Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge makes TimeOut New York’s Top List

The Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge hosted by New York Outrigger has been named to Time Out New York‘s list of 101 Things to Do in the Summer in New York City 2012. The events listed in the highly-anticipated annual Summer issue are chosen amongst thousands of events by Time Out New York Editors. Listed alongside the Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge include such events as a visit to the newly arrived Space Shuttle Enterprise and to major sporting events including the U.S. Open and the New York Yankees.

The 16th annual Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge on Saturday, June 23rd is one of the largest sporting events on New York Harbor and one of the most prestigious outrigger canoe races in the world. This year’s list of competitors include top international teams representing France, Brazil, Panama and Canada along with elite teams in the United States from Hawaii, California, Arizona and the Eastern Seaboard.

Many festivities and promotions are planned for this year’s race including a free film screening of I Just Love to Paddle in association with the Patagonia Soho Store on Thursday, June 21st. On race day, you can meet the crews from around the globe as they launch their canoes at Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are many opportunities to view the race along the race course including at viewing stations set up at Pier 25 and Pier 62 in Hudson River Park where you can cheer for your favorite crew as they make their way up the Hudson River. Finally, congratulate the winning teams and join in on the Hawaiian feast at the Liberty Luau at the Frying Pan/Pier 66 Maritime.

For those residents of the Tri-State area that may want to race in a future Liberty Challenge, you can start by signing up for free New York Outrigger Novice Sessions held most weekends throughout the summer at Pier 66 Boathouse in Hudson River Park.