Nearly 40 canoes participated in Namolokama Canoe Club’s first annual OC1 race on Sunday. The course from Kalihiwai to Hanalei was particularly tough in the hot, windless conditions, unusual for Kauai’s North Shore. Brett Deblin of Namolokama muscled it out
Nearly 40 canoes participated in Namolokama Canoe Club’s first annual OC1 race on Sunday. The course from Kalihiwai to Hanalei was particularly tough in the hot, windless conditions, unusual for Kauai’s North Shore.
Brett Deblin of Namolokama muscled it out for first overall and Hanalei’s Laura Anderson proved unbeatable in the women’s division.
Five OC2 canoes battled down the coast with the strong team of Laurie and Ken Denton reigning victorious. The race venue began with a gathering and pule in Kalihiwai. Three escort boats followed competitors down the rocky coastline and the raceended by the pier in Hanalei.
The competition was followed by an award ceremony and lunch at the Hanalei Pavilion with enjoyable time had by all.
Paddlers of one and two person outrigger canoes typically favor conditions with brisk winds and waves to ride. Without the North Shore’s usual trade winds and North East bumps on Sunday, Namolokama’s race proved to be a competition of strength and paddling technique.
Along with many of Kauai’s one-man racing circuit veterans, several new paddlers also joined the competition, adding to the burgeoning sport of OC1 and OC2 canoeing.
This sport not only growing in Hawaii but competitions are popping up throughout the world as seen by the international participants at Kauais World Challenge in April.
As competitors and friends sat down to the onolicious lunch following the race, the Hokulea sailed into Hanalei Bay – a poignant reminder of the roots of Polynesian outrigger canoeing.
Next on Kauai’s outrigger race schedule is Niumalu Canoe Club’s six man canoe race along the same beautiful coastline on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. in Hanalei Bay.
All canoe clubs are welcome to join in the competition and spectators should enjoy the festivities.
Complete results follow.
RESULTS FOR NAMOLOKAMA OC1 RACE, June 8th
OPEN MEN 1st – Bret Deblin, Namolokama 52:08 2nd – Mark Frazier, Namolokama 52:18 3rd – Luke Evslin, Kaioloa 54:04
OPEN WOMEN 1st – Laura Anderson, Hanalei 59:54 2nd – Christine Bandsma, Niumalu 101:39 3rd – Sara Deblin, Namolokama 103:43
MASTER MEN 1st – Steve Cole, Namolokama 52:17 2nd – Marshall MacCreddy, Kaiola 53:15 3rd – Tom Grubbe, Niumalu 57:01
MASTER WOMEN 1st – Midge Horwood, Puuwai 100:37 2nd – Katy Otsuji, Kaiola 101:40 3rd – Marcia King, Hanalei 103: 44
SENIOR MASTER MEN 1st – Lance Laney, Namolokama 54:24 2nd – Gene Lopez, Namolokama 54:42 3rd – Mick Callahan, Namolokama 55:53
SENIOR MASTER WOMEN 1st – Mary Bartlett, Namolokama 101:23 2nd – Laola Lake, Namolokama 108: 02 3rd – Joy Chow, Namolokama 108:37
1st OC2 MIX Laurie & Ken Denton Koloa 51:25
1st OC2 MEN Men Joe & Bill Evslin Kaiola 58:33
1st OC2 WOMEN Dawn Gates & Franny Acoba Kaiola 56:58
