The Mokihana Aquatics program, received high praise from Governor Linda Lingle, who was on a recent visit throughout the Garden Isle. In her own estimation, she noted that Mokihana Aquatics is known as a legendary aquatic program throughout the state.
The Mokihana Aquatics program, received high praise from Governor Linda Lingle, who was on a recent visit throughout the Garden Isle.
In her own estimation, she noted that Mokihana Aquatics is known as a legendary aquatic program throughout the state.
The man behind Mokihana, head coach Orlando “Coach O” Anaya has seen three generations of swimmers go through his “Learn to Swim” program and over 100 certifications per year.
“We have kids and parents coming from Kekaha and Ha‘ena to Lihu‘e for our Learn to Swim program,” Anaya said.
He even said that there have been parents who fly their kids from O‘ahu to attend the legendary event.
Anaya noted that the specialty programs (adult and baby) the program offers are the most unique part of the deal.
“We’re the only ones to make that available to anyone and we also encorporate ocean safety into our program, which is vital to anyone who goes to the beach; I mean come on, we’re surrounded by water,” Anaya commented.
The numerous volunteers, who range from parents to teenagers, have all made Mokihana Aquatics the revered swimming entity on the island.
“Our student volunteers have complete certifications and at times, they are probably more certified than most adults,” Anaya said.
The only U.S.A. Swimming sanctioned program on the island has also strong roots to the community.
“We take part in a lot of community service throughout Kaua‘i, but most notably, we are take part in the Taste of Hawai‘i celebration, because we believe in helping out Rotarians and we stay the whole day to help out,” Anaya said.
Mokihana’s annual fun meet, which attracts over 100 swimmers from around the state and the nation, is also coming up and to help defray the high costs of the event, the team is selling Moloka‘i Sweet Bread at Wal-Mart this weekend.
Another event that Mokihana Aquatics takes part in is the 31st Annual Ed Ho Memorial Swim Meet.
But before that, comes the 2005 Hawaiian Long Course Championships on Maui, which run from June 9-12.
Although many participants qualified for the event, only two Mokihana Aquatics swimmers will be taking part in the championships.
Fifteen-year-old Island School freshman Ben Baldwin will be entering eight events and 14-year-old Kaua‘i High School freshman, Kelsey Tanaka, has six contests on his list.
“They should turn some heads, and to be honest, they should be consistently finishing in the top five,” Anaya said.
The Mokihana contingent also had to swim against the current, with the Kaua‘i High School pool out of service for a week.
“We didn’t have a lot of time in the pool, so that says something about them making it to that level; plus this is their very first long course experience, but they should do very well and if they don’t get into the finals, I’ll be very surprised,” Anaya noted.
Mokihana Aquatics is opening up its first summer “Learn to Swim” session for registration, which runs from June 13-24 and June 27-July 1. Call Coach “O” for more information at 821-0587 or check out their website at www.mokihanaaquatics.com.
Mokihana Aquatics is a non-profit organization dedicated to the goal of parent organization, USA Swimming, which is “to inspire and enable our members to achieve excellence in the sport of swimming and in life.” This goal is being accomplished through several of Mokihana Aquatics’ programs.
