Kapaa High School paddling teams captured four top finishes in six events to maintain its lead in three of the divisions in the Kauai Interscholastic Federation outrigger canoe paddling season Saturday at the Wailua River. Racing in the one-mile turn,
Kapaa High School paddling teams captured four top finishes in six events to maintain its lead in three of the divisions in the Kauai Interscholastic Federation outrigger canoe paddling season Saturday at the Wailua River.
Racing in the one-mile turn, three-turn format, the Warrior paddlers captured the varsity boys and varsity mixed divisions while securing top finishes in the junior varsity boys and mixed divisions.
The Warrior varsity teams are undefeated with the boys and mixed divisions sporting records of 16 points, respectively.
Kauai’s varsity girls division — Christina Carney, Sarah Matsunaga, Saedy Tumaneng, Nicole Carney, Shea Cayabyab and Kiana Souza — tripped the clock at 9:06:31, nearly six seconds ahead of Waimea (9:12:26), who settled in second.
Kapaa’s girls crossed at 9:40.69 for third place in the varsity races.
The Warrior varsity boys continued its dominance, finishing strong with a 7:55.13 paddle, nearly 12 seconds ahead of Waimea (8:07:11) and Kauai (8:29.45), filling in the third place.
Races in the varsity mixed division were a bit tighter as Kapaa held off Waimea by a scant .57-second, tripping the clock at 8:30.42, followed by the Menehune crossing at 8:30.99. Kauai filled in the third position on an 8:56.33 paddle.
The KIF paddling regatta continues Saturday at the Wailua River in the sprint format. First races hit the water at 9 a.m. The KIF Paddling championships is scheduled for Jan. 24.