HANALEI — There’s just something about playing in your own playground. You’re used to the surroundings and conditions, but more importantly, there’s no way you’d want to let another team come in and beat you on your home turf. The
HANALEI — There’s just something about playing in your own playground. You’re used to the surroundings and conditions, but more importantly, there’s no way you’d want to let another team come in and beat you on your home turf.
The Hanalei Jr. Lifeguards successfully defended their home spot at the Hanalei Pavilion to win the 2005 Kaua‘i Jr. Lifeguard Championship, yesterday.
The northshore group tallied 181 points, followed closely by Salt Pond with 107 points, Kalapaki with 59, Po‘ipu with 57, and Kealia rounded out the competition with 36 points.
Announcer Andy Melamed sparked the sparse crowd by keeping everything in order and making the day go as smooth as the Hanalei ocean conditions.
Due to an early deadline, the complete results weren’t available before press time, so the outcomes will be posted in a future edition of The Garden Island.
Top six finishers in each division moves on to the state competition at Kalapaki Beach on August 6, where Kaua‘i will try to defend its 2004 state championship.
However, Hanalei’s Jackie Brady came up big once again. Last year, Brady grabbed five medals and this year was no different.
Brady, who is an avid surfer, earned three first-place finishes, which included the 200 swim, the run-swim-run, and the paddleboard contest.
“Surfing helps me a lot and the top finishers in each division are usually kids who surf,” Brady said.
But for Brady, the wins didn’t mean as much as the camaraderie she gained at the competition.
“I had a lot of fun and seeing all of my friends from all the different areas was great, plus I think we have a great shot at defending our state title,” Brady noted.
Even parents enjoyed the hot Hanalei sun, while watching their youths go for the gold.
“We’re surrounded by water so I think it’s great for them to learn water safety skills, plus it keeps them busy and it’s good, clean fun,” Maggie Martin, the mother of triplets Scott, Nathan, and Rachel said.
According to Maggie, the Martin triplets, who participate in a plethora of KIF sports for Waimea High School, join the program because it’s what they really love to do.
“This is more for them and if you’re a water person like they are, this is great. It’s their passion, it’s what they love and they seem so relaxed,” Maggie said.
Kaua‘i County Lifeguard Kalani Vierra noted that there have been many cases where Jr. Lifeguards have helped out other individuals in the ocean.
“This program is great for personal safety and they’ll go to beaches that we’re not at, protecting themselves and others,” Vierra said.
The Kaua‘i Jr. Lifeguard program is made possible through the combined efforts of the County of Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i Fire Department-Ocean Safety Bureau, and the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association.
Gracious sponors for the event included Country Brokers, Ching Young Village, Pacific Ocean Properties, Safeway, Holo Holo Charters, Duke’s Restaurant, Po‘ipu Beach Broiler, Rotary Club of Po‘ipu, Capt. Andy’s, Westside Pharmacy, Outrigger-Kiahuna Plantation, Deja Vu Surf Company, Waimea Plantation Cottages, Fun Factory, and the KONG Radio Group.
Jr. Lifeguard Championship
1) Hanalei, 181 points
2) Salt Pond, 107 points
3) Kalapaki, 59 points
4) Po‘ipu, 57 points
5) Kealia, 36 points
