Twenty-five years ago, Mokihana Aquatics bore the name of Kapa’a Swim Team and to celebrate its silver anniversary, the squad is going back to its roots. “I’m so stoked to service the community of Kapa’a once again. I’m so happy
Twenty-five years ago, Mokihana Aquatics bore the name of Kapa’a Swim Team and to celebrate its silver anniversary, the squad is going back to its roots.
“I’m so stoked to service the community of Kapa’a once again. I’m so happy that the county provided us with the support, especially Keala Kai for his enthusiasm and willingness to help out,” Mokihana Aquatics head coach Orlando Anaya said.
Free tryouts for the swim team begin on Monday, April 3 and run through the end of the month in Lihu’e (Kaua’i High School’s pool) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. In Kapa’a, the group will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“We will be in Waimea, but we’re waiting until renovations are completed at the pool. We have secured the agreements through the county,” Anaya said.
After one month of tryouts, individuals can decide if they want to be a part of Mokihana Aquatics or not.
“Our associate head coach Winston Kawamoto will be running the Kapa’a program with assistance from Kara Panui,” Anaya said.
According to Anaya, Mokihana Aquatics is simply Kaua’i’s best swim program and the best high school swimmers go through Mokihana.
“Swim Kaua’i Aquatics’ (SKA) top swimmers are Mokihana products,” Anaya said.
SKA, a newly formed swim club on the island hasn’t impressed Anaya at all.
“This is the third disgruntled parent club. When you form under the premise of ‘I’m going to get him,’ it won’t work,” Anaya said.
“We want to offer a service to the community. We’re not going to lie to you. We’ve got numerous state championships and experienced coaches,” he continued.
For more information about Mokihana Aquatics, contact Anaya at 821-0587.
Learn to Swim program takes a dive
For the first time in 25 years, Mokihana Aquatics’ “Learn to Swim” program is taking a dive, because according to Anaya, Swim Kaua’i Aquatics has taken away their pool time.
“Crushed would be an under-statement. It’s so sad. Our Learn to Swim program used to service kids from all kinds of ages. We had activities for them to do, but instead now hundreds of kids won’t have another option after school. The community of Kaua’i is losing out,” Anaya said.
Other options could pop up, so the program isn’t fully done just yet.
“Stay tuned, we are looking for other avenues. My deepest apologies go out to the community for not being able to join the program,” Anaya said.
