Mark Frazier, Kawika Goodale, and JonLi Alo took the top three in the 4th YMCA/Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a Eyecatcher Series, OC-1/OC-2 Outrigger Canoe race held Sunday off the coasts of Po’ipu and the west side. Set in favorable conditions for both
Mark Frazier, Kawika Goodale, and JonLi Alo took the top three in the 4th YMCA/Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a Eyecatcher Series, OC-1/OC-2 Outrigger Canoe race held Sunday off the coasts of Po’ipu and the west side.
Set in favorable conditions for both the elite and novice paddlers, the trade winds returned from Saturday’s lull and were back making it a fun run down.
Sponsored by Brennecke’s and Nukumoi Surf Shop, the 8.5 mile long course from Nukumoi to Port Allen was packed with intense outrigger action.
Kilauea’s Mark Frazier came in first with about a one minute lead (1:10:32) ahead of Kawika Goodale (1:11:39), also from Kilauea.
JonLi Alo of Anahola was third in a time of 1:12:19.
First place in the women’s open division was Noe Sawyer of Kapa’a. She finished in the time of 1:18:33. She held a strong lead from second place finisher, Margie Goodno of ‘Ele’ele, who notched a 1:27:49. Third place was taken by Laurie Denton of Lawa’i in 1:28:45, and fourth place went to Katy Otsuji of Kalaheo in 1:34:52.
In the OC-2 division, the long course was won by the Brian Carter/Mary Brewer team, who came in at 1:13:17. Mark Baird/Mark Ishiki in a time of 1:14:48.
In the 6-mile short course from Kukui’ula Harbor in Po’ipu to Port Allen, it was Jay Sklar taking first in a time of 1:03:25.
This was Skylar’s first race of the season, and paddling that well, he should be seen in the long course next race.
The same goes for Earl Simpson of Kalihiwai, who came in third 1:05:09.
Lot Botelo of Kapa’a, who usually races in the long course, chose to paddle in short course.
Even with a late start (he forgot his paddle and had to borrow), he raced into second place with a time of 1:04:02. That’s why he usually races in the long course.
In the women’s short course division, Jo Hookano of Lihu’e notched first (1:11:20) with Mary Bartlett of Kalaheo in second (1:12:15), and Robin Jumper of Kalaheo in third (1:14:05).
It was great to see all of the new participants out there joining in on the fun.
The Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a hopes to see everyone again on Sunday, March 10 for the 5th Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a/Eyecatcher Series race, which will be sponsored by Duke’s and Keoki’s Paradise.
The long course will be from Kalapaki Beach to Kukui’ula Harbor in Po’ipu, and the short course from Kukui’ula Harbor to Port Allen.
This short course is a change from what was originally published at the beginning of the season.
Registration is at Kukui’ula Harbor in Po’ipu at 8-9 a.m. Those in the long course can register when doing their car exchange before heading back to Kalapaki Beach.
For more information regarding this race, please contact Tom or Mary Bartlett 332-5566, Mark Frazier 652-3108, or Butch Keahiolalo 635-0388 for more information.
