America’s Cup winner Jimmy Spithill on Molokai 2 Oahu SUP Challenge

by Chris Freeman on 25 Jul 2015 Bluesmiths announces the release of “Never Give Up” – a short documentary film about the experiences of James “Jimmy” Spithill in the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships.

Jimmy Spithill needs no introduction. He is an accomplished Australian yachtsman and two-time winner of the America’s Cup as skipper of Oracle Team USA. With a well-earned reputation as a fierce competitor, it was no surprise to see Jimmy in the starting line-up of the most grueling stand up paddling race in the world – the Molokai 2 Oahu Stand Up Paddleboard Challenge.

'The Molokai is one of the ultimate tests in the ocean for a waterman and athlete to go through', says Spithill.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned from the America’s Cup is that…….you never give up. It doesn’t matter how tough the situation looks…….. if you’re still in the race, you’ve got a shot. That attitude…..is exactly what the Molokai 2 Oahu race is all about.”

John Smalley, Founder of Bluesmiths, adds, “We are extremely proud that an athlete of the caliber of Jimmy Spithill, who could wear any gear in the world, chose Bluesmiths clothing during his SUP races. Our fit and fabric, combined with unique Hydrophobic water repellent technologies, create garments that not only feel great to wear, but also keep you drier, more protected and more comfortable on and off the water.”

Bluesmiths camera teams followed Jimmy to give some insight into his mindset and attitude before and during the 2014 Molokai 2 Oahu challenge.



The Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championship (M2O) is one of the most grueling open ocean stand-up and prone paddling races in the world: 32 miles of heaving swells in an open ocean channel between two islands in the middle of the Pacific. The 2015 race is this next weekend.