Although there was a near cancellation of Sunday’s YMCA/Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a Canoe races due to low visibility and heavy rain, the races still took place as Mark Frazier, Lot Botelo and Katy Curtis came out victorious. The rain lifted just
Although there was a near cancellation of Sunday’s YMCA/Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a Canoe races due to low visibility and heavy rain, the races still took place as Mark Frazier, Lot Botelo and Katy Curtis came out victorious.
The rain lifted just before a strong groups of 39 canoes took off – it seemed the event was meant to be. There were 10 canoes in the long course, which took the paddlers from Kalihiwai Bay, out to a buoy off the Kilauea lighthouse, and on to Hanalei Bay. 29 canoes competed in the short course race, which ran from Kalihiwai Bay to Hanalei.
Although the surf was coming up, the escorts (Steve, Murph, Jimmy and the Hanalei fire department) did a great job of keeping everyone out of the surf and safe. The finish line was set at the end of Hanalei Pier, and with a small surf coming in to shore, it made for a fun ride to the beach.
Frazier too the long-course competition again with a 1:17.39. He was followed by Mark Brewer (1:17.56) and Kawika Goodale (1:18.24).
In the short course, Lot Botelo cruised to first in 1:01.14, followed by Mark Ishiki in second with 1″01.35, and Keith Kimball in third with a 1:01.59.
In the women’s short-course division, Katy Curtis came in first with a 1:07.51, Margi Goodno came in second with a 1″09.27, and Katy Otsuji notched third in 1:11.30.
There were two 2-man canoes in the short course: Robin Jumper and Jennifer Asano came in at 1:07.13 followed by Hanalei Hermosura and Lilinoe Forrest in 1:07.55.
The races were followed by feasting and festivities at the Hanalei Canoe Club (Hanalei Gourmet provided sandwiches and salad)a nd Kai Kane, the event sponsor, proided merchandise and gifts. Patice Pendarvis donated some of her wonderful paints to the cache of prizes, which few lucky paddlers got to take home when their boat number was drawn.
The next race will again be on the northshorem, slated for Sunday, April 14. This one is also being sponsored by Kai Kane. The long course will be from Kalihiwai to Makua, the short course from Hanalei to Makua.
Registration for both courses is at Kalihiwai at 9 a.m. There will be a party to follow aftert he race at Makua Beach.
If there are any questions regarding the race, contact Tom or Mary Bartlett at 332-5566, Mark Frazier at 652-3108, or Kawika Goodale at 828-1416.
