Sunday is being called one of the most brutal days in Na Wahine O Ke Kai history.

Paddlers who competed in the annual canoe race from Molokai to Oahu collided head-on with an early season northwest swell.  Many paddlers say the challenge empowered them.

The video tells it all.  A large wave swamps a crew as it headed to the starting line outside Hale O Lono harbor on Molokai's west side.

"I've never seen the women's race with closed out conditions but I always knew it could be like that," said veteran paddler Carleen Ornellas.  "And it could be that like in the channel.  The ocean controls everything."

Ornellas steered for Kailua Canoe Club's 50s division and is one of the race organizers.  She said her crew was among 72 that braved rough conditions just to start the race.

"We all kind of tangled up.  We huli'd," said Ornellas.  "And we got back out and pulled through."

A strong current added to the challenge.  One crew pulled out of the race after its canoe was damaged by a wave.

A 30-year-old woman from Lanikai Canoe Club was taken to the Molokai General Hospital.  She was released and flew home to Oahu Sunday night.

Participants say race organizers cautioned paddlers about the rough conditions.  Organizers say warning issued by the Coast Guard are grounds for canceling the race.

PHOTOS: Rough surf in the 2012 Na Wahine O Ke Kai

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