KONA: The name alone gives triathletes goosebumps. The small town on the west coast of Hawaii is more than just a place—it is a symbol of willpower, passion, and athletic perfection. Here, on Big Island, the world's best athletes gather every year for the IRONMAN World Championship – a race that has been making history for decades.
And because our history is also closely linked to the race in Kona, the race in Hawaii plays a major role for sailfish.
The spirit of Kona
When the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean and the starters run into Kailua-Kona Bay, there is a special excitement in the air. The sea is calm but unpredictable. The wind carries the smell of salt, and the heat shimmers early over the black lava fields. On the bike, the notorious Mumuku wind blows—sometimes mercilessly from the front, sometimes suddenly from the side. And on the running course along the endless Queen K Highway straights, it's decided who has the strength to keep going when everything is screaming “stop.”
Kona is not a place for the faint-hearted. Kona is a place for character. For people who want more – who know that success comes only from dedication, patience, and precision. That's why this island is more than just the stage for triathlon – it is its soul.
Where Triathlon history is made
Since 1978, endurance has been redefined in Hawaii. The IRONMAN was born out of a bet between friends and has developed into the most legendary endurance sport competition. From Julie Moss, who fought her way to the finish line exhausted in 1982, to Patrick Lange, who in 2017 became the first person to break the eight-hour mark in Kona – every generation writes its own story.
But Kona is not just a professional race. Thousands of age-groupers travel to the island every year to compete with the best in the world. Carried by the aloha spirit of the locals, Kailua-Kona transforms into the heart of triathlon this week. Anyone who has been there understands why Kona is the most sacred place in the sport for many athletes.
sailfish und Kona – a combination of passion and precision
For sailfish, Kona is much more than just a venue. The conditions in Hawaii—high temperatures, salt water, and no wetsuits allowed—have always presented the ultimate challenge for swimmers.
Founder and CEO Jan Sibbersen has stood at the starting line in Kailua-Kona several times himself. In 2018, he fulfilled a lifelong dream there: with a time of 46:29 minutes, he set the IRONMAN Hawaii swimming record – faster than any athlete before him.
The sailfish Rebel Swimskin was designed for non-wetsuit races such as IRONMAN Hawaii – for maximum hydrodynamics at high temperatures.
Jan Sibbersen set the swimming record that still stands today in Kona in 2018 with the Rebel. Since then, the model has been continuously developed to enable athletes worldwide to achieve their best times.
The Rebel – born in the water of Hawaii
The Rebel Swimskin made a statement right from the start: maximum speed, unique comfort. Developed for races without wetsuits, as is common in Hawaii. Every detail has been carefully thought out – from the hydrophobic nano coating to the precise panel construction that ensures perfect glide.
With the latest model, the Rebel Pro 3, we are consistently continuing this idea. It is lighter, faster, and more hydrodynamic than ever before. The high-performance fabric absorbs hardly any water, targeted compression stabilizes the body, and the sleeveless design allows full freedom of movement. The suit supports athletes where it counts – when every second makes a difference.
The Rebel is the result of experience, passion, and precision—and a symbol of what sailfish stands for.
Kona inspires us - every day
Every year, Kona reminds us why we do what we do. Because there are places that allow people to surpass themselves. Because speed is more than just technique—it is the result of courage, dedication, and confidence in one's own abilities.
The Rebel Pro 3 is more than just a swimskin. It is the essence of this philosophy. Created and developed for athletes around the world.
