Lahaina, HI. (April, 18, 2017)– For the third year, Maui Jim, Inc.®, makers of premium polarized sunglasses enabling you to see life brilliantly, invites participants and spectators to the Maui Jim Ocean Shootout (formerly Maui Jim OceanFest), June 3-4, 2017. The unique, two-day ocean-lifeguard-style competition event is comprised of 10 individual sprint races and two co-ed relay races in multi-disciplined events. Set in the waters of Ka’anapali Beach, participants will have the opportunity to test their skills and challenge others in a series of individual races culminating in points over the two days for a $50,000 prize purse, the largest in the world of its kind.

“We are proud to once again host this event in our birthplace of Maui. The Maui Jim Ocean Shootout showcases short-format races nearshore and is hosted by the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel providing an ideal venue for competitors and spectators alike as they’ll be treated to great views of intense racing and competition,” said Jay Black, VP of Marketing at Maui Jim. “From those simply looking to get in the water and test out their skills to some of the world’s best ocean athletes, the Maui Jim Ocean Shootout is truly an event for everyone. We look forward to growing our O’hana with participants and spectators of all ages and experience, from the junior division to the return of our two-time champions, Karla Gilbert and Jackson Maynard.”

Throughout the Ocean Shootout, teams and individuals will compete in a wide range of international and Hawaiian-style competitive ocean sports, including sprint races in five disciplines: surf-ski, OC-1, SUP, paddleboard and swimming. It’s also the premier event in the newly launched Maui Jim Ocean Racing Series (MaJORS), which includes eight weekend events across four Hawaiian Islands. For more information on the MaJORS, visit http://mauijimmajors.com/.

Race options include team division and medley relays. Each competitor's individually accrued points over the weekend can also be applied toward their team points that will be tracked throughout the competition. The top three teams will earn prizes and an Overall Waterman and Waterwoman will be crowned after the Waterman Challenge finale race on Saturday, June 4.

Additional details on the Ocean Shootout are as follows:

• Where: All events will take place in the nearshore waters of Kaanapali and on the beachfront of the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
• Who Can Enter: Registration is open to everyone and will have open class and age groups. All race registrations include free kids (Jrs-under 18 years) race entry.  All Jrs registration is free.
• Registration: Participants can register for a single or two-day event at https://raceroster.com/events/2017/11272/maui-jim-ocean-shootout-2017. Early registration ends May 20
• Prizes: The Maui Jim Ocean Shootout is the highlight of the MaJORS, touting the biggest prize purse in the world for this type of event: $50,000. Races and overall points categories will divide the prize money
• Equipment: All equipment will be provided free with registration by Maui Jim, with the exception of paddles and accessories

The sunglass brand—known for its stylish frames and patented lenses that enable you to see the true beauty of the world—has also launched a sweepstakes for a lucky winner to enjoy a complimentary trip for two to Maui to see the competition live. The sweepstakes runs until April 30, and entry is easy, just visit http://www.mjoceanshootoutsweeps.com/?source=website to fill out the brief form.

With a deep heritage rooted in its home of Maui, the brand is proud to donate all event proceeds to five local charities, including: Hale Makua Health Services, Imua Family Services, Women Helping Women, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and the Maui County Junior Lifeguard Program.

For full event rules, a race course map, accommodations, and a detailed schedule, visit MauiJimOceanShootout.com