Kaua‘i has 57 entries going into Saturday’s Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship Regatta at Hanalei Bay. The Kilohana Canoe Club registered two entries, Niumalu had eight, Namolokama 10 and Kaiola 11. The Hanalei Canoe Club, Kaua‘i’s champions, registered the
Kaua‘i has 57 entries going into Saturday’s Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship Regatta at Hanalei Bay.
The Kilohana Canoe Club registered two entries, Niumalu had eight, Namolokama 10 and Kaiola 11. The Hanalei Canoe Club, Kaua‘i’s champions, registered the most from a Kaua‘i club with 14.
“We come with the highest hopes for medaling,” said Mary Mair, paddler and secretary for Hanalei. “Because we have 14 lanes, we’re in the AAA division against clubs who have about 20 entries. But we’re going to do our best. The most important thing to say is that we’re all so excited to have the races here in Hanalei.”
There will be approximately 3,000 paddlers representing the different clubs from across the state, competing in the 39 races. The paddlers range in age from 12 years old to masters.
The clubs are divided into four division: AAAA Division (21-39 entries), AAA (13-20), AA (7-12) and A (1-7). The majority of Kaua‘i’s clubs are in the AA Division.
But it would be tough for any of the Kaua‘i clubs to win the overall state title. The way the scoring system works for the regatta, every crew receives points. The first-place crew in each race receives 15 points, the second 13 and the third 12. Last-place finishers receive one point.
Because biggest clubs from O‘ahu and Maui have the most entries, they have a greater chance of winning.
The Lanikai Canoe Club has the most overall entries out of any club with 38. The Kailua Canoe Club is a close second with 36. Six-time defending state champions the Hawaiian Canoe Club from Maui have 29 entries.
“There’s no way we can win the overall title because we’re so small,” said Gene Lopez of Namolokama. “But we could win a certain category.”
That’s exactly what Lopez and his teammates Mick Callahan, Kawika Goodale, Lance Laney, Sully Sullivan and Tom Thompson did last year when they won the Men Golden Masters event by about 3 seconds. They’re hoping to defend that title Saturday.
“I think it’s real tough.” Lopez said. “It just seems like every year there’s another crew that gets stronger and stronger. We’re checking the times from the other clubs and we’re within a second or two right now. It’s definitely going to be a close one.”
The last time Kaua‘i hosted the state races was in 2000.
This year’s race will be dedicated to Michael Tongg, a former president of the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association who died last month. Because of this, a customized koa paddle will serve as a trophy in Tongg’s name and will be awarded to the winning crew for the Senior Men’s event.
The races are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
• Lanaly Cabalo, sports editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.
