NO One Rules

Waimea High, Kaua‘i High, and Island Schools will represent the KIF at the HHSAA paddling championships which will be held on Feb. 27 on O‘ahu following the KIF championship regatta held Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Wailua River.

The Menehune boys, rebounding from an opening race DQ, topped Island School by just .03 second in the heat finals to land the top lane choice in the finals of the Varsity Boys competition, Waimea finishing the heat finals at 3:52.90 over Island School’s 3:52.93.

The Menehune victory puts them ahead in final team standings with 19 points followed by Island School and Kapa‘a tying for second with 16 points apiece with Kaua‘i trailing by just a point for third place (15 points).

In the final race, the Menehune surged to an assertive finish in the decider, crossing the flag at 3:50.41, almost four seconds ahead of second place Island School, and almost 12 seconds better than third place Kaua‘i High School.

Kaua‘i High School continued their sweep of the Varsity Girls division with a strong first finish over Island School and Waimea, the Red Raider ladies crossing the flag at 4:17.13, almost ten seconds better than second place Island School.

Varsity Mixed competition saw the largest field in the regatta as nine boats vied for position in the final heat. Kaua‘i fielded two teams, Island School offered up a pair of teams, Kula put two boats in the water, and Waimea and Kapa‘a each fielded a team.

In the final heat, all three teams hit the 1/4-mile marker at the same time, but a late burst at the top end put Kaua‘i in the number one berth at 4:07.41, just three seconds ahead of second place finisher Island School who crossed at 4:10.56. Kapa‘a rounded out the field at 4:17.18.

The final regatta of the season on O‘ahu will have Waimea representing the Varsity Boys, and Kaua‘i and Island Schools fielding teams in the Varsity Girls and Varsity Mixed divisions.

More detailed race results can be found on page B2.