Australia's Clint Robinson won the Moloka'i World Championships for the first time today.

Robinson completed the 32-mile course from Kaluako'i, Moloka'i, to Koko Marina, O'ahu, in 3 hours, 23 minutes, 2 seconds.

The race is considered the world championship of long-distance ocean racing for solo surfskis.

Robinson, 37, was in contention for a breakthtrough victory last year, but fell off the pace late in the race after suffering from cramps. He also had top three finishes in 2003 and 2006.

"I never ever thought I couldn't do it," he said. "It was just a matter of getting it right."

Robinson's first victory prevented Australian Dean Gardiner from getting his 10th.

Gardiner, who won his ninth Moloka'i title in 2002, placed second yesterday in 3:27:32. Jeremy Cotter, also of Australia, was third in 3:28:05.

Mark Sandvold of Hawai'i Kai placed 15th overall and was the first Hawai'i finisher with a time of 3:51:14.

In the women's division, Maui's Lauren Bartlett continued her amazing run through the paddling world. She was the first female today with a time of 4:00:12. Just last month, she won the women's world title in the solo canoe paddling race across the Kaiwi Channel.