Danny Ching of California paddled to an historic victory in the Steinlager Kaiwi Channel Solo OC1 World Championship today.

Ching became the first non-Hawaii paddler to win the 32-mile race from Moloka'i to O'ahu.

Ching completed the course from Kaluako'i to Koko Marina in 3 hours, 38 minutes, 51 seconds. It was the second-fastest time in the 18-year history of the race, and just 48 seconds off the course record.

The race is considered the world championship of long-distance paddling for one-person canoes (also known as OC-1).

"The last couple years I've been getting closer and closer," said Ching, who placed second last year. "A lot of people were saying this could be my year, but I tried not to pay attention to it. This is incredible."

Jimmy Austin of Honolulu placed a close second in 3:39:23, and Manny Kulukulualani of Honolulu was third in 3:42:14.

Maui's Kai Bartlett, who won the race last year, placed fourth in 3:44:38. Bartlett was not expected to race due to a shoulder injury, but he said he entered at the last minute due to the favorable conditions.

Lauren Bartlett, who is Kai's wife, won the women's division in a record time of 4:13:43. It shattered the previous record (which she set in 2008) by more than seven minutes.

It was Lauren Bartlett's record seventh women's title, including the last

four.