Even rough seas, a strong current and sloppy ocean conditions could not derail Team Bradley’s 2012 pursuit of a seventh Na Wahine O Ke Kai title in eight years.

A year later, it is still unclear as to whether a rival crew has what it takes to topple Team Bradley from atop the world of women’s outrigger canoe paddling.

Team Bradley — an experienced group of paddlers hailing from Oahu, Maui and Kauai that bears the name of outrigger canoe maker Sonny Bradley — has its sights set on repeating as champions and mirroring a streak of six straight titles it collected from 2005-10. The team holds the record in the event at 5 hours, 22 minutes and 5 seconds — nearly an hour faster than last year’s winning time — which it set in 2008.

"Staying hungry while being confident, and not cocky, is a huge deal," said Team Bradley coach John Puakea. "You never know what’s going to happen at Molokai. It’s never a slam dunk."

Standing in the way of Team Bradley is the Waikiki Beach Boys, the 2011 Na Wahine O Ke Kai champion and the only crew able to dethrone Team Bradley thus far on the sport’s grandest stage. The "Beach Girls" have built a stellar program from the ground up, and boast a wealth of veteran waterwomen who are well accustomed to the rigors associated with crossing the channel.

"The Beach Boys have a strong group of girls that train together all the time, and they’re hungry," Puakea said. "I’ve watched Waikiki come up for the past five years or so, and over the last couple of years, they’ve been at the top of their game. Two years ago, they won (the Molokai race) and pulled one off before we edged them out last year."

Hui Nalu is also expected to contend, while Kailua, Outrigger and Lanikai Canoe Clubs perennially turn in solid efforts in the sport’s "Super Bowl."