Amid weather conditions that went from miserable to memorable in a matter of minutes, outrigger canoe paddlers, officials and supporters at the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association’s Waimanalo Regatta braved unrelenting winds that, by multiple estimations, exceeded 20 mph with intense gusts that sent pop-up tents flying and those not under cover scrambling in search of it.
Occasional downpours and scattered showers also soaked those at Waimanalo Beach Park on Sunday, multiple canoes endured the dreaded huli (flipping), and yet, the races went on as the sun emerged in the early afternoon before giving way to an immense rain squall during the regatta’s final event.
Gov. David Ige was on hand between two late-morning downpours, albeit not for weather-related reasons as the pre-election campaigning ramps up, and he may as well have proclaimed it Lanikai Canoe Club day as the Windward side club turned in another dominant performance.
“You never know, this is Waimanalo,” said Lanikai steerswoman Kealohi Aweau after helping guide her club’s senior women’s crew to victory in one of the day’s most competitive races. “With these conditions — this is our water, it’s what we practice in — it actually gives us a bit of an advantage compared to some of the crews that paddle in town. We like this water, it’s what we’re used to.”
The senior women’s squad from Lanikai completed the 1-mile, three-turn course in 9 minutes and 36.45 seconds to best veteran competitors from Hui Lanakila (9:40.89) and Outrigger (9:50.52). The victorious crew also featured Monica Esquivel, Carolyn Seto-Mook, Laura Ediger, Donna Kahakui and Vaihere Temanaha.
“It’s been like that all season, it’s always a battle,” said Esquivel of the intense competition with Outrigger and Hui Lanakila in the senior women’s race. “Hui Lanakila has a group of women from Team Bradley (winners of 10 of the past 12 Na Wahine O Ke Kai championship races) who come together with their crew, so any time you get to paddle against them, it’s exciting. And, Outrigger has some really good, experienced paddlers.”
“I don’t always wear a hat, but today I wore one to keep the rain out of my eyes,” said Esquivel, the crew’s stroker positioned in the canoe’s first seat. “When it’s raining, I actually have the easiest job because I don’t have to follow anybody (by setting the pace as the stroker), but I’m a wimp, so I’m glad the rain stopped!”
In an effort to speed up the regatta — and prevent a post-sunset finish that this particular competition at Waimanalo has come close to facing in recent years — race officials shortened the race length for some of the marquee adult races. Eight 1-mile races were trimmed to ½-mile affairs, while the two 1½-mile senior races were cut to 1-mile sprints.
Lanikai notched 20 victories and took home the AAA division (31-45 crews entered) and overall regatta titles as the club amassed 215 points. Outrigger (185 points) won 10 races throughout the regatta, while Hui Nalu (152 points) and Kailua (133 points) rounded out the large division.
After initially trailing Outrigger 114-110 through the day’s first 23 races, Lanikai won five consecutive events to move ahead for good. Lanikai has compiled an undefeated start to the summer regatta season by winning all four OHCRA regattas by an average margin of 37.75 points.
“It’s a complete-club effort that starts with the kids and continues on with the adults, and we’re both holding our own, so it’s a good time out here,” said Aweau.
Keahiakahoe (81 points) claimed the AA division (16-30 crews entered), which also included Healani (52 points).
Hui Lanakila (29 points) earned the A division (1-15 crews entered) hardware ahead of Waikiki Surf Club (20 points), Leeward Kai and host Waimanalo (18 points apiece) in the small club classification.
Paddlers and spectators packed the beach park as nearly 3,000 competitors ranging in age from 12-and-under to 70-and-above represented OHCRA’s 17 member clubs in 45 races.
Winning crews earned 7 points toward the team standings, while second-, third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-place finishers were awarded 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 points, respectively. Crews attempted to secure cumulative points necessary to qualify for the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship regatta scheduled for Aug. 4 at Keehi Lagoon. The top four crews from each OHCRA event earn automatic berths in the state competition based on points collected over six regular-season regattas.
OHCRA competitors will enjoy a week off and return to action on Wednesday, July 4 at Waikiki Beach for the annual Walter J. Macfarlane Regatta. Na ‘Ohana O Na Hui Wa‘a will hold its fifth event of the season on Saturday with the Lokahi Regatta at Keehi Lagoon.
