Namolokama O’Hanalei Canoe Club completed its Third Annual OC-1 canoe race this last Sunday, July 3rd. Participants came from all over the island and represented many GICRA clubs. Koko Kanealii brought the group together in a circle to bless the
Namolokama O’Hanalei Canoe Club completed its Third Annual OC-1 canoe race this last Sunday, July 3rd. Participants came from all over the island and represented many GICRA clubs. Koko Kanealii brought the group together in a circle to bless the event, the island and its waters, and to oversee those who would be paddling. He asked that each of them support each other, do well and have fun.
Over 60 participants entered the water at Kalihiwai Bay at noon. Ranges of age were from 20 to 64 years old with many seasoned paddlers to those who made this their first competition.
The waters were like a kaleidoscope of colors — rainbows on the water. It was a no hassle start and the race started on time.
From the beginning, the paddlers headed out to sea to a large orange buoy set about a mile out. Then they turned north towards Hanalei Bay for the finish.
Katie Otsuji said it was “fun,” but that the waters were interesting and the conditions were tough at the beginning. Keizo Gates added, “It was tough going out.”
Alana Goo finished first in the open women’s division and stated that she was surprised about the turnout.
Her comments were, “It was pretty big, and the beginning was tough. If I didn’t have as much experience, I might have been scared.”
David Beck completed the run in 1:01:55. He appreciated the time spent before the race getting together, being grateful for where they are and the waters that are available to them for paddling, and the aloha spirit that was presented for all.
Luke Evslin added his thoughts about the event being well coordinated, and that it was a nice summer race. Others concurred with him and hope that other races would be held during the summer, especially on the North Shore.
Sandy Higa from Koloa said that she had a “good run and after hitting the buoy and turning down, it was even better. Many commented that they enjoyed being on the Hanalei side for a change.
As for the OC-2, the winners were Eric Rafter and Paul Frazier for the men, Margie Goodno and Sanoe Hookano for the women and Jeff Weiss with Cindy Grover in the mixed division.
Golden Masters, those over 55 years old completed the one-man race and Tom Thompson and Barbara Smith triumphed. Congratulations to all participants.
There were well trained, experienced paddlers and some who were new to the sport, but, all in all, they had a terrific time and were up for the challenge, whether it was the different conditions of the waters, currents, bumps to ride, or just a nice summer race.
A.J. Irons was in charge of the great ono food; Gene Lopez and Jimmy Ledward handled all the logistics and escort boat, and with many others the event was a success.
For complete race results, see the scoreboard on page B2.
Namolokama Canoe Club would like to thank their sponsors for all they did to help put this event on and make it a terrific memory. They are: Foti Bros. Inc. (Hinano); Nani Galleries, All Phase Construction, and Kai Kane.
The next event is the North Shore Limousine and Namolokama O’Hanalei Canoe Club’s one-man race on July 24, which is a short run from Kalihiwai to Hanalei.
The long course is from Kalihiwai to Makua (Tunnels Beach). Contact Gene Lopez for more details at 635-6009.
