NA PALI — Kamanu, a modified composite canoe, topped the 15th annual Na Pali Challenge, crossing the line at 4:48:53.99 Saturday on Kaua‘i’s Westside.
“We had a modified composite canoe which was first overall,” said Mia Pauletto, Garden Island Canoe Racing Association president and Hanalei Canoe Club representative. “Our traditional canoes were not that far behind.”
Hanalei, Hili Nai Mau, was about six minutes behind Kamanu, crossing the line on a 4:54:17.02 paddle from the starting line on Kaua‘i’s Hanalei Bay. Crew members from the winning Open division team include Sarah Zietz, Sandy Zietz, La‘aela Correa, Lilinoe Forrest, Harley Zietz, Marg Milbrand, Matt Rosener, Jesse Calumbo, Rick Gerding, Christian Marston, Kailoa Forrest and Ryan Liike.
The run also earned the Hili Nai Mau crew top honors in the Open division, staying about four minutes ahead of Namolokama, Tahiti Nui crew (4:58:12.25).
Namolokama Hokualele followed hot on the heels of the Tahiti Nui crew, touching at 4:59:17.60 for overall fourth, third in the Open division.
Kaiola Awiwi touched down at 5:01:34.71 to claim top honors in the Masters Division followed by Kukui‘ula Keoneloa (5:25:07.42), Pu‘uwai Fugazi (5:29:53.65) and New Hope, Hoonani (6:02:26.79).
Alexia Lopez, Kelly Allen, Jymie Friday, Valerie Wilson, Brenda Gayol, Paula Crabb, Matt McCombs, Bob Kolosky, Marc Barbeau, Buddy Wilson, Damon King and Art Mersberg formed the victorious Kaiola Awiwi crew.
Namolokama Slogett was one of three Namolokama clubs filling in the top three spots for the Senior Master Division, the Sloggett team crossing on a 5:29:10.56 paddle followed by Namolokama Teuira at 5:37:36.55 and Namolokama Kane at 6:09:50.39. New Hope Manalau rounded out the division on a 6:22:16.98 paddle.
Kelly Fey, Patsy Vasquez, Pauahi Ioane, Carleen Ornellas, Terry Malterre, Jackie Carswell, Mark Daniells, Jeff McBride, Lance Lancy, Jim Ciletti, Fred Pardua and Jack Edachill made up the Namolokama Sloggett team.
Pu‘uwai Coconuts topped the Golden Master Division on a 5:51:54.35 run followed by Kaiola Kahaloahiwahiwa crossing at 5:56:29.91 and Kamalaeo Napualei at 6:37:09.07 to round out the division.
Nancy Graf, Mickey McMillian, Judy Byfield, Mary Pixler, Joanne Woltman, Margaret Steinhardt, Sueo Higa, Wayne Alonso, Paul Lemke, Bob Swiryn, Richard Wheelock and John McEveery made up the Pu‘uwai Coconuts crew.
Pauletto said the field of 36 canoes which landed on the Westside included crews from Canada and California, and Hawaiian crews from the Big Island to Kaua‘i.
“Between paddling through the dolphins at the start of the race to having the rain follow us around, it was a great time on the water,” Pauletto said.
Following the top three finishers in the Open division, the largest field with 24 crews crossing the line, Kailua US Hawaiians (5:02:00.34), Kailua Huamana (5:06:36.05), OP Advantage (5:07:58.31), Kaiola Hihimanu (5:08:48.83), Hanalei Ikaikamaikalani (5:16:27.31), Pu‘uwai Pahikaua (5:18:16.47), Niumalu Kalapaki (5:19:15.78), O‘ahu Mixed Pomaikai (5:27:48.25), Hokualele Keani (5:38:39.47), Honolulu Pear Imauamaikou (5:46:51.37), Koloa-Manuokekai Hee Nalu (5:48:01.15), Niumalu Makani (5:51.41.29), Kamamalahoe Alapai (5:56:27.42), Windward Kahiau (5:57:13.21), Namolokama Makani (5:38:17.21), Kukui‘ula Oliliko (5:31:30.36), Kaipoha Makahuiwea (5:48:38.10), Waikiki Yacht Club No. 39 (5:25:48.29), Waikiki Yacht Club No. 41 (5:57:44.20), West Kaua‘i No. 43 (5:56:00.00) and West Kaua‘i No. 42 (6:05:15.01) filled in the finishers.
“Congratulations to all and we look forward to next year when the states race is Saturday and Na Pali will be on Sunday,” Pauletto said. “Thank you for a great race!”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
