WAILUA — Helping less fortunate individuals experience the unique feeling of canoe paddling was the theme for Pu‘uwai Canoe Club’s Second Annual Bright Stars double hull canoe race yesterday at Wailua River. “The fittest guys in the world are canoe
WAILUA — Helping less fortunate individuals experience the unique feeling of canoe paddling was the theme for Pu‘uwai Canoe Club’s Second Annual Bright Stars double hull canoe race yesterday at Wailua River.
“The fittest guys in the world are canoe paddlers,” event coordinator and Pu‘uwai club president Brian Curll said. “We like to take on challenges and people with disabilities overcome challenges too. I don’t know how we’d deal the types of things they go through. They just persevere and are so determined.”
For some, it was the very first time in a canoe and for others, it was a chance to relax and have fun on the water.
Individuals with mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, spinobifida, autism and stroke victims received assistance from volunteer canoe paddlers on their way down to Fern Grotto and back.
Paddlers from Pu‘uwai, Namolokama and Niumalu showed up for the special event.
Curll said other clubs were interested in attending but had other arrangements.
The ARC of Kaua‘i, Friendship House and the State Department of Education were just some of the participating organizations at the contest.
Joanne Woltmon, a Pu‘uwai paddler, enjoyed her time on the river with the Bright Stars.
“A couple of them were scared at first, but after a few minutes they were splashing around,” Woltmon said.
Mary Ledward wasn’t able to attend last year’s inaugural event because of a schedule conflict, but the Namolokama paddler cleared up her schedule to attend yesterday’s race.
“It’s harder than practice,” Ledward said. “It’s a great community event. I’d definitely do it again next year.”
Participants and volunteers steered down the Wailua River a couple times during the morning hours and the day ended with the awarding of prizes and lunch.
“I’d like to make this event a statewide thing,” Curll said. “I think it’s more of dream than a possibility, but who knows, it’s worth a shot.”
Curll said volunteers played a huge role in the success of the contest.
“There’s a really great response from the volunteers,” Curll said. “There’s such a great vibe out here.”
Sponsors of the event included Olympic Cafe, Coconuts restaurant, Kauai Pasta Company, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Ho‘omana Thrift Store, ARC of Kaua‘i and Dexter Olivas.
“You can make happiness happen with a little bit of support and cooperation from the community,” Curll said.
And next year’s race is already on the schedule for the Pu‘uwai Canoe Club president.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
