the race (9) interviewed by local ABC reporter (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Trent Grimsey talks to reporter before the race (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
The start of the “b” wave (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Kaia Hedlund reviews race protocol with officials (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Alex Kostich is on of the most decorated swimmers in the history of this race was 7th overall and the top USA finisher (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Getting the transponder secured before the start (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
The start of the first wave (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Competitor gets numbered before the race (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Aaron Peirsol was stoked to get in a good race and took 2nd in the 30-34 men (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Local lifeguards on the course do amazing work every year (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Australia’s Simon Huitenga took the men’s title (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Australia’s Rhys Mainstone (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Becca Mann to top honors for the women (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Becca Mann gets a selfie in with ABC reporter Ashley Moser (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Checking results (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
Great pics as always Mike ! keep it up that way , i enjoy every bit of them .