Wild conditions challenge One-man canoers

LIHU’E, Hawai’i, Blowing trades and high seas made Sunday’s one-man canoe race from Wailua to Kalapaki Bay a challenge, even for experienced paddlers.

“Many of the paddlers huli’ed at least once, if not more times, as the seas were coming from the ama side. This changed though when they rounded the Nawiliwili Lighthouse. The conditions made for good racing with a lot of position changes throughout the course,” said Tom Bartlett, President of Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a, Kaua’i’s one-man canoe racing association.

Peggy Spencer from the Big Island said “These were the gnarliest conditions I have ever raced in.”

In the end, all 50 boats and their paddlers completed the course safely.

David Beck of Hanalei (paddling on a Mantra)finished first in the Open Men’s division.

“It looks like David is gearing up for the $20,000 Kaua’i World Challenge in April,” said Bartlett.

Luke Evslin, 17, placed second in the Open Men’s Division paddling a Kai Wa’a Wave Blade with BrianCarter taking third on a Kolea.

“This shows it’s not the canoe, but the paddler who makes it happen,” Bartlett noted.

Katy Curtis from Anini Beach was the first woman finisher, followed by Laurie Denton and Robin Jumper with Mary Brewer only seconds behind.

Sanoe Hookano and Justin Tabalno were the first OC-2 across the finish.

The short course was held inside Kalapaki Bay running up the Huleia River to the Mango Tree turn and back. This course was a demanding workout as the 3-mile return leg was straight upwind in a 10-20 knot breeze.

First to finish was Jason Alexander and Brandon Pavo on an OC-2.

The first OC-1 was Raymond Manuel on a Conners canoe. Richard Pettigrew, another first year paddler, took 2nd place while Greg Baxter placed third.

First in the women’s division was Jo Hookano followed by Mary Bartlett, and Midge Horwood.

“The ‘carrot’ at the finish of race was the supply of ice-cold Steinlagers waiting at the beach,” said Bartlett.

Steinlager provided the post race

beverages for the adults, and Duke’s sponsored the post-race lunch. “We thank the people who ran the race from start to finish: Jackie and Summer for registration and timing/finishing, Dexter and Steve on the safety boats (who had their work cut out for them), and the wonderful sponsors, Duke’s and Steinlager, who always make this series a great event,” said Bartlett.

Kaua`i Hoe Wa`a’s next race is sponsored by Brenneke’s and Steinlager on Sunday, March 2nd.

The long course will be from Kalapaki Bay to Sheraton Beach and the short course from Sheraton Beach to Port Allen.

Registration for the long course will be at Kalapaki at 9 a.m. Short course sign up will be at Sheraton Beach (Po’ipu) at 10 a.m.

For further information, contact Tom Bartlett at 826-5503 or places@hawaiian.net.

Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a is sponsored by the YMCA and businesses such as Duke’s & Keok”s Paradise, Brennecke’s, and Kai Kane.

Each race is designed first to promote safety, participation, fun, and finally competition.

A race schedule and photos are posted on www.y2kanu.com.

Full race results follow: