We’re stoked to say ”Aloha!” to our newest Margen Ocean Athlete, Makayla Ward.

Living in Kailua-Kona, Makayla is an athlete who thrives on pushing physical limits - and we’re not just talking smashing CrossFit and running PBs at 5:00 am (part of the weekly training mix). With an ultra-competitive lacrosse and swimming background, she was the 2022/23 Triple Crown Ocean Swim Co-race Director and conquered the iconic 2022 Kona Ironman World Championship since moving to Hawaii four years ago. Hit the ground running!

Her affinity for a water-fuelled life only generated more groundswell when her Hanai parents (adopted Hawaiian family) introduced her to ocean paddling, which they’d traditionally practiced for decades. It was a natural fit and when the Big Island Junior Vaa Team took her for a Harbour to Keauhou downwind run, “my first time surfing, and I couldn't stop smiling.. I’ve been chasing the thrill ever since". In April of 2024, she was asked to paddle with the legendary Ka Lahui Kai team based on Oahu, racing in Tahiti and the Na Wahine O Ke Kai race.

Performance history repeating after paddling for less than a year, Makayla finished sixth female overall at the prestigious 2023 Molokai Solo race - a challenging OC-1 feat usually taking years of experience to take on, given the grueling distance, unpredictable conditions and ocean wisdom required to compete. Why does she do it? Just like all her fellow ocean people. Pure passion. “Paddling alchemizes my love for water, endurance and adventure; the ocean forever inspiring, challenging and humbling me”. Spoken like a truly connected waterwoman on the frontier of the marine generation.

Follow Makayla's IG

What’s unique about The Big Island waters you train in?

We mainly experience flat water conditions on the Kona side of the Island. Mauna Kea blocks us from the trade winds. Practices typically consist of paddling upwind, if we do have any, and surfing back. Our coaches like to say it builds character. On the days when the wind comes in, I love seeing the stoked "Let's do it" texts and heading out with the crew. When it's good, it's really good.

What’s it like to paddle with the legendary Hawaiian paddling community?

I’ve been on the Island for four years now, and being surrounded by such a historically passionate paddling community is incredible because I love being around those who inspire me from mental, physical, and growth perspectives. Experiencing marginal gains and progression fuels me to push further and “activate limitless”, as Margen says.

Being a school teacher, I also love being involved in the Big Island Junior Vaa Program, encouraging the next generation of girls to get out there and believe they can achieve anything when they back themselves and each other.

Do you have any paddling and life mentors?

My mom and dad are my biggest role models, teaching me resilience, drive, and humility. They’re the parents who dropped everything to get me to my swimming and lacrosse training and events growing up. My dad was my swim coach growing up and taught me how to work hard. My mom is my role model for discipline and how to go above and beyond.

On Island, Charlie Becerr and the entire Big Island Junior Vaa program have been instrumental in taking my paddling to the next level; Nicki and Dane, my Hanai parents, are amazing, they introduced me to the sport and always give me guiding words of wisdom and do airport drop-offs when I head overseas to compete. I’m beyond lucky to have these people in my life”.

Do you have an ultimate paddling goal in your sights?

My ultimate paddling goal is to advance to a top-five result in the Molokai Solo, reaffirming that I’m truly in it to compete, not only complete. I also want to keep assisting Big Island Junior Vaa in securing ongoing grants to help grow our program and opportunities for our keiki. On a side note.. keep an eye out for my nails on race day because I have a little tradition of painting them fun colors for good luck. Who knows, maybe a little Margen logo next time!

What does joining the Margen crew mean to you?

I’m honored to be asked because I’ve competed in many high-level sports. Being sponsored as a Margen Ocean Athlete is a recognition of all my hard work and an acknowledgment of being seen in the incredible paddling community. It’s an exciting opportunity to mentor girls to be proudly strong and confident in paddling and life, focusing on the possible through an ocean lifestyle that’s both competitive and immersive in nature. I look forward to more Hong Kong HQ trips, competing there, meeting the community, and growing our extended Margen family.

MAKAYLA'S FAVORITES

Shop all Women