HANALEI — The Hokualele Canoe Club out of Anahola hosted its first regatta on Saturday at the Hanalei Bay fronting Hanalei Pavilion.
“This was a great day filled with excitement and many competitive races,” said Eric Shewchuk, an avid outrigger canoe paddling enthusiast. “All youth participants were entered into a raffle that included five large pizzas donated by Panchos Pizza in Kapa‘a, and the grand prize was a ‘Waterman’ ‘ukulele that was donated by Hanalei Strings and Things.”
The Hokualele Regatta marked the final regatta before the island championships take place on July 22 at Hanalei Bay. The winners of each heat during the championships will advance to the state championships that is scheduled to take place on Aug. 5 in Hilo on Hawai‘i Island.
“The weather provided an extra level of excitement with moderate to strong breezes, and a swell that made getting in and out of the canoes a challenge,” Shewchuk said. “The swell, combined with low tide during the youth races, delivered occasional wave sets in the 3-foot range. However, in spite of the rough conditions, there were no mishaps.”
The Kaua‘i Outrigger Association wishes to thank the Hokualele Canoe Club for the great job the club members did to keep the races running smoothly through the day.
“A special thanks goes out to Val Saffery-Samio from the Kilohana Canoe Club, who donated use of a shave ice machine and all the supplies,” Shewchuk said. “Her contribution was one of the most popular offerings at the food booth.”
Kilohana Canoe Club had its share of victories in the youth races, earning victories in the Boys 10, Girls 12, Boys 12, Mixed Boys and Girls 12, Girls 13, Girls 14, Girls 15, Girls 16, Girls 18, and Mixed Boys and Girls 18.
The link for results of the 47 heats, including team listing of the first finishers at the Hokualele Regatta is https://tgilinks.com/3XKZngk
