The Na Pali Challenge outrigger canoe race, hosted by the Garden Island Canoe Racing Association, took place on Aug. 8, with Team Bradley in the No. 24 canoe finishing first in the Open division in a time of 4 hours,
The Na Pali Challenge outrigger canoe race, hosted by the Garden Island Canoe Racing Association, took place on Aug. 8, with Team Bradley in the No. 24 canoe finishing first in the Open division in a time of 4 hours, 23 minutes and 15 seconds.
The annual race begins up north in Hanalei and heads down the Westside shoreline on a 38-mile course ending up at Waimea Plantation Cottages. The journey provides typical Na Pali views that give some relief during the rigorous paddling expedition.
Team Bradley topped the list of 32 teams that came out to compete. Each team was made up of six men and six women. The two teams take turns in the canoe, as they make water changes every 30 minutes.
Noe Auger, Lauren Bartlet, David Beck, Cliff Betelho, Mahelani Botelho, Kaai Bruhn, Matt Crowley, Kely Fey, Kingi Gilbeert, Donovan Leandro, Andrea Moller and Lori Nakamura made up the winning squad.
Teams were very evenly matched, with the top six crews finishing the race within 15 minutes of each other.
In the Master division, Kaiola finished first among the seven canoes with a time of 4:37:48. Team members Fran Acoba, Marc Bourbeau, Kathy Braach, Jacki Carswell, Maria Fildler, Leleo Kinimaker, Matt McCombs, Art Mersberg, Katy Otsuji, Doneen Stokes and Grigg Wright topped the Namolokama team that reached the finish in 4:45:43.
In the Sr. Master division, Namolokama finished first among three teams with a time of 4:48:14, which was also the 10th-best time on the day. Laola Aea, Kathy Bourne, Gill Donnelly, Kawika Goodale, Margie Goodno, Cindy Grover, Maryjo Gumber, Brenan Guuol, Steve Landis, Lance Laney, Gene Lopez and Tom Thompson comprised that unit.
