Rules

Kaiwi Channel Solo and Relay Crossing Rules

The rules are straightforward: Swim from shore to shore. Start on land, above the high tide mark, with no water behind you. Finish on land, above the high tide mark, with no water beyond. You may not start or finish on a jetty, reef, or offshore rocks.

Equipment Restrictions

Only goggles and one swim cap are allowed.
Watches and Shark Shields are permitted.
No flotation devices or anything that offers propulsive assistance is allowed.

Interaction Rules

You must not touch the escort boat, kayak, or any objects attached to them during your swim or relay leg.
No physical support from anyone or anything is allowed at any time.
Drafting is prohibited. Drafting includes gaining assistance from the wake of an escort boat, other types of craft, or swimming behind another swimmer.

Observer and Rule Enforcement

The official observer or race director is solely responsible for timing and rule interpretation for Solo and Relay swims. This includes the right to cancel the swim due to adverse conditions or any danger to the swimmer or crew.
Failure to follow the directions of the official observer by any swimmer, paddler, or support crew member will result in disqualification.

Swim Recognition and Documentation

To apply for recognition of a swim, an official observer's log must be submitted. The log must include the official start/finish time, any incidents with marine life, accidents, water and weather conditions, feeding methods, the swimmer list and order, times of swimmer exchanges, and other relevant details.
Additional evidence, such as photos or videos, may be requested. An official observer's verification form is provided for Ka'iwi Channel Association, so swimmers do not need to supply their own swim logs.

Relay Swims
All standard rules apply, along with the following:

Relay swimmers must tag each other in the water at the start and end of each swim leg.
The order of relay swimmers must remain the same throughout the entire swim.

Double Channel Crossing
In addition to all of the above rules:

Upon completing the first leg, the swimmer must step onto land, moving above the high tide mark.
After stepping onto land, the swimmer must immediately return to the water or may rest on land for up to 10 minutes maximum. During this time, they may eat, drink, apply sunscreen, or change, but they may not be touched by anyone.

Rules for All Recognized Kaiwi (Moloka'i) Channel Swims
(Solo and Relay)

Respect Marine Life
Swimmers are strictly prohibited from harming or attempting to harm any sea life. The use of devices such as bang sticks, spear guns, or any other harmful tools is not allowed.
Leave No Trace
Absolutely no trash or other items should be disposed of in the ocean during the swim. Maintain a "leave no trace" approach at all times.
Acknowledgment of Rules
Swimmers must email the Kaiwi Channel Association prior to the swim, confirming that they have read and understood all rules. This helps to prevent any misunderstandings.
Qualified Observers
Observers must be experienced in ocean conditions and approved by the Kaiwi Channel Association before the start of the swim.
Observer Reporting Requirements
Observers must complete the official Kaiwi Channel Association Observer Report during the swim. This report must be signed and submitted promptly upon the swim's completion.

These swims are rated by the following set of guidelines. *Gold* only is recognized for the Ocean Seven.

Gold Swim is completed by the purest of the English Channel rules. This means starting from dry land with no intentional physical contact with boat or kayak or support crew. One textile swimsuit in one or two pieces that does not extend past the knees or the shoulders is permitted with goggles and one swim cap only. Watches, shark shields, nose clips and earplugs are allowed. Swimmers must exit the water under their own power, all the way out of the water on to dry land on the other side unassisted. No aids of any kind are permitted including any kind of Floatation or propulsion or heat-retaining or heat-providing devices or products allowed. No Streamers or similar devices. Pace swimmers are allowed. This is the type of swim is currently recognized by the Hawaii Channel Association. Because of the precedent set in previous swims, SHARK-PROTECTION devices like THE Shark Shield that emit an electronic pulse to deter sharks are allowed. An observer report that is completely filled out by the observers and signed by swimmers and crew.

Relay swims as part of the Ka'iwi Channel Swim Race will get a RR (Race Rules) rating. Just like Gold above but for safety we will allow full body Lycra for jellyfish protection, more commonly known as a stinger suit. HOWEVER, no technical swimsuits with compression panels. NO rubber swimsuits or wetsuits are allowed.

If there are any objections or if a swimmers contests a swim rating, THE DECISION OF THE RACE DIRECTOR or Representative from the Ka'iwi Channel Association, WILL BE FINAL.