Johnny McCandless is synonymous with every aspect of Hawaiian water sports—from organizing and judging events to coaching and competing. Known affectionately as “Johnny Mac,” he has dedicated his life to advancing ocean sports, water safety, and the spirit of aloha on and off the water.
Born on Oʻahu, Johnny Mac grew up surrounded by family and friends who lived, swam, fished, surfed, paddled, and played in the ocean. In his early 20s, he moved to Maui, where he helped formalize and teach Water Safety Instruction and Lifeguarding Certification. Johnny earned certifications in Red Cross Water Safety, jet ski operation, and was among the first to teach Maui lifeguards essential water safety principles at Sakamoto Pool. His dedication was evident to all—including his young sons, Judd and John Jr.—who watched their father rescue a drowning tourist at Hoʻokipa in the early 1980s.
Johnny Mac was also among the first to surf Peʻahi (Jaws), and his passion for big wave surfing evolved into a lifelong commitment to supporting ocean athletes. He helped organize logistical support and water safety for major events at Jaws, including Handsome Bugga Productions’ first-ever Peʻahi Tow-In Event, the Tow-In World Cup Peʻahi, and the WSL Big Wave Challenge Peʻahi Championship. His leadership extended across ocean sports—helping establish, promote, and judge youth surfing events such as Maui HASA Surfing, MIL Interscholastic Surfing, and the ASP Junior Pro Event. He also contributed to the organization of landmark events like the Ole Longboard Classic, the Maui Pro, and multiple channel crossings including the Maui to Molokaʻi Prone, SUP, and Foiling Races. Beyond competition, Johnny lends his support to Kahoʻolawe’s protectors by transporting supplies to the island.
A steward of Hawaiian tradition, Johnny has also been deeply involved in the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association. In 1975, he participated in the test trials and preparation of the inaugural voyage of Hōkūleʻa —connecting ancestral knowledge with modern voyaging.
Johnny’s paddling résumé is as extensive as it is inspiring. He has coached and raced in nearly every division of outrigger canoe paddling, from Open to Masters 70s, and has been an integral member of Hawaiian Canoe Club since age 35. Over decades, he has coached countless paddlers across all ages and skill levels, while remaining highly competitive himself in local, national, and international events. In the past 17 years alone, Johnny’s teams—whether ones he coached or raced with—have reached the podium more than 100 times.
A true innovator, Johnny helped to organize the renowned Pailolo Channel Race, one of Hawaiʻi’s most celebrated international paddling events. He has competed in the race roughly 30 times, winning multiple titles, including in 2018. His dominance extends to the world-famous Molokaʻi Hoe, the men’s world championship of long-distance outrigger canoe racing, where he has set a division record and won his age classification a record four wins in five years.
In 2023, Johnny’s impact continued to resonate internationally with victories in the Master Men and Senior Master Mixed at the Vaka Eiva competition in the Cook Islands—further proof of his enduring excellence.
Dedicated to the next generation, since 1999 Johnny has guided and inspired young paddlers at King Kekaulike, helping to establish high school paddling through MICA and MIL formal recognition. His leadership and commitment to our junior paddlers has instilled pride, perseverance, and a lasting love of ocean voyaging.
Beyond competition, Johnny has been a community leader and mediator, helping balance access to public beaches among ocean dwellers. In an era of fast-paced competition and digital distraction, Johnny McCandless stands as a steadfast reminder of what paddling and ocean sports have always represented in Hawaiʻi: a deep connection to the ocean, to ohana, and to community.
