HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Just six days until the iconic Molokai Hoe canoe race across the Kaiwi Channel and Monday marked the official kick-off for the event. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The countdown has begun for one of the biggest canoe paddling races in the world and longest-running team sporting events in the state: the Molokai Hoe. After the five-year hiatus, veteran paddlers like Waimanalo Canoe Club's Dennis Salas, said they are eager for its return. Team Bradley wins Na Wahine O Ke Kai race "This is our culture, been doing it about 50 years, year in and year out," Salas said. "I can't wait to get back in the ocean and cross the channel." The Molokai Hoe Expo officially kicked things off, giving paddlers a chance to meet and mingle before the big day. "That's what it's all about," Salas explained. "Just having a camaraderie where everyone comes together in one goal is just to get out there in the ocean, compete, laugh and that's what it's, if you're not enjoying yourself you shouldn't do it." This year marks the 72nd crossing of the Kaiwi channel, with 78 crews, from eight different countries. Carlos Rittscher and his team Sampa Canoe Club traveled all the way from Brazil. "For me, it's my third time in Molokai Hoe, but for the whole team it's the first time here," Rittscher said. "We are super, super happy to be here." And of course, defending champions Shell Va'a from Tahiti are back. Who are the crews of Na Wahine O Ke Kai Keoni Sulpic is one of the team's youngest members. "For me, and for a lot of paddlers, it's a dream to paddle on this team and it's a big honor you know," Sulpic said. "I'm really excited to be on the start line on Sunday." The expo also the time for crews to get all the necessary paperwork completed. "Right now we've got escort boat registration, boat captain registration, and crew registration, so this is the night," OHCRA Vice President Siana Hunt explained. "On behalf of the organizers of OHCRA, and all the canoe racers that are coming in, we are deeply grateful to the community of Molokai for allowing us to come back and for this being the reunification of Molokai Hoe, and the ohana waa and really us all coming back. We're very thankful." Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here Salas said there's just one last message to share. "Everybody come out watch the Molokai Hoe," Salas said. "It's going to be, going to be wild." Tune in to Molokai Hoe on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 8 a.m.