LIHU‘E — The all-Kaua‘i Kukui‘ula Outrigger’s Masters 40 crew, made up of paddlers at least 40 years old, took first place in its division during the inaugural PA‘A ‘Eono Hoe canoe race, Sunday. The race featured 27 teams, all of
LIHU‘E — The all-Kaua‘i Kukui‘ula Outrigger’s Masters 40 crew, made up of paddlers at least 40 years old, took first place in its division during the inaugural PA‘A ‘Eono Hoe canoe race, Sunday.
The race featured 27 teams, all of whom had to be elite paddlers just to participate. The 32-mile course began at Papohaku on Molokai, extended through the Kaiwi Channel and finished up at Maunalua Bay on O‘ahu. Conditions were challenging, with waves reported between six and 10 feet.
The rules of the competition stated that all teams would be made up of six participants, with no changes or replacements allowed for the entirety of the course.
Such a grueling venture brought some of the most accomplished competitors into the water to test their mettle.
“This race was historic as it was the first of its kind in recent times and helps bring back part of the history of canoe paddling,” said Keone Miyake, head coach of Kukui‘ula Outrigger.
The Kukui‘ula Masters crew completed the course in 4 hours, 40 minutes and 23 seconds, good for first in its division and 12th overall in the 27-boat field.
Kenny Denton, Kalani Vierra, Arlen Williamson, Jonathan “JP” Parrish, Kamula Aea and Kawika Moniz made up the team, bringing the division championship back to the Garden Isle.
The first team to make it to Maunalua was Team Kamanu, a club making a name for itself with a number of recent top finishes, including the top three places in the 2010 Aqua Properties/Steinlager/YMCA of Kaua‘i World Cup Challenge, held on Kaua‘i on May 8.
Kamanu, which included Kaua‘i’s Luke Evslin, finished the course on a 3:56:40 paddle, well out in front of Team Livestrong, which took second in 4:09:10.
Kaua‘i’s Na Molokama Open crew finished ninth overall, with a time of 4:34:52.
The Kukui‘ula Open crew came in 11th place, just ahead of their Masters counterparts, on a 4:39:52 paddle.
“We would like to express our thanks to our race sponsors — Seasport Divers and The Parrish Collection Kaua‘i — for their continued financial support,” said Dana Miyake, president of Kukui‘ula Outrigger. “Without them, our crews would not be able to compete in these off-island races.”
